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We've kept this page up for historical record as we are no longer booking Mike Sanchez with the Rhythm & Blues Revue (feat. additional vocalists) only solo and with his four and six-piece bands.
"If it had proved to be the last festival, then it would probably have been fitting that Mike Sanchez close it, having opened the very first one with the Big Town Playboys, as well as gracing many in the meantime, both with them and as a solo performer.
Mike also has a cracking new album ('Blue
Boy') out on his own label. After two largely solo outings, this latest CD features the band we had on show at
Burnley, including the estimable Al Nichols on tenor and the most welcome return of fellow ex-Playboy Andy Silvester - in my book, the finest British guitarist of the last 30 years and certainly the most self effacing and undeservedly unsung.
After destroying the place last year with a bravura solo set, for this festival Sanchez augmented this new band with a fine set of guests for an old fashioned rock 'n' roll and rhythm 'n' blues revue, which was as
close to the Apollo and Brooklyn Paramount as any of us is likely to get!
 Realistically an aggregation for festivals only, it featured the usual varied, incendiary set from Mike himself (in top form despite a cold), interspersed with spots from the wonderful Extraordinaires - a trio in the Treniers mould, with impeccable harmonies (including a terffic 'Almost Grown' with Sanchez) and acrobatic dancing;
and guest soloists Imelda Clabby (also gorgeous, by the way!) and Paul Ansell who punched out, respectively, some Lavern Baker and Clyde Mcphatter numbers, Imelda also duetting ideally with Sanchez on Shirley and Lee's 'Let The Good Times Roll'.
The result was the best spot of the weekend and brought it all to a storming climax - and it was so good to hear Andy whomping that Ike Turner whammy-bar again - Ike never did it better himself!
The welcome closing announcement of next years festival merely added to the feelgood factor. YOU'LL feel good if you
see this bunch!"
From SCENE ALIVE - Brian Smith
 "Mike Sanchez has played Burnley many times before, both with and without the Big Town Playboys. This time he had
promised something really special.
Launching straight into 'Driftin' it was almost like turning the clock back 15 years as the 7 piece piece band rocked along behind him, including former Playboys Andy Silvester and Al Nicholls on guitar and tenor
respectivley.
The rest of the band were all luminaries of the UK blues scene and played like they'd been together a lifetime, After a couple more numbers including the excellent
'Kiddio' and 'Undecided fool', the first of the special guests were brought on - and special they were too!
The three man Extraordinaires ran on to tumultuous applause and launched straight into an early 50's Doo Wop routine with a superb version of the Flairs/Rams
'Rockbottom'. With their great vocals, zoot suits and nifty footwork, they had the crowd standing with their first number!
The next guest was Imelda Clabby and this young stunner won the crowd over straight away with a great version of Lavern Bakers 'Voodoo Voodoo' before launching into a solid duet with Sanchez on 'Let The Good Times Roll' - and roll they did as the third guest Paul Ansell was introduced.
Another unknown name (to us), Paul proved that he has what it takes on a scorching version of James Brown's 'I'll Go Crazy' - Not too many people can get away with JB numbers, but this was superb - not least on account of the great band.
This was the theme for the rest of the show, Mike and the band doing a couple of numbers, then each of the guests reappearing in turn for a couple more.
Standouts were Imelda on another Lavern Baker number, 'Act Right', the Extraordinaires on more Doo Wop classics - the bum-grabbing ballad 'Heart Of A Fool' and 'Do You Wanna Jump' on which they really did - all over the stage! Where do they get that energy?
The finale and also the highlight of the show was a stunning version of Chuck Berry's 'Almost Grown' with Mike doing the lead and the Extraordinaires - joined by Imelda and Paul providing note perfect backing vocals.
What a performance!"
From BLUES & RHYTHM Steppin' Out 13th National Blues Festival. Burnley, April 13th-16th 2001
- Tony Watson
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