Words by Alaina Henderson
Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Ted Nugent, The Dead Daisies) is going solo on a short, six-date UK tour.
In a far from packed Cardiff venue on a truly miserable evening, things are kicking off with Liverpool rockers Black Cat Bones on their premier Welsh gig.
Looking something like a GnR tribute with Phil Lynott on guitar, they exude confidence without a hint of replication. There’s no awkwardness as lead singer Jonnie encouraging the crowd to get the party started; strutting the stage with his hop scotch moves, he’s seemingly desperate to give more rather than afraid to let go.
This reflects in the audience; if you’ve got the ability to get heads nodding rather than feet heading towards the bar, that’s always a bonus.
Although not 100% comfortable with audience banter yet, they have rhythm in their (Black Cat) bones. It’s original rock full of attitude. Note: Turn up early, watch the supports.
Marco arrives minutes before he’s due on stage, getting straight to it by strapping on his signature bass and charging to the back of the room to round up the small crowd to the front. Everyone happily obliges and soon the small number feels like hundreds.
Joined by John Macaluso on drums and the sickeningly talented Michael McCrystal on guitar (Tygers of Pan Tang) it’s explosive funk infused rock, turned blues, turned Latin and even jazz, including a beautiful tribute to Billy Holiday performed within the crowd, which is mesmerising.
With anecdotes of spirituality and positivity, combined with a double shot of charisma, he could almost hold this gig alone. During a carnival-vibe Latino moment he’s utilising bass playing, mouth noises and hand tapping which is a glimpse into his own heritage and is a treat to watch.
It’s a shame so few people witnessed this gig but the party feel was in the air regardless. Ending with Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground which suited him to a tee, people were leaving with rhythm in their feet and smiles on their faces.
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