Latest news

13/7/09- Here's a review from Stuart Constable for the bands last show at Dustys.

"The Kickback is one of those bands that has been around for years, bringing together seasoned musicians for what is, in effect, a night off, and the chance to play the music they love. From the first notes of a swampy "Crossroads", out of Cream by Dr John, you can feel the joy that comes from fine musicians sharing great music together. With Jim Maving are keyboard man Mike Wesson, bassist Doug Fraser, drummer Adam Perry and, on second lead guitar and slide, Lewis Cohen. They move from "Crossroads" into "I Can't Stand The Rain", again infused with Louisiana heat, and then Lewis Cohen kicks things up a gear to deliver "Sweet Home Chicago".

I'll be honest. I'm fed up with "Sweet Home Chicago". Ever since The Blues Brothers brought it to a mainstream audience, it's been murdered by countless bands across the world. Not tonight at Dusty's. Lewis Cohen has a mastery of the form that I have not seen equalled on the current British circuit, and The Kickback has too much respect for America's great songwriting to treat this as filler. It swings and grinds infectiously while Lewis punches out the words with unremitting conviction.This is the benchmark for the evening. Songs that sound tired in the hands of lesser players are reborn. The second set wanders away from the blues and takes us across America, with "Old 55" from Tom Waits, "Dixie Chicken" and "The Weight". Jim Maving's effortless guitar shines and dances, Mike Wesson's fingers fly.

By the time Dusty himself stands up to thank the band and we have been treated to a feast of American music, played exquisitely by a most British ensemble. Despite all the talk about Brits introducing America to its own music, I don't think we ever really nailed it. The Kickback comes mighty close."

(c) Copyright The KickBack