By Phil Maynard

TO SEE out the old year in the lull after the rush and bustle of Christmas Day, an outstanding concert was held at, The Old Crown Inn, Uley, on Thursday, December 28. The ever-popular local blues/rock band Short Elbow, gave a sparkling performance in the atmospheric seventeenth-century coaching inn and the audience were able to enjoy the award-winning Uley Cask Ales, brewed just down the road in the village. It was a truly Uley-blessed evening.

The band is fronted by two consummate musicians, both with their own distinctive and compelling styles – Uley-based lead guitarist Phil Harris and bass-player Ken Lush who is the head brewer at Uley Brewery; they were supported by Dave their excellent stand-in drummer. Short Elbow’s interactive electronic guitar counter play were mesmerising. Vocals were shared between Phil and Ken as they performed a wide range of numbers covering many of the world’s best-loved musicians and bands; from Hendrix and Johnny Winters, to Seasick Steve, Dylan and ZZ Top.

Landlord Ben, confirmed, “It was another special end-of-year musical celebration and a brilliant performance by Short Elbow…we can’t wait to welcome the band back in 2018”.

Short Elbow, who celebrated 25-Years together as a band earlier in 2017, is an inspiring and professional group and their music and passion in performance remains fresh, exciting and infectious. Their commitment for 2018 and the future is to continue to play selective venues and perform an eclectic mix of blues/rock in their unique format that is both entertaining and theatrical.

As Ken Lush confirmed, “We’re a happy band, even when we are singing the blues! We pack loads of energy and fun into every concert and participate with our audience. We love what we do”.

Judging by the many encores at the end of the evening, everyone wants Short Elbow to keep on gigging. If you would like more information, please contact Ken Lush on 01453 860 120 or 07791 552 582