Photograph of Terraplane Blues Duo by Barry Hill

MID WALES RHYTHM & BLUES CLUB, 12th BIRTHDAY BASH, THE MUSE, BRECON, 16/05/2026

PROLOGUE

Although the Mid Wales Rhythm & Blues Club is celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2026 it represents a fairly recent discovery for me.

I’ve been covering jazz events in Brecon for many years, both at the regular club nights and at the annual Festival. For the past twenty years I’ve been doing so as a journalist but I actually attended my first Brecon Jazz Festival in 1985!

Although I’ve never been a regular attender I was aware of MWR&BC, but due to the fact that there’s a lot more blues than jazz on the local music scene in my native Herefordshire (most notably the regular Sunday Blues afternoons at the Richmond Place Club in Hereford) I never got into the habit of travelling to Brecon (around forty miles from my home) to hear the blues.

That changed in March 2026 when I attended Man of the World: a Tribute to Peter Green as performed by guitarist Remi Harris and his quartet. Harris, who also plays gypsy jazz, is a firm Jazzmann favourite and I attended this event as a paying customer. Presented by MWR&BC this was a superb show and was reviewed for the MWR&BC website by Jim Kerslake,  who maintains the website and serves as MWR&BC’s regular reviewer. Virtually all MWR&BC events are reviewed on the Club’s excellent website, the words of Kerslake and numerous other contributors illustrated by the superb photographs of Barry Hill.
http://midwalesrandb.club/

The Club  moved to The Muse in 2017 after previously hosting events at venues in Llandrindod Wells and Rhayader. Run by a team headed by Angus Kings it has established a loyal audience for its events, which present nationally known and even international acts in addition to providing a platform for locally based musicians. The Muse is the Club’s primary venue but it does sometimes present events at other locations, including the Brecon Tap pub.

Following my attendance at the Remi Harris event Angus Kings, who I already knew well from Brecon Jazz Club, asked me if I could cover the Club’s next presentation, a visit from the American harmonica player, vocalist and songwriter Mark Hummel. My review of this event, plus the next MWR&BC show featuring the Edinburgh based band Liz Jones & Broken Windows, can be found on the Club website.

Now something of a Club regular I was asked by Angus to write short reviews of two of the five performances that took place during the afternoon and evening of Saturday May 16th 2026.

The line up was as follows;

4.00 pm PAUL KEDDLE & FRIENDS (aka CALLING CARD)

5.00 pm ELSIE FRANKLIN

6.00 pm CARLEY’S WRECK & RUIN

7.15 pm TERRAPLANES BLUES DUO

8.30 pm JON AMOR DUO

The acts allocated to me were the were Paul Keddle & Friends, who opened the proceedings, and the penultimate performance from the Terraplanes Blues Duo.

Elsie Franklin was reviewed by Nic Groombridge, Carley’s Wreck & Ruin by Lisa Cascarini and the Jon Amor Trio by Ben Romain.

I’m grateful to Angus Kings for giving me his permission to publish reviews of all five of today’s performances on The Jazzmann site.

PAUL KEDDLE and FRIENDS

Paul Keddle, guitar, vocals, harmonica, Dave Keast – guitar, vocals, Rob Floss Davies – bass guitar, backing vocals, Mark Duggan – cajon, percussion

Kicking off the celebrations was a quartet of locally based musicians fronted by the irrepressible Paul Keddle, MWR&BC’s regular compère and Master of Ceremonies. Inspired to play the blues by Jimi Hendrix Keddle has been a member of numerous local bands including Calling Card and The Usual Suspects.

Today’s set represented a ragged but good humoured and very enjoyable curtain raiser with Keddle joined by guitarist / vocalist Dave Keast, bassist Rob Floss Davies and Mark Duggan on cajon, mainly played with brushes, cymbal and foot operated tambourine.

Keddle took the lead vocal on the opening “Too Lazy To Work” a blues paean to idleness with its “too lazy to work, too scared to steal” refrain.

“Catfish John”, a song about a “river hobo” featured Keast playing a rather handsome National guitar with a slide, as he did again on the following “Killin’ The Blues”.

