AUTHOR: PAM
 PUBLISH DATE: 29th April 2002
ANYONE FOR BISCUITS ?

Chris Farlowe & The Norman Beaker Band
In Isernhagen, The Blues Garage / April 6th, 2002
Wow, this was a culture shock! The Blues Garage was a real garage on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Isernhagen and from the outside, it still looks like one. Inside though, the transformation is nothing short of spectacular and a credit to Henri, the Club's owner.

Apparently, as a youngster, he fell in love with American culture and decided to create his own version of an American club where the music that he loves so much could be played by visiting musicians. 

It is an amazing place; the stage is a  triangle across one of the corners and is there is a  giant mural of the Statue of Liberty!  Not something you see everyday!
At the front of the stage, half a Cadillac protrudes out and there are two life-sized  mannequins of the 'Blues Brothers'; one on each side of the stage which are really lifelike and a bit creepy!
Upstairs is a gallery and bar where you can sit and look down on to the stage and audience. 

There are squashy sofas around the sides of the room for slouching around on whilst enjoying a glass or two of Weiss Beer.

There are pinball machines, pool tables, parts of cars protruding from the walls, US flags and posters of bands that have played at the Garage in the past. It really is quite unique!
Chris' version of slide guitar with a bottle of Becks!!

No hiding place		 We recognized quite a few people who had been at the previous night's gig in Worpswede (Hi to Chris from Hanover), which was confirmation of just how good a night it had been in Worpswede.


It was another two set night with the Beaker Band starting the ball rolling with 'Option on You Baby'. Norman wore a particularly smart tee-shirt for this gig (you can just about see it on his photo below). 


Chris started off with 'Blues As Blues Can Get' followed by one of his own compositions, 'I Don't Wanna Sing The Blues No More'. Rhythmically the Band were really on form tonight, as usual Paul Burgess and John Price putting in sterling performances and providing a solid framework for the rest of the band.

(Daves)squared & John Paul, giving it some 'welly' What's on your tee-shirt Norm?
'NormanBeakerBand.com'
The first set ended with the excellent, 'The Guitar Don't Lie' followed by a short break, though as usual Chris cut his short to come out and sign autographs and pose for photos.

The second set started with 'A Little Hollywood' followed by 'Lonesome Road' and the ever popular, 'All or Nothing'. Tonight, 'Peace of Mind' had a special, unrehearsed touch with Chris attempting a slide solo on Norman's guitar using a bottle of Beck's (honestly, and we have a photo to prove it - see above)!! 'Handbags and Gladrags' went down particularly well tonight, Chris reminding everyone that the song was especially written for him by the Manfred's, Mike D'arbo. 'Out Of Time' closed the set and as usual there was enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. 

Just a single encore tonight - a first-class, bluesy version of 'Miss You Fever' that had the audience shouting for more. 


But all things must come to an end and after the gig, Chris and the Band savoured a well earned beer or two before packing up the equipment and setting off back to hotel where unfortunately the bar was closed (though it has since come to light that Norman and John had a private supply and enjoyed a sneaky beer before retiring).  So some of us enjoyed a (relatively) early night.
  
The following day, Chris as usual was up bright and early and raring to set off for the next destination;  Leer.   A relatively short drive this one, which is good because it means you get some time to explore.
Bye! We'll get to Leer before you!
(via the flea market, of course)
All photos by Adrian & Pam
Set 1 Set 2 Encore
1. Option On You Baby *NBB
2. Blue As Blues Can Get
3. I Don't Wanna Sing The Blues No More
4. Tough On Me, Tough On You
5. Stormy Monday Blues
6. Shaky Ground
7. The Guitar Don't Lie		 8. A Little Hollywood *NBB
9. Lonesome Road
10. All Or Nothing
11. Cry To Me
12. In Your Loving Arms
13. Peace Of Mind
14. Handbags & Gladrags
15. Out Of Time		 16. Miss You Fever