A Night of Mesmerising Blues

Glen Whisson and Dave Hole - Live at the Hall | Image Credit Steve Parkins Photography

Riveting blues leaves audience spellbound

On a recent electrifying evening, music aficionados and blues enthusiasts spilled into the Darlington Hall to witness a musical extravaganza featuring internationally acclaimed musician Dave Hole and his musical counterpart Glen Whisson (both Darlington residents). Opening the night was 2022 RJAFTA Scholarship Award Recipient Ben Bulla, who set the mood for the night with a dreamy set of swoon worthy numbers that showcased his musical talent, and clearly delighted the audience.

But the nigh belonged to Hole and Whisson, and the stage was set for a journey into the heart of blues music, with both Whisson and Hole transporting the audience back in time to the roots of blues, interspersing their expertly delivered soulful renditions with anecdotal narratives of blues greats, including some obscure blues legends. The combination of Hole’s impeccable slide guitar skills with the steady rhythm playing of Whisson, plus both Hole’s and Whisson’s captivatingn solo performances, made for an unforgettable night of blues magic.

Dave Hole is a true master of the slide guitar and his presence on the stage is always both commanding and inviting. Hole’s fingers danced across the frets of his guitar, producing soul-stirring notes that resonated through the hall. His slide guitar technique was nothing short of virtuosic, showcasing his years of dedication and mastery over this style. The audience was enthralled by not just his technical skill, but the raw emotion he infused into every note. The crowd was captivated, swayiing to the rhythm and hanging onto every strum and slide. As Hole’s fingers worked their magic on the strings, his left foot tapped a steady overriding beat. This subtle addition added layers of rhythm to his performance, demonstrating his multi-faceted approach to creating a complete sonic experience. Whisson’s steadfast guitar playing underpinned Hole’s performance, and it was palpable that they complemented each other’s playing.

While Hole’s performance was a masterclass in slide guitar brilliance, Glen Whisson’s moment in the spotlight was a showstopper in its own right. Armed with just his voice and a mouth organ, Whisson transported the audience on an emotional journey with a rendition of prison blues. The melancholic wail of his harmonica intertwined with his heartfelt raw vocals created an atmosphere reminiscent of smokey blues clubs of yesteryears. His solo piece was a testament to the power of simplicity and authenticity in music, and his minimalistic and powerful performance left the audience spellbound.

The inclusion of an auction featuring Dave Hole paraphernalia, generously provided by Dave and his wife Janice, added an extra layer of personal touch to the event - and resulted in some spirited and fun bidding. These items hold sentimental value and significance, making them all the more special for the auction winners who now own a piece of Dave Hole memorabilia.

The fact that this fundraiser was a resounding success speaks volumes about the support and enthusiasm from the community and the attendees. Such events not only raise funds for our scholarship award, but also bring people together in celebration of music, and a shared sense of purpose. This kind of event highlights the power of collaboration, creativity, and generosity in making a positive impact on society and that is exactly what our scholarship is all about. The efforts of Glen, Dave, the crew, and all those involved serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the truly great community we live in, and the RJAFTA Trustees would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and mega gratitude to one and all for giving us such a fantastic night..

Live at the Hall with Dave Hole and Glen Whisson was a true celebration of blues music's rich history and transformative power. Their performance left an indelible mark, reminding everyone present of the timeless allure of blues music. This event was more than a concert; it was a soulful journey that united generations through the universal language of music, and the crowd spilled out of the hall on a high.