GEMMA DORSETT

"This was a fantastic gig - my first experience of The Gemma Dorsett Band.

I was aware of Gemma from her appearance as backing singer to Alice Armstrong at the Tuesday Night Music Club in Coulsdon, on March 1st, so I had high expectations and was not at all disappointed. As well as Gemma’s silky, sultry, sensual, powerful vocals the guys in the band were also absolutely brilliant.

There was a good mix of original songs, many written by Gemma in collaboration with bassist Simon Hepton, and a few cover versions done in their own inimitable style. After the interval, Gemma gave the stage over to Simon on acoustic guitar and his wife, Tara, on vocals for one of their own songs then Tara joined the band providing essential backing vocals for GIMME SHELTER. Simon’s bass and Will Halsey’s drums drove the rhythm brilliantly along with the expertise of Mark “He’s the Daddy” Dorsett on rhythm guitar and occasional lead. Main lead guitar was provided by the awesome Lawrence Penfold who really made that guitar sing! Last but by no means least was the symphony-writing Mark Harris on keyboard with ivory tickling to match the likes of Jools Holland.

I’m new to the Blues scene so the band members names may mean far more to any Blues aficionados reading this than they did to me but I can definitely say the gig was a fantastic musical experience greatly appreciated by everyone in the audience. You would do well to go see them, if you have the chance, or book them for your own venue!"