The Lake Angels Soul Festival moves into the second day with a fresh group of musicians up on the stage keeping the large crowd happy and amused. Torrential rain earlier on in the evening turned the field into a muddy trap for the unwary dancer but luckily the sky had cleared by the time the sun went down so the music could continue quite happily into the night. A mixed bunch this evening on the stage – first off – The Beagles – the cut down version of the Jacks Pack band fronted by Geoff Collins-White, now a trio with Jack Nannini on guitar and Keane on Irish drum. A new set of songs and at only there second official outing (first outing here) The Beagles still have to gain some confidence in playing some of them but overall they moved the tempo up ready for the main event this evening – the arrival on stage of the London band, The T-Jays.

[Click here for slideshow]

[Click here for slideshow]

Joe Lead vocals and Percussion | Ted Guitar Backing Vocals | Jeremy Guitar Backing Vocals

Singer Joe is an actor whose film credits include Gladiator – due to his mellifluous voice and uncanny Elvis impersonations, he goes by the stage name of Hovis Presley – to be seen to be believed. The babe-magnet of the group, without a doubt.

When lead guitarist Ted Rees isn’t saving the financial world from IT disaster, you can find him behind his trademark Taylor acoustic kicking out the calibre of melodic lead work that Dave Gilmour certainly doesn’t.

His ability to improvise is legendary as is his penchant for brown M&Ms. Solid as a rock, he’s the true backbone of the trio.

Rhythm guitarist Jeremy White can be found in Barga from time to time, as his old man fronted the  blues combo Jack’s Pack – now transformed in the Beagles – and Jeremy’s been known to step up for some serious backing vocals – just to help babbo out of course.

Taught to play guitar by Geoff’s brother Trevor – the extraordinary axeman of former Sparks fame (who’s also graced the same stage this evening with The Beagles ) – Jeremy never looked forward and has steadfastly continued to make the same charismatic mistakes that have now become his modus operandi. Harmonies are one of the group’s specialities.

“When they sing together, I want to cry.” – Tony Bennett.

They think it was a compliment, but are not sure.

T-Jays play the Lake Angels 2007 | 2008 |

From the barganews archives: on this day..

• Aldo Castellani photography - 2010
• The watermills of Barga - book presentation - 2009
• Opening night Soul Festival - huge success - 2008
• Midnight Market in Barga Giardino - 2007