Mike Sanchez has played Burnley many times before, both with and without the Big Town Playboys. This time he had promised something really special.
Launching straight into 'Driftin' it was almost like turning the clock back 15 years as the 7 piece piece band rocked along behind him, including former Playboys Andy Silvester and Al Nicholls on guitar and tenor respectivley.
The rest of the band were all luminaries of the UK blues scene and played like they'd been together a lifetime, After a couple more numbers including the excellent 'Kiddio' and 'Undecided fool', the first of the special guests were brought on - and special they were too!
The three man Extraordinaires ran on to tumultuous applause and launched straight into an early 50's Doo Wop routine with a superb version of the Flairs/Rams 'Rockbottom'. With their great vocals, zoot suits and nifty footwork, they had the crowd standing with their first number!
The next guest was Imelda Clabby and this young stunner won the crowd over straight away with a great version of Lavern Bakers 'Voodoo Voodoo' before launching into a solid duet with Sanchez on 'Let The Good Times Roll' - and roll they did as the third guest Paul Ansell was introduced.
Another unknown name (to us), Paul proved that he has what it takes on a scorching version of James Brown's 'I'll Go Crazy' - Not too many people can get away with JB numbers, but this was superb - not least on account of the great band.
This was the theme for the rest of the show, Mike and the band doing a couple of numbers, then each of the guests reappearing in turn for a couple more.
Standouts were Imelda on another Lavern Baker number, 'Act Right', the Extraordinaires on more Doo Wop classics - the bum-grabbing ballad 'Heart Of A Fool' and 'Do You Wanna Jump' on which they really did - all over the stage! Where do they get that energy?

The finale and also the highlight of the show was a stunning version of Chuck Berry's 'Almost Grown' with Mike doing the lead and the Extraordinaires - joined by Imelda and Paul providing note perfect backing vocals.
What a performance!
-- Tony Watson