The Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Show which visited Cardiff’s St David’s Hall last Friday featuring five acts that had their R&B roots firmly in the 1960s.

Animals and Friends with original Animals drummer John Steel and 60s keyboard player Mickey Gallagher kicked off the evening with a set comprising classics such as Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood and House Of The Rising Sun all of which featured vocalist Pete Barton impeccably recreating vocals originally put down by Eric Burdon.

The band also provided accompaniment for solo stars Dave Berry and Maggie Bell. Berry (standing in for Spencer Davis) is a familiar face on 60s tours and always provides an eclectic and entertaining set, this was no exception with renditions of JJ Cale’s Cajun Moon and Berry’s own big hit The Crying Game.

Similarly Maggie Bell formerly of Stone The Crows treat fans to soaring versions of Erma Franklin’s I’d Rather Go Blind and the duet Hold Me with Pete Barton.

The second half brought further treats from The Yardbirds featuring original 60s drummer Jim McCarthy and Eric Clapton’s predecessor Top Topham. It was the inclusion of the bands younger members that displayed why The Yardbirds are still a live band to savour.

Guitarists Ben King and Dave Smale tore through tracks such as Heart Full of Soul and Shapes of Things with passion and energy while vocalist and harmonica player Andy Mitchell clearly had a blast on bongo drums for the rendition of For Your Love.

The Zombies featuring Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent brought the evening to an incredible close with a set list featuring a backbone of Zombies Classics including Time Of The Season and She’s Not There as well as Argents Hold Your Head Up and Blunstone’s I Don’t Believe In Miracles all guaranteed to have the audience out of their seats and joining in.

Ultimate in Rhythm and Blues? You’d better believe it!

Andy Howells