Mike 'Dr Blue' McKeon - Diary of a Bluesman for the British Blues Archive Dec 2014

 

As I soaked up the authentic atmosphere of this cellar venue at the heart of the city and the festival, the electric set kicked off with a solid blues groove.

The sound engineer had done a great job, every voice, every instrument on  the stage was warm and crystal clear.

This was a confident assured performance, where the traditional roles of rhythm and lead guitar were shared, both soloing and filling- it reminded  me of watching Lynard Skinnard back in the 70’s . No lines of demarcation between the two guitars, just sweet driving blues. A wonderful range of influences, Walter Trout to Robert Cray, all beautifully delivered and backed by a bass player and drummer most front men/women would kill for!

The band moved up another gear slipping effortlessly into a more rocky vibe. The Fender Gibson rivalry that played out on stage was as faultless, as sound engineer Bill Kyle (also the bars owner) spun his musical alchemy, hardly touching the desk- why mess with perfection?

The guys morphed into a mean and funky groove, I wonder if there is anything these guys couldn't showcase?

Black Cat Bone fills the air, the drum and bass laying down a groove so solid you could drive a ten tonne truck over it.

 I was left craving and shouting for more with a crowd who were happy having shared this great show. I wish I had recorded it. But perhaps not, these are the nights we will remember, we share and enjoy, knowing we are having a unique experience – a night of live music.

 

 

Jessica Adair - Blues in Britain Magazine August 2012

 

As the Fringe, and my blues journey, came to a close, I returned to the Jazz Bar for local band Main Street Blues' final performance. The atmosphere was jubilant, and the venue was packed to the rafters as the Main Street boys expertly played their way through an hour's worth of blues and soft rock classics.

 

In 'Feels Like Rain', it was front man Derek Smith's turn in the limelight, with a face-melting guitar solo delivered with incredible deftness.

 

A blues band in the truest sense, Main Street Blues provided the perfect conclusion to my blues on the Fringe experience.

 

 

Ed Nightingale - Broadway Baby web site August 2012  4 Stars

 

Shuffling grooves, wailing guitar solos and growling, whiskey-drenched vocals: This is Main Street Blues, who for one hour brought a slice of America to Scotland. The variety of tracks proved that there’s more to the genre than simply a twelve-bar chord sequence, performing electric blues tracks by the likes of BB King and Freddie King as well as some favourite originals from their established set, ranging from funk to boogie-woogie.

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The band were tight performers loaded with energy. Derek Smith’s lead guitar and vocals were the real focus, easily whipping out licks and solos tinged with pedal effects. Consummate professionals, the band were comfortable on stage, visibly enjoying themselves. This enjoyment was infectious: the audience were clearly fans and they erupted in applause for each song, tapping their feet and even air drumming.

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With their raw, sexy music, Main Street Blues provide a brilliant start to the night - just get in early to ensure yourself a seat.

 

 

Ian Rankin - Twitter August 2012

 

Main Street Blues at the Jazz Bar: So tight you couldn’t slide a Rizla between them. Great Gig.

 

 

Susan Welsh - The Press & Journal 23 April 2016

 

Despite being a man of few words, Derek Smith, lead guitarist and singer with Edinburgh-based band, Main Street Blues revealed his ambition was to one day, play the larger Empire Theatre at Eden Court.

 

If last night’s show was anything to go by, it won’t be long before that wish is fulfilled. They played Inverness just a few months ago and are already booked to come back in November, such is the demand to hear them.

 

Playing to a packed theatre, with little fanfare or words the four piece band strolled onto the stage, then proceed to blow everyone away with a show featuring blues served with a heavy slice of funk and soul.

 

Opening with Last Dirty Deal (Coco Montoya) before heading almost straight into God Broken Heart, the band offered a masterclass in musicianship.

 

Derek is the only singer. Being sole vocalist is a big task but he pulled it off beautifully thanks to his unique voice that has echoes of Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and Robert Cray.

 

His guitar playing is exemplary, but matched by the superb skills of bassist, John Hay, drummer John McAvoy and Iain Hanna, keyboard wizard.

Each of these older lads puts the focus on music rather than style or patter, and are individually first class musicians. Together they are simply first class.

 

Highlights for me included a tribute to BB King, with The Thrill is Gone; Before the Bullets Fly (Warren Haynes); Old Love (Eric Clapton and Robert Cray) and the stonking Fade to Blue, the title track of their new album.

 

Regular performers on the blues circuit, they are deservedly breaking out to a wider audience. I suspect the box office will be busy today with people booking to see them again.