Live

Kingfish : The Garage London 6/06/023

A self assured and consummate performance was achieved at this rammed, North London venue where Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram came to reclaim his blues crown whilst delivering a barnstorming, two and a half hour set to newcomers and adoring fans alike.

For those not in the know, Ingram is an incredibly talented blues and soul guitarist from the United States. He has received critical acclaim and has won several awards, including a Grammy Award for his debut album "Kingfish" in 2020. He has been compared to some of the greats of the blues world, such as B.B. King and Albert King, and his music has been described as a fresh take on the traditional blues sound. Ingram first gained national attention in 2015 when he was featured on the cover of "The Delta Magazine" and has since gone on to perform at major blues festivals and venues across the country. His music is a reflection of his Mississippi Delta roots and his passion for the blues.

On tonight’s evidence he’s quite the showman too, as he came right out to the centre of the crowd amidst a sea of mobile phone cameras going off just like he did at his last U.K. gig at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire when he went up in the gods doing the same thing. He’s without doubt an exceptional guitarist and has some tasty fusion licks in his arsenal too and can easily switch it up.

His Mississippi roots came out mid set with some homegrown country blues, solo style, on his trusty acoustic and when the band rejoins him he keeps the steel string and launches into a john Martyn vibe highlighting his versatility.

‘Not gonna Lie’ with its wah wah wizzardy reigning supreme, really cut the mustard peppered with a thunderous slap bass solo and a Headhunters / Sly Stone clav solo - very rhythmic and expressive whilst simultaneously keeping a swirling organ going, no mean feat. ‘Outside Of This Town ‘ with its MG’s onion groove and great dynamic drop was a highlight too, as well as closing track ‘Hey Joe’ with a reggae twist thrown in for good measure and suffice to say, it really hit the sweet spot.

‘Kingfish’ represents 50 shades of blue mixing gospel,funk, jazz and blistering blues crowned with his husky drawl and deep vocal tones that defy his young age. Highly experienced and wise at only 24, it’s going to be interesting following this guy’s journey and see where he’s going to take the blues or conversely, where the blues will take him.
PHOTOS : Emrys Baird
Words Emrys Baird