The Big Bill Broonzy song “Keep Your Hands Off Her” featured Keddle on vocals and harmonica, as did “I Believe I’m In Love With You”, a blues tinged slice of proto rock and roll.

We were promised a mix of blues, country and bluegrass and Slim Harpo’s “Raining in My Heart” was followed by “Walk Away From Your Heart”, from the repertoire of the Americana group The Foghorn Stringband, who had been witnessed by members of today’s group at a live performance at the Lost Ark in Rhayader. Dave Keast handled vocal and guitar duties on this one.

Keddle’s voice and harmonica featured on the wittily titled “One More Last Chance”, while the black humour of the Ernest Tubbs song “Nails In My Coffin” saw him conducting an audience sing-along.

This was something that was repeated on “Saved”, a gospel flavoured song that saw Keast singing the verses while Keddle acted as the ‘preacher’ whipping up the crowd before launching into a final harmonica solo.

This was a very enjoyable way to launch the night’s proceedings from four stalwarts of the local music scene.

Review by IAN MANN (TheJAZZMANN)

 

ELSIE FRANKLIN

Elsie Franklin - guitar, vocals with guest Anthony Cresci - harmonica

Elsie opens her set with a couple of Memphis Minnie songs. Minnie is an inspiration to Elsie but regulars at The Muse recognize her style as being in the same area/era as frequent giggers the Washboard Resonators. She rocks a mean Resonator guitar, and I see they follow each other on Instagram. I’m no expert but when she sings, I’d believe she came from Tennessee.

So, the style and some of the songs come from nearly one hundred years ago but half are her own compositions in the same country blues folk style. Elsie’s website lets you look at some of her songs and collaborations with a washboardist and a full all-female band and even doubly resonant with her dad. The first of those songs is about a job she had in a primary school, her dad hates it. She warns potential employers and fellow workers, ‘Don’t expect me at eight when I’m paid from quarter to nine.”

After the up tempo first few songs she slowed it down with her own song about deciding. And back to a faster pace with a song about how her friends rant to her about her boyfriend’s failure on the domestic chores front. Thus:  ‘My man Never does the dishes, never sweeps the floor’ and  ‘Not the fifties and I’m not your wife’
Elsie did mention that she’d been criticized for the emphasis on such domestic matters, but the crowd was very happy to hear her complaints. I bet that man also leaves the toilet seat up.

Back to classic blues she gives us Saturday Night in Jail by Steve James.

She then brings on Anthony Cresci on Harmonica for two songs, the first about two timing boyfriends and then another where she relates about how when performing at her regular spot at Ain’t nothin but the Blues, she doesn’t drink her artist’s entitlement. But they let her have it when going to see other acts there. So sometimes she has one too many’. We won’t tell her dad.

She finishes up with Blind Boy Fuller’s ‘step it and go’ letting us all join in the chorus.

So great songs, great stories. Go see her.

Review by NIC GROOMBRIDGE

 

WRECK & RUIN (Jo & Tim Carley)

A hugely talented duo with an incredible stage presence and big personalities that instantly draw the audience in. Their sound is unique, vibrant, colourful, and completely true to their identity, with original music that feels fresh and exciting. Their cover of Spell on You stayed authentic to who they are while still bringing something distinctive to the performance.

The quick changes of pace kept the set dynamic and engaging, making them consistently fun and infectious to watch. Tim’s guitar and percussion skills were exceptional — genuinely mesmerising at times — and the energy they created spread effortlessly through the crowd. A captivating, memorable performance from start to finish

Review by LISA CASCARINI (Theatr B)

 

TERRAPLANES BLUES DUO

Nick Scrase – guitars, lead vocals, Eduardo Allen – harmonica, backing vocals

The penultimate act of the day was the duo of guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nick Scrase and harmonica player Eduardo Allen, collectively known as the Terraplanes Blues Duo.

Scrase and Allen form the backbone of the four piece Terraplanes Blues Band, based in Bristol. The pair first met at an open mic night in Bristol in 2013 and bonded over a shared love of Robert Johnson’s music, taking their band name from the Johnson song “Terraplane Blues”.

