Seasick Steve @ ABC

Story-telling bluesman Seasick Steve returns to Glasgow looking to build on his increasingly burgeoning reputation. Having exploded into our collective consciousness with album Dog House Blues, an electrifying performance at Glastonbury and a killer UK tour the effervescent axeman seems intent on consolidating his position as the number one blues artist of today. Whilst there is nothing remarkably original about the songs he sings or the stories he tells, his sincerity is plain for all to see. As a man who has clearly been dealt some pretty rough hands it is enjoyable simply to see him sit on his stool and crash out his tunes. His voice is gruff but true, his guitar sings and wails in equal measure, and the crowds lap it up. Seasick he may be, but this gnarled ol' master of the blues is very clearly in love with the road. [Neal Parsons]