This week sees the plethora of musical talent which is the Naughty Rhythms Tour 2001 arrive at the Fairfield.

Canned Heat, Dr Feelgood, The Kursaal Flyers and John Otway have been touring since the beginning of November and have been winning critical acclaim in venues as far apart as Hastings and Warrington. It may not exactly be in the same league as the Rolling Stones or Pink Floyd but between them the four acts have more than 100 years of touring experience.

Canned Heat first found fame when they played the Woodstock Festival and topped the charts with hits On The Road Again and Let's Work Together.

Not only did they influence bands such as Lynard Skynard, Little Feet and ZZ Top, they have collaborated with blues legend John Lee Hooker on his Grammy winning album The Healer, as well as working with John Mayall and Little Richard.

Closer to home Dr Feelgood hail from Canvey Island and have now been around for more than 25 years. The early days saw a string of hits including Roxette and Milk and Alcohol as well as the chart topping album Stupidity.

Dr Feelgood were dealt a cruel blow in 1994 when founder member and vocalist Lee Brilleaux died. The album they recorded just before he died, The Feelgood Factor, was chosen by Tony Parsons as his record Of the week in the Daily Telegraph.

Now with former Animals frontman Robert Kane on vocals, the Feelgoods are as good as ever.

This is the first time for 20 years that the Kursaal Flyers have toured yet they have an awesome reputation on the pub rock scene and they always guarantee a good gig.

Last, but by no means least, is John Otway who needs no introduction. His reputation as one of the world's worst musicians, with a career which spans almost 25 hitless years just about sums him up.

What he lacks in musical talent he makes up for with comedy, so expect a very funny set from him.

For times and prices of The Naughty Rhythms Tour 2001 see the listings.

Gareth Foreman

November 30, 2001 14:31