The current band features bassist Craig Shaw and drummer Karl Anthony, although a number of different players have featured in the rhythm section over the years. But the heart of the band has always been Scrase and Allen and the pair regularly perform in the duo format.

As a band The Terraplanes have released three recordings, the EP “Midnight Train” (2020) and the full length albums “Stepping Stones” (2022)  and the live recording “Live at Temperance”, documented at the Temperance venue in Leamington Spa on the band’s 2024 tour.

What sets The Terraplanes apart from other provincial blues acts is the quality of Scrase’s original songwriting. “Stepping Stones” is comprised entirely of his material, convincing songs written in the blues idiom that draw on the imagery of the music, but without taking themselves too seriously. There isn’t a duff track on there.

In addition to Scrase’s own material the band’s repertoire also includes songs by Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon Ma Rainey, Big Bill Broonzy, The Doors and The Rolling Stones.

In addition to Scrase’s singing and playing the duo also features the dazzling harp playing of Eduardo Allen, described in the publicity for today’s event as “surely the sharpest-dressed harmonica player in the West”. He took to the stage looking like a 1970s rock star and his soulful, empathic playing was the perfect foil for Scrase’s guitar and vocals.

The duo opened with the Scrase original “The Lonesome Crow”, from the “Stepping Stones” album, an evocative declaration of independence but something of an outlier in the Terraplanes canon, being more in singer-songwriter territory than much of the band’s more blues influenced material.

Next an effective blues style arrangement of The Doors’ “Cars Hiss By My Window”, which Scrase described as being “the song that made me want to be in a band”.

The duo sailed deeper into true blues territory with their take on Big Bill Broonzy’s “Mississippi River Blues”, with Scrase declaring his love for solo blues performers and the sound of just voice and guitar.

Robert Johnson, the duo’s primary influence, was not to be forgotten and their version of “Love in Vain” incorporated a stunning harmonica solo from Allen.

Also from the “Stepping Stones” album the Scrase original “Pick Myself Up” also owed something to Johnson’s country blues style, a point emphasised when the duo followed this with Johnson’s “Me and The Devil Blues”, thus completing a Johnson inspired trilogy of songs.

Scrase may write in the blues idiom but he’s not afraid to reference his home city. Both “Horfield Prison Blues” and “North Street Blues” name-checked various Bristol landmarks while offering evidence that successful and convincing blues songs can be written about British locations. Well done, Nick, I was very impressed.

Other set highlights included “Long Time Coming”, a newer song that has been released as a single in the duo format. Featuring more of a country music feel this featured Allen on both harmonica and backing vocals.

Robert Johnson was represented again by “Crossroads” while a solo harmonica feature from Allen saw him encouraging the audience to clap along as he demonstrated his undisputed virtuosity.

The closing “Voodoo Blues” was a scalding Scrase original that borrowed lyrical cliches from classical blues songs and re-worked them into a terrific, if slightly tongue in cheek original. A great end to an excellent set that combined high quality singing and playing with similarly accomplished original songwriting, while all the while staying true to the duo’s blues roots.

Review by IAN MANN (TheJAZZMANN)

 

JON AMOR TRIO (JA3)

Jon Amor - guitars, vocals, Jerry Soffe - bass, Tom Gilkes - drums

There was a warm reception for JA3, for their inaugural visit to The Muse. Many familiar with Jon’s role in the genre redefining British blues band The Hoax, and many locals familiar with more recent offerings from Hoax band mate, and lifelong friend Robin Davey and his bands, Well Hung Heart and Beaux Gris Gris, a muse favourite of recent years. Certainly, a solid following for the best in Blues, in Brecon.

It’s perhaps about time Jon and his incredibly tight trio band made their Brecon debut…

As someone who has seen the band before, haling as I do from his hometown in Wiltshire, I can say they brought a classic JA3 set, J withon’s prodigious writing skills to the fore, with much of the set written for this band.

A couple of classic Amor tracks from his back catalogue, Juggernaut, a thumping classic beloved of all his fans old and new, and the once more subtle Cut Through the Graveyard from a stunning solo record, released more years ago than Jon would probably thank me for reminding him…?!

