The Iguana's are back in their Pen

Louis and the Iguanas
The Pen & Quill,
Taunton,
14 October.


It was good to see the Bar packed prior to the Set. In attendance tonight. To see Taunton's premier 'Covers Band' were, The usual posse, The Wolfette's, Steve Knight, Danny Corrick, and Caroline, Glen, The family Garbutt, plus myself, and many others.

The background music stopped the lights were dimmed, lead singer Russ growls into the Mike. The usual refrain. " There is no Louis. There are no Iguanas. WE ARE Louis and the Iguanas"

Then, with the familiar opening chords it was straight into Van Morrison's "Moon Dance" This super catchy number got many people on to the dance floor instantly. Next up, I would like to say seamlessly, but I'd be lying. Was the equally familiar Bass riff that welcomes in " Turn on Tune in Cop out" by Freak Power. Harry Proctor on Sax, and Neil 'JJ' Woods on percussion are really on song tonight, and it is belted out, wonderfully.

Regular Louis followers did, however, notice a change in the line-up tonight. Too which Russ notified us prior to the next number. New, and also on Sax. Mr Chris Brown.

Chris is replacing Neil who is quitting the band later this month. I talked to 'JJ' after the gig. He doesn't think so, but I think he's going to be missed. Also tonight, as Russ pointed out they were a singer short tonight Mr Joe O'Sullivan is still recovering from an operation. Get well soon Joe, Louis needs you. And as Russ eloquently said, when introducing the next number.
"What is Life".

And so the set continued an excellent fusion of sound. A mixture of Ska, Reggae and 70's Pop.

The second set opens with a stunning cover. A Fleetwood Mac song, although better known as a hit for Santana, "Black Magic Woman." Julian Saxby, the Sandi Shaw of the band, (bare feet) shows with his Guitar solo in this number, the quality of musicianship within the local band circuit.

More sounds came blasting at us. Music from the pen's of Junior Kelly, Eddie Cochrane, Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert, & Stevie Wonder. Their closing number is a real hoot, Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London"
With a Madness classic as an encore.

True, the sound was a little fuzzy at times. (possibly the PA set-up or the atmospherics of venue) It wasn't really noticed, and no one would of minded anyway. It was Saturday night and everybody was dancing.
It could be said that some of the band may look like aging Hippies, but they sure know how to pull in a crowd.

This band bill themselves as "Cold Blooded Groovers." But I can truthfully state, we were all Hot Blooded by the end of the night, and maybe just a little bit sweaty. A crackin' night.


The Band:
Russ Needham - Vocals,
Harry Proctor, and Chris Brown - Saxophones,
Neil "JJ" Woods - Trumpet & Percussion,
Julian Saxby - Guitar,
Andrew "Greta" Garbutt - Bass Guitar,
Rocking Robbie Howlett - Keyboard,
Colin Mansfield - Drums,
& apologies for absence - Joe O'Sullivan.


The Set:

Moondance
Turn on Tune in Cop out
What is Life
Johnny B Goode
New Bell
Low Rider
Mustang Sally
I Feel Good
Last Night
Smooth.

Black Magic Woman
54 46 (what's my number)
Rudi, A Message to You
Receive
Reggae to the Rescue
Pick up the Pieces
Somethin' Else
20 Flight Rock
Play That Funky Music
Superstition
Werewolves of London

One Step Beyond
Wooly Bully

And if you would like to have "Your Socks Rocked Off!"
Head for The Anchor Inn, Hillfarrance, Nr Taunton.
on Saturday 28th October

If you would like to book these Cold Blooded Groovers,
Please contact Glen.