GENO WASHINGTON AND THE YOYO BLUES

Event information

The Eastney Cellars continued its Lazarus-like recovery with another sold out show, this time by 60’s soul star Geno Washington.
It’s incredible to think over 40 years ago Geno was headlining the legendary Birdcage club a few streets away, no doubt it was equally packed as it was on Friday
Despite never realising the commercial success of his contemporaries Geno seems to revel in the atmosphere.
The set is an eclectic mix of blues, funk and soul, backed by Yo Yo Blues, who soon lay down a tight groove.
Geno’s in fine voice: an electric version of The Rolling Stones’ Jumpin’ Jack Flash and then Do The Watusi gets the crowd going with chants of ‘Geno, Geno’ ringing round the room emulating the famous Dexys Midnight Runners homage to the great man.
Catching his and our breath, Geno is also a fine raconteur citing tales of Ray Charles and Van Morrison whose version of Gloria is a high point of the evening.
Too soon it’s all over with Geno retiring to the dressing room after another a fine night’s work.