Jimmy Regal & The Royals are a South London based Blues trio with a difference. They are made up of Jeff Watkins (Vocals /Harmonica/Guitar), C.J Williams (Guitar) & Sammy Samuels (Drums).

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The first thing you will notice is there is no bass. Williams creates the foundations with his rhythmic guitar playing, Watkins supports frequently making his harmonica the second lead instrument. The music draws heavily from Mississippi Blues and New Orleans R & B, what gives it an original feel is the incorporation of West African rhythms which are supplied by Samuels.

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The band also display a Canvey Island connection. Snap Back is their 4th studio outing since forming in 2017. They have garnered a strong support and received many Blues accolades and been nominated for Blues band of the year and album of the year by the UK Blues Federation.

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Snap Back has plenty of diversity and colour, if raw Blues is your thing this is for you. It is fun, real and unpretentious. The slow Blues of ‘Don’t Try’ is one of the albums standout moments with its Jazzy elements.

It is an enjoyable listen but it won’t be anywhere near my top albums of the year. that is not a reflection of the music on offer, it is more down to my personal tastes. Give it a listen and be entertained and surprised.