The show was opened by top local blues band Sidewinder, who played a very fine set. A slow bluesy version of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" was a delight and the "T Bone Shuffle" to finish with was excellent. They played an eclectic choice of music, away from the run of the mill stereotype stuff and got very favourable nods of approval from the crowd.

After the break, Ian Parker hit the stage and was right on the money with "If Only". He's not been in Maryport for a few years, but a lot of us had seen him at the Carlisle Blues Festival last November, so we knew what a treat we would be getting here. "Funny How" was the first from his excellent back catalogue.

"Coming Home" from Ian's latest album "Where I Belong", was a deliciously slow ballad, led by Morg on the keys. The song ramped up big time and the guitar solo earned the first ovation from the capacity crowd. "Need You by My Side" also wound up to a crescendo, and then wound back down again. BB King's "Every Day I Have the Blues" really rocked, everyone in the room foot tapping along. "You'll Be Gone Before Sunrise" was slow and powerful. It never made the new CD, but they play it anyway, so maybe it'll make the cut for the next album; it was good enough for it. The solo was awesome and got another huge ovation.

"Hoo Wee Baby" was another 12 bar rocker, more foot tapping, an inspired solo by Morg and the crowd providing impromptu "all night long" refrains which brought grins from the band. Here was a gig that everyone was thoroughly enjoying. "In The Morning" really belted out and was a cracker.

The first encore was a solo acoustic rendition of U2's "With or Without You", which commanded the best of attention from the audience, then Morg, Steve Amadeo on bass and Wayne Proctor on drums rejoined Ian for a final number with Hendrix's "Little Wing" which was quite gorgeous.

Another great night at the Maryport Blues Club.