Some set classics, new tracks written for this band, and available on their first record The Turnaround, and great new tracks like Red Button, classic blues influences in play here with a song about a warning well heeded from his wonderful girlfriend, not to find out what happens if you find out where her limits of patience lie…

Great tracks like King Street, Miss James, Way Down Low. rousing, reflective, occasionally lamenting but always delivered with style and Jon’s incredible guitar.

Juggernaut a perennial classic, kindly proffered in tribute to all those who had travelled from all over including his hometown, went down solidly getting some new quarters in the audience on their toes, it’s infectious rhythm unescapable.

Classic blues mixed with more contemporary tracks in the mix… a perfect fit to complete an incredible bill of artists on this birthday bill.

Set finish in theory was with Cut Through the Graveyard, a rocked-out blues version of a Jon Amor original from Stories from the Crooked Room, an astounding turn into a blues rock anthem from its gentler, more reflective origins. another great gig with this band.

You would do well to find a tighter more natural trio, as ever these guys are having a ball, they all get to let rip with solos, and it shows that this is a band who enjoy themselves, perhaps why they play so far and wide…! Local shows mixing with European dates, even Orkney Blues the week before.

Jerry on bass, and Tom on drums are among the tightest rhythm sections you will ever see, and find time to keep Jon on his toes often enough… as Jon will tell you, he is a lucky man and perhaps this is why all of them have played with some pretty lofty company in the blues world.

As Angus mentions applauding the band following their headline set, here is a band, possibly the best-connected band that have played the venue… a rich tapestry of years of experience, friends, band mates etc. meaning few musicians in their field have not previously been acquainted with and impressed with this line up.

Saying ‘hi’ to Jon, arriving as he did with the day well underway it was great to hear him mirroring my own thoughts as an attending gig goer, commenting what a fantastic drive up, from Wiltshire, to road worn musicians used to endless motorway miles to reach often less rural destinations, a treat to take in the green and pleasant lands of Wales en-route, and a charming town to land in and find a warm welcome from a venue such as The Muse.

For me and I know I am speaking for musicians and attendees alike, a huge thank you to Ruth and her team, and Angus and his, a true venue community.

Sharing their passions and delivering splendiferous events in this fantastic intimate venue, I love this place, and as I am regularly asking people, ‘why go to cities if your bands are playing places like this?’

Another weekend in Brecon where I’ve come away, not only buzzing from music, but feeling I have made new friends, had some great food and local beer, I’ve walked and enjoyed the bookshops and the friendly vibes. all a couple of hours from my home.

Roots venues of this quality are not two a penny, making what they do so well, truly special.

I imagine now one of my favourite bands has made its introduction, I will be able to enjoy spreading the word for them and The Muse, so we can enjoy more of the same.

Review by BEN ROMAIN

And so ends another anniversary gathering now to start planning for the next one perhaps on my birthday next May re the 22nd 2027 —- lets see what occurs in the meantime JACK J HUTCHINSON is up next followed by a return for NOOKEE both in June and then WELL HUNG HEART visit in July.
Massive thanks to all those who made the 12th anniversary gathering possible and all those who came out to support it — best wishes to you all— ANGUS KINGS

Postscript by Ian Mann

The MWR&BC 12th ‘Birthday Bash’ was a very enjoyable and good humoured event that delivered some excellent music – as described by the various writers in the above reviews.

Personal highlights were the Terraplanes Blues Duo and the Jon Amor Trio, the latter giving a classic ‘power trio’ performance. I’d previously seen he Amor trio at Upton Blues Festival and their inclusion on the bill at The Muse was another major incentive for my attendance at today’s event.

The Terraplanes Duo were also hugely impressive and I’d now like to see the full four piece, which I know has played at MWR&BC in the past. Hopefully Angus will see fit to invite the full quartet back in the future.

The JA3 performance represented my first sighting of the week of drummer Tom Gilkes, who turned up at Pudlestone Village Hall near my home town of Leominster just a few days later (Thursday May 21st) as part of a new quartet led by Remi Harris that also featured vocalist Polly Edwards and bassist Simon Smith. Given that my MWR&BC experiences began with another group led by Harris there’s a neat symmetry there.

 

 

 

 

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