A SIX-piece band called Ahab are set to rock the boat as far as the South Lakeland music scene is concerned.

Anyone who saw their free concert at Kendal Ibis Club could not fail to be impressed by a group who are aiming to secure gigs on the festival circuit.

They sail unchartered waters in terms of the music they play, which is essentially folk, but has strong rock and blues influences.

I was hooked from the outset with a rocky number called Easy Steps-Chemical Workers and I was then tossed around in the musical storm they created which was lively one minute and calm the next.

I particularly liked some of their own material such as Bad Blood about a bad trip and the Lament of the Leviathan that they also played as an encore.

But as well as their own material they also played covers and I was swept away with their version of Jimi Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower.

Vocalist Jane Barrett has a powerful voice and she needs to have the sound created by the rest of the band which sees Steve Hartley on drums, Dave Livingstone on guitars and backing vocals, James Bentley on bass,

Chris Holmes on electric and acoustic guitars and Danny Whittle on keyboards. They were also joined on stage by Dave Livingstone's Bodhran playing son, Ben, for the track Greenwood Laddie.

Ahab are soon to record a new CD to follow Promises to Keep and are also planning to put on another free gig at the Ibis Club later in the year.

If you get a chance go and see them. A great night is guaranteed.

Mike Addison

June 5, 2003 10:30