For one night only on 4 August the award winning The Chicago Blues Brothers made its West End debut in London’s Savoy Theatre bringing audiences Motown chart topping music.
I was invited on a complimentary press related experience to enjoy a night of classic Motown tunes.
The Chicago Blues Brothers
The Chicago Blues Brothers is the world’s award winning tribute act to the legendary Blues Brothers.
Celebrating over 30 years of the Blues Brothers phenomenon, Jack (Chris Hindle) and Elwood (Gareth Davey) bring to audiences an explosive non-stop party night which is packed with over 2 hours of the greatest Blues, Motown & Soul songs from both of The Blues Brothers movies and plenty of laughs too!
This year they bring to stage their new elaborate new stage production including a full live band, over 40 songs and classics from Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Temptations, Tina Turner, Cab Calloway plus many more.
Chris Hindle
Chris Hindle is the driving force behind the Chicago Blues Brothers, not only does he play Jake in the show he also is responsible for the production of the show. From stage set to art work, social Media to arrangements Chris is right their at the heart of everything.
Chris has been singing from an early age when he sang in Bradford cathedral choir he also trained at the dacosta academy in York studying the art of Italian Opera. A natural tenor and performer he was able to hit those high notes with ease but his musical passion laid elsewhere. He has sang with Various bands including The Sensations, Connect and Detroit Blue, Chris even performed as an Elvis Tribute artist touring nationally and headlining the international festival of Love in 2003.
Chris has performed all over the world from Europe and Asia to the USA, the highlight of his career was in 2009 when he joined Matt Goss on stage at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Chris was invited back to sing with Matt at Caesars palace Las Vegas in 2011. Robin Antin, Creator of the pussycat dolls and Matt’s manager said Chris “was awesome and totally rocked the room”.
Chris has a powerful gritty soul voice that is a powerhouse on stage , he also loves performing and is a natural born entertainer who doesn’t let a paying audience get in the way of him having fun.
Gareth Davey
Award winning vocalist Gareth ‘Elwood’ Davey has been a well established solo artist for several years touring throughout the UK. His decision to leave his solo career behind him and join the CBB is a reward that you will share in. He amazes audiences with his natural vocal ability. From deep bluesy bass vocals to sweet soulful falsetto, Gareth has a vocal range that very few pro singers can compare to.
A born entertainer, Gareth was chosen for his dynamic stage presence, energetic dance routines and great ability to work the crowd making him a true star performer.
Disco pants and haircuts
The last time I saw a tribute act to The Blues Brothers was when I was in my early 20’s so I was excited to bring back my find memories of when I used to regularly attend a Blues Brothers show.
Upon arriving at Savoy Theatre it was time to get this party started and we could see that the Blues Brothers was already in the house on a mission of God no doubt to provide us Blues Brother and Motown fans a night to remember.
Within the audience there was so many fans hard-core fans dressed in their disco pants and haircuts done to the nines and men dressed in their suits portraying the Blue Brothers style. With the atmosphere within the theatre already at high I knew this was going to be a rip roaring great night.
Chris ‘Jack’ and Gareth ‘Elwood’ came dashing on stage full of adrenaline ready to provide a musical mash-up for a new generation with its modern twist on the cult classic.
Starting with one of the most loved tunes of all time by Isaac Hayes and David Porter’s, they belted out Soul Man which is one of the many tunes which appears in the classic Blues Brothers movie. Chris ‘Jack’ and Gareth ‘Elwood’ never flag, keep the pace fast, music loud and determined to give everyone a good time getting the audience to sing, clap and dance along.
With the new art full stage projection, a multi award winning CBB Band (click here to read more about the band members) and the incredible Sweet Soul Sisters (Biddy Ronelle, Marcia Cambell, Defanne Dexter) we knew we were going to be partying the night away with Jack, Elwood and everyone else.
27 individual musical Motown numbers were belted out by Chris ‘Jack’ and Gareth ‘Elwood’ in just two hours from hits from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Sam and Dave, James Brown, The Temptations, Four Tops, The Jackson 5 and The Supremes.
In particular for fans of the film, all the crucial hits were played from Gimme Some Lovin, Think, Everybody Needs Somebody and even the Rawhide song many of which were sung in the second half and standing became compulsory for the last 10 songs (whether you want to or not) as the audience are taught the moves to Shake a Tail Feather as well as Tina Turner’s Rolling on the River.
With the night near to the close and I am sure that The Blues Brothers just wanted to jump in their car and skid of back to Detroit another 20 minutes worth of songs were played as the audience kept on chanting more and who can blame them.
All partied out
Me and my friend Bianca we were all partied out by the end of the night but wow The Chicago Blues Brothers was a joy and a musical riot, bringing the coolest, funkiest soul, blues and Motown music to the stage.
Chris ‘Jack’ Hindle and Gareth ‘Elwood’ Davey provided powerful vocals and energy but their classy style, cheekiness and energy is what stood out to me the most. Plus the band and backing vocalists were outstanding making the night even more spectacular.
So, if you loved The Blues Brothers movie or just love Motown music then you will love The Chicago Blues Brothers who brings a highly charged, fun and infectious night.
You need this gig
To see where they are touring next click here.
To purchase a brochure, Blueray or CD click here.
Thank you to The Chicago Blues Brothers PR for the invite it was a night to remember. All views are my own honest opinion.
Click below to read what the other community member who joint me on this musical journey of Blues thought. All their views are of their own honest opinions.
“I love going out discovering new and existing restaurants, theatres, immersive experiences and so much more but I also love staying in and discovering new gadgets, gaming and cooking.
