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Maggie Bell & Dave Kelly, Tivoli, Wimborne

What a treat! A brilliant if slightly eccentric evening was on offer as veteran British blues guitarist Dave Kelly teamed up with powerhouse Glaswegian vocalist ( and, as she cheerily admitted, fellow bus pass owner) Maggie Bell.

Kelly's musical intelligence, honed from decades of playing with everyone from Howlin' Wolf to the Blues Band and Bell's stunning vocals - a wild beast tamed by timing, phrasing and a deep understanding of the material she delivers - make for an awesome combination.

Though far from flawless (the show occasionally veered from the sublime to the downright ragged), when they hit their stride they really delivered, showing what every true artist knows: you never win the big stakes if you don't take the gamble.

The songs paid tribute to everyone from Ray Charles to Otis Redding, Bonnie Raitt to Willie Nelson and Memphis Minnie to Mississippi Fred McDowell.

There were anecdotes too about Glaswegian muggers, coke-snorting bridesmaids and Muddy Waters sinking a pint or two in a Surrey pub.

Almost as fascinating was Bell's extravagant hairdo - a massive perm teased into place that very morning by a Wimborne hairdresser "next to the Pizza Parlour."

The vast mane however proved a little too warm in the evening humidity. Bell re-emerged after the interval with her hair "up".

Robert Plant to potted plant in 15 minutes.

Quite an achievement!

10:01am Monday 12th May 2008

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