Guitar fire and blues soul in Much Wenlock - review
Blues lovers at The Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock were treated to a dazzling night of musicianship on Saturday as the Alex Voysey Blues Band delivered a two hour-plus masterclass in modern blues.
Triple-nominated in the 2025 UK Blues Federation Awards, guitarist Alex Voysey showed exactly why he is fast becoming one of the most talked-about blues artists in the country. From the opening notes it was clear the audience was in the hands of a guitarist of rare ability: nimble-fingered, dexterous and imaginative, Voysey used his instrument as a voice, communicating emotion as easily as virtuosity.
Backed by a superb band – Paul Arthurs on drums, Ben Hands on six-string bass and Andy Allpass on keyboards – the group radiated the joy of playing together. There were plenty of laughs and smiles on stage as the musicians stretched songs into extended, free-flowing jams, sometimes seeming almost lost in the moment as they explored unplanned musical paths. A playful call-and-response between guitar and bass drew applause from the crowd, while one adventurous number slipped into an unusual 11/8 time signature without losing its groove. Whether delivering fiery blues-rock or more soulful passages, Voysey balanced blistering solos with taste and restraint.
The setlist paid tribute to blues giants including Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B. B. King, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton, yet the band’s own material stood comfortably alongside these classics, showing both craft and personality. By the time the final notes rang out, the audience had witnessed a passionate, playful and powerful celebration of modern blues music.
This is one of many wonderful and varied events at the Edge Arts Centre this year. Keep up to date by subscribing to our newsletter at edgeartscentre.com
By Peter Neale
