The second show of 2026 at the Tuesday Night Music Club once again required the ‘sold out’ signs to be figuratively erected. This time for the Kyla Brox Band. Judging by the quality of the artistes and bands advertised for the rest of the year, Richard may want to start printing those signs in bulk.
I’m no stranger to Kyla Brox and her husband Danny Blomeley, having previously seen them both many times both as an acoustic duo and as a full band. Blues and soul are woven together seamlessly in Kyla Brox’s performances, and with accolades including UK Blues Challenge winner (2018), European Blues Challenge champion (2019), Best Female Vocalist at the European Blues Awards (2019), and multiple International Blues Challenge semi-final appearances, she sits comfortably at the very top of the UK blues tree.
As the daughter of the late cult blues legend Victor Brox, Kyla began her career in her father’s band as a twelve-year-old girl and has since carved her own unique sound. Her critically acclaimed albums Throw Away Your Blues and Pain & Glory (nominated for Best Album in both the UK and European Blues Awards), along with two or three very popular live albums, prove that talent clearly runs in the family, along with exceptional musical taste.
Tonight’s lineup featured Kyla front and centre on vocals and occasionally some very impressive flute playing, Danny Blomeley