In its 90+ years, the Edwardian assembly rooms that these days constitute The Cinnamon Club, have no doubt seen many fine performances, but, there cannot have been too many better than that of Jake Stigers and The Velvet Roots, on a cool night in October. Jake�s music is a warm, soulful, bluesy rock& roll, which is no surprise given his background. Raised in the Church by his musically gifted mother, Jake spent 2 years on a Church Mission to Tennessee, and his time there has clearly left its musical mark. His songs are shot through with influences as diverse as Southern gospel, front porch rocking-chair delta blues, and of course, the British bands of the 70s which he so loved when growing up : The Faces, Led Zeppelin, Free - & for which, he continues to thank his British audiences!

In these days of digital effects & computer designed �soundalike� modelling guitar amps its so good to see 4 guys do it the old school way. In fact the gear they use could have been found in the back of The Stones bus in 1968 - Marshall, Fender & Gibson - and these boys can play!
Lead guitarist Nunzio Signore has an impressive CV that takes in Bo Diddley, Annie Minogue and Destinys Child. The epitome of what one might expect from a seasoned NY session & band vet : disciplined, professional, a hugely gifted player - and with a producers superb ear - he marshalled the band through the tight set, playing the older brother to Jake�s leonine, effervescent and hugely engaging frontman. Backed by the superb harmonies and Andy Fraser-esque funky bass of Roberto Ruiz, and the worlds tightest and loudest 145lbs of whipcrack and thwack drumming in the shape of Rob Draghi - The band took the initially slightly reserved crowd through a set of Jakes own classic rock & roll, to a point , 2 hours later, where the tiny dance floor in front of the band was crammed with grinning 30, 40 and 50 somethings reliving the sharp moves of their heyday, much to the bands delight.

The crowd demanded 2 encores : neither disappointed, particularly the fantastic version of Led Zeppelins �Whole Lotta Love�. This was a great night of superb live music, with a band of fine musicians playing what they love - old school rock & roll. If you ever needed someone to really rip it up and win over a crowd - if your life depended on it - Jake and the �roots would be the boys. Use your 1 phone call to send for Stigers!