Paul Cowley headlines Milford Blue’s Night at The Bridge

THE excellent Paul Cowley headlined the first Blues Night of 2025 at The Bridge in Milford, in another exceptional evening of quality, grass roots music.

Martin Wood opened proceedings with a 40-minute set of acoustic blues and Americana. Covers of Delbert Mclinton and Sam Chatman, were interspersed with Martin’s own compositions such as the irresistibly catchy, Turn It Around and the hauntingly atmospheric, Candy Apple Shoes.

Like all accomplished bluesmen, he was immaculate but it was the use of slide which gave the songs a shimmering, ethereal quality which, on occasion, seemed to break down the barriers of time itself.

Armed with a voice reminiscent of the late, great, JJ Cale, headliner Paul Cowley cites country blues as his main influence, while also performing many of his own songs.

His guitar playing was smooth and languid and he was not afraid to take his time especially on the beautiful, Lies and A Long Time Comin. Engaging, heart-warming personal tales appeared in tracks such as Maison Bleu where he dreams of rebuilding a house in France and Franklin Nashville which tells the story of how much tax he had to pay on the delivery of his guitar from the US to Brittany.

There were wonderful covers of Blind Willy Johnson, Muddy Walters, Will Shade’s foot-stomping, Memphis Jug Blues and a stunningly original version of Tracks of my Tears by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.

Many thanks must go to the evenings incomparable compere, Bob Long - to Ian and Phil on sound and lighting and to all the other volunteers at The Bridge who enable the sounds of the Delta to be heard in Milford.

Next up are highly acclaimed electric duo, Stompin Dave and Lucy Piper. Unmissable.

Ian Hey