Juicy Lucy @ The Archer, Jesmond, Monday 16 May 2005 How would you describe the music of Juicy Lucy to the uninitiated? Progressive-jazzy-blues? Psychedelic-blues-rock? Or even ‘cheeky blues’ perhaps, as some punters have ventured. To people who loath the categorisation of musical styles however, Juicy Lucy are the perfect example why. Formed from the ashes of John Peel favourites, The Misunderstood, at the back end of the 1960s, Juicy Lucy broke onto the scene with their self-titled debut album, and a top 20 hit. | "You can’t do anything without an audience. They are why we are here. They wanted it, and we gave it to them. Without people, there is no point." | | Ray Owen's thoughts on the evening |
Music indifferences, and a clash of personalities, saw them release four albums during this period, none of which contained the exact same line-up, and the band called it a day in 1972 after falling album sales. Original When original Lucy singer, Ray Owen, took to the stage at The Archer, Jesmond, with yet another new line-up of the band, it made you wonder where he’d been for the last 30-odd years. A tall, weary frame, wearing an old black baseball cap, leather jacket, fiery red t-shirt, and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, he looked like a man who’d been on tour non-stop since 1969. Maybe he had. Judging by the small attendance at the venue, it would appear that there are not many people who really know who Ray Owen is, let alone what he has been up to over the years, since that sparkling Juicy Lucy debut many moons ago.
 | | On Guitar: Mr. Fish |
The lack of numbers did not faze the band, however, and this was the true beauty of the show. Launching into set opener Free Man with zest and vigour, there could have been 20,000 people present, and you get the feeling that the gig would have been met with the same passion from the band. Blistering Mississippi Woman had a blistering piece of slide playing from the curiously named Mr. Fish on guitar, a man who wouldn’t have looked out of place playing the guitar in a British heavy metal outfit. The band were really beginning to warm up by the time of their third track, Pretty Women, with its driving bass line and Owen’s lament for something rather more sweeter in life than sharing a room with his hairy band mates.
 | | On bass: Fudge |
The old Bo Diddley classic, Who Do You Love? was attacked with high-octane ferocity. A squeeling wah-wah intro was interrupted by Owen’s bluesy screams. There was no let up at this gig. No quiet moments, or subtle passages. It was in-your-face from the beginning. They may only have been playing a shortened 45 minute set, but there was hardly time to breathe. "Keep music alive", was Owen’s reply to an enthusiastic room, as the band kicked off with Freedom, a song that included a brutal drum solo that drew a huge cheer from the crowd. Appreciating the response, drummer Fletch drank to the audience, by downing a pint without missing a beat. Assault The band finished with Talk To Me. “It’s about when you’re alone, and you want someone to talk to,” Owen explained. A poignant theme perhaps, but this was no sorrowful, cry for help, but rather an angry assault on the breakdown of communication.
 | | On drums: Fletch |
The audience cried out for more, but the sound curfew had beaten us. Grabbing a quick chat with Ray Owen after the show, I asked him how he thought it went: “Extremely well. They were a terrific audience. You can’t do anything without an audience. They are why we are here. They wanted it, and we gave it to them. Without people, there is no point.” And what about your plans after the tour? “If all is going well, then we may go into a studio and do some recording. We’ll have to wait and see.” Let’s just hope it’s sooner rather than later, when we hear of Ray Owen and the band again. If you’re still searching for the best way to categorise Juicy Lucy, an ‘exceptional night of live music’ is perhaps the most apt. Setlist 1. Free Man
2. Mississippi Woman
3. Pretty Women
4. Silver Bird
5. Saturday Night
6. Who Do You Love?
7. Freedom
8. Talk To Me Your comments Caroline N
I saw Juicy Lucy at Cleethorpes Beachcomber and thought they were great! Loved Ray's superb vocals (even though he had a sore throat)and the band really rocked! deepindercheema@yahoo.co.uk
I rate this line-up of Juicy Lucy, Ray Owen is the only black man of his generation to be playing what I call an informed rock music,which when I think of the break through that hendrix made, I find remarkable. Both men knew each other. Ray is a very good guitar player and has plenty of tasteful moves.Give then your support,they are gigging now in early 2006.You will be pleasantly surprised, I was. Sandie
I experienced Juicy Lucy at the Cavern in Liverpool earlier this year. Wow! An American on a Beatles Pilgrimage and discovered a sound I'll never forget. Their warm-up alone was beyond impressive. Their personalities were electric! Fun! Bob Nicholas
I have been a fan of JL since they started and have all the vinyl. Only just discovered they are touring again so hope to see them at The Brook in Southampton. steve
going to see them in Taunton in a few weeks! looking forward to it! rod coombes
where's micky and paul and chris and glen-that was a GREAT band right? Steven Redpath.
You said it all there Rahul ! Lets hope we see more from these guys, top draw !!! | 
