Connie Lush: I’m just the excuse for a get-together

Oct 29 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL’S original and best blues diva, Connie Lush, rounds off a successful 2008 with a homecoming gig this weekend.

Along with ever-present backing band Blues Shouter, she comes to the Carling Academy on Saturday night .

“It’s lovely to play at home,” she says. “It’s great that we know everybody when we play Liverpool, but it’s more frightening to play in front of friends and family than other blues guys. It’s a slow torture!”

There will be support on the night from artist and musician Anthony Brown (whose 100 Heads exhibition can still be seen in the window of Lewis’s), and photography from Stephanie de Leng.

“It’s just chucking it all in together,” laughs Connie.

“Everyone’s friends, coming along for a good old night of music, photography, art and chat – if we get a chance!

“It’s a different kind of evening I suppose. We’ll just all be there to see each other, I’m just the excuse for everyone to get together!”

The gig starts to bring to an end a big year for Connie and the band, which began with performing at the Arena for the 2008 opening weekend, where she went on to perform another two times as part of other ensemble events.

And just a few hours after Saturday’s show, the band will be jetting off for some special concerts in Russia.

“There’s been tonnes of travel this year, and travel is my other passion, I love it,” Connie says.

“We have been asked to do two nights in Moscow and I’m thrilled to bits, because one of my all-time favourites is John Lee Hooker and we’re supporting his son.

“We come home in the week and then get the ferry over to Holland.

“So this year has been amazing. There has been all the ‘08 excitement, so I don’t know if that helped – although I don’t think so really, because blues guys are only interested in the music.

“For me, though, the opening weekend was the piece de resitance.”

vickyanderson