One of Birmingham’s finest blues rock outfits, Blue Nation were in their hometown to celebrate the hugely anticipated EP launch for ‘Reflections’ their new release. Fans travelled over land and sea – Frenchy, James and Amanda, we see you and appreciate you- to witness what would go down in history as an iconic night. However, the pressure was on when esteemed guests Evie and Jimmy were handed the barometer to test the waters that night. Luckily for them, the Jamie Porter Band were sent out first to assess the mood and gauge the temperature. Not having heard anything about this band, I was pleasantly surprised, good quality homegrown talent, went down like a homecooked meal, comforting and satisfying. You could see the work they put in; it is rustic rock that leaves you smiling, they had riffs that would bring all the guys and gals to the yard. They toss their lockdown hat into the ring with ‘Where We Belong’ although those days are behind us, the effects are still very much here to stay. These down home boogie boys know a thing or two about Rock ‘n Roll, they have the strut and swag enough to hold a crowd. They end with ‘Feel So Good’ which sets the tone for the headliners.
Blue Nation arrive onstage, we have Luke Weston, Brum’s very own barefoot Contessa on bass and Oli Jefferson on drums. with Neil visibly quaking in his boots, trying to sweet talk Evie, but our lass wasn’t falling for it. Throwing caution to the wind, the fans erupted, knowing full well they were able to be free tonight, they were safe amongst their peers. Diving straight into ‘She’s A Storm’ , ‘Gimme Some Time’ and ‘Rich Girl’ there was no stopping them, as they capitalised on the momentum and showcased the new single ‘Hand Me Down’ the crowd lapping it up greedily. For someone who never wanted to be a singer, Neil Murdoch is a maverick, his free spirit harnesses whatever baggage we have brought with us with open arms. His dulcet, honey-sweet voice is magnetic, the dynamics between the group maybe be spontaneous but it works, they bounce off each other gleefully, it is just a joy to watch and listen to.
A salute to Ron Murdoch, the brains behind the scenes with a stonking cover of ‘So Sad About Us’ by The Who was heartwarming and well deserved. The fourth member of the band, Nick Sharman, shared drum duties, much to the excitement of the fans. The exchange between the stage and the floor is just quality, the laughs and insanity just spur everyone on, with the Blue Meanies, playing a blinder and handing Neil a coveted signed vinyl. A body of work that is hippy, trippy and oh so cuddly and wuddly, it is fan favourite ‘Echoes’ that causes us to collectively lose our minds. Closing the night, the band light the blue touch paper ‘Down By The River’ and we are sent into orbit, uproarious and glorious.
Never knowing what the night may bring, we all shared our anxieties, our fears, with the fans who have become ‘Old Friends’ experiencing a triumph over adversity unfold in real time. When people feel valued and genuinely appreciated, this is how it is manifested, that is when life becomes more than just a survival mechanism.
A rapturous audience, a band grateful for every drop of love and friendship we sent across the barrier, wholeheartedly received and reciprocated. Whatever brought you here tonight, the unity and camaraderie show us that the possibilities are endless when your heart is not located next to your wallet.
When the nation is blue, the answer is Blue Nation.
Azra Pathan
Blue Nation/ Jamie Porter Band – The Crossing, 3rd February 2024