The Mighty Reapers Deliver
13th January 2018
The Mighty Reapers **Petersham Bowlo
13th January 2018
Blues and funk stalwarts of the Australian Music scene, The Mighty Reapers, filled the Petersham Bowling Club this past Saturday. With seats taking up the dance floor, time has passed and many more people were happy to sit instead of twirling their partners. Of course, as the night rolled on, in true fashion, people were up and shaking what their Momma gave them.
The Reapers tonight were Continental Robert Susz (vocals-harp), Dave Brewer (vocals-guitar), Clayton Doley (Hammond), Vito Portolesi (bass) and Antero Ceschin (drums). With Brewer in town for a holiday visit, it’s always a joyful moment to see him back with his mates playing some blues.
Personally, this band has been in my DNA since I landed here in 1984 from NYC. Hearing Brewer play for the first time, was it the Cat and Fiddle, was it some other Inner West haunt, or was it The Graphic Arts Club…..I digress. The tone and the emotion of his solos are engaging and moving.
More people than I have talked about their sense of loss when Brewer moved to Perth. But alas, he gets here often enough and if you keep your ears to the ground you will know when he is here. Think Easter or Christmas time usually! He is one of the premier blues guitarists this country has turned out.
What looked like a sedate sitting gig at the onset, well, it turned into a soul kind of feeling party by the second set. Vito and Antero were in the groove, Robert was blowing and singing and doing his little dances, and they just seemed to be in the pocket most of the show.
The interplay between all of the band was sweet and in the pocket for most of the gig, but by the second set they seemed lit. Doley and Brewer traded solos, with beautiful Hammond humming of the stinging of Brewer’s licks. The smiles between these two in appreciation of their artistry was sweet to be present for. Having a seat in the first row for the second set, thanks to my mate Scotty having to head to another gig (don’t even ask!)…..made for some good videos and photos….as you can see.
Doley, aka The Teenager, visited New Orleans territory, channelled a bit of Jimmy Smith and played his fingers off. Each time I get to see Doley perform, it reminds me that I need to see him more often.
Drowning In The Sea Of Love, Bad Luck, and some Howlin’ Wolf done in Big Joe Turner shuffle style, were just a few of the highlights.  All in all the top moments were the magic this 5 piece generated for 2 hours tonight.  I think everyone there will attest to that.
n brief, this was a shit eating grin sort of gig that if you missed, well, you will get the chance again. Maybe Easter….maybe another time, but it will happen, and then when it does….do not hesitate, buy a ticket right away.
Just a few clips below….