The Old Bush Blues Festival
Callow End Worcester – 16-18 August 2024
We’ve had storms, monsoons, scorching sunshine, and this year, we were greeted by comfortably moderate conditions—a perfect setting for the well-established jewel of a festival at The Old Bush in Callow End. Matt, his family, the experienced staff, and an army of local helpers ensure a friendly atmosphere and a trouble-free weekend for the fans. These days, it’s a sell-out festival, with many familiar faces returning annually.
Of course, we come for the music, but what makes this festival special is the garden bar and kitchen, where guest beers and ciders are available at ‘normal’ bar prices. The food is top quality, prepared on the hot plates and burners of the field kitchen, and is served at prices as appealing as the food itself. My personal recommendation is the freshly made hot vegetable wrap, washed down with an Old Rosie! The Garden Shop is always there, offering plenty of fine food and coffee, serving the campers and glampers who frequent this brilliant haunt year-round. There are few hostelries that can match The Old Bush.
Friday featured a diverse line-up, starting with local band The Bush Pilots, fronted by behemoth guitarist Gary Harper, through to the rapidly rising, award-winning Connolly Hayes. Jess Hayes and Frankie Connolly, with their full band, soon dipped into their new album, Remember Me. Saturday found me in the acoustic setting, listening to one-man band Andy Twyman (pictured). It had been a long time since I last saw Andy; he performed traditional blues from the likes of Muddy Waters, but is probably better known for his ribald, often plainly filthy, but hilarious songs—not to mention tales of a frustrated panda. Over on the car park stage, a little more humour was injected by Welsh gunslinger James Oliver (pictured). Be careful not to address him as Jamie—you’ll become the brunt of all those punchlines. He may play the clown at times, but he’s an exceptional performer, both on guitar and vocally, full of rock ‘n’ roll riffs, boogie, and rockabilly mayhem. Look out for his new album, Frantic, coming soon. The evening brought Birmingham band Big Wolf (pictured) to the stage. They’ve just released Rebel’s Journey, an album that reflects the hard road to where they sit today as one of the leading Blues Rock bands in the UK. I’d reviewed the album ready for release—a studio album—but brought live to the stage like this, it delivered so much more.
Note, both James and Big Wolf have shows scheduled at The Boat Shack soon. I’m not saying more—I want some space for myself!
I didn’t stay, as I get creaky as the evening stretches out, but Saturday closed with a stumble into Sunday morning. Another seismic Scots band I haven’t seen for a long time.
Sunday starts these days with a delightful acoustic set from regulars Kyle & Shaw. Late-night revellers, some with fuzzy heads, slowly come together for breakfast before the duo nudge things off. My aim was to catch the acoustic session with Connor Selby, an impressive young blues artist who would later lead his full band on stage. However, my preference is the acoustic guitar skills, which are impressive, and his impassioned vocals—he reminds me of the great Ray Charles with his intensity. Indeed, Georgia was aired. The whole set of self-penned songs and a few soulful classics seemed to have been written on the back of his eyelids. I recall when I had such a memory… I think. Chris Corcoran (pictured), with deft drumming from Peter and lovely deep double bass from Matt, were superb. On stage before an enthralled audience, it was completely instrumental—jump, swing, and maybe a touch of jazzy blues—an absolute delight, with Chris on his 50’s junk shop acoustic guitar. Sometimes words mean little; just let the music talk to you. Trevor Steger, over in the club, brought his trio (pictured). Jesse on percussion and Jo on violin—growling lyrics, crunching guitar, harp, and hand-slapping cajón, all tempered by the sweet sound of Jo’s violin.
Sunday was dress-up day, which about sums it up—with plenty of colour, crazy hats and dresses… sported by men. The beer and cider may help, but many come prepared for this annual oddity.
The evening closed with the full-on electric fizz of Sugar Mama—a bit like sticking your fingers in a light socket!
Overall, another brilliant weekend at The Old Bush, thanks to Matt and Karen Williams, their family and crew, and let’s not forget host Jules Benjamin. Small festivals of any kind don’t get better than this. Meanwhile, why not drop by for their fine food and alluring ales?
Words & Photography by Graham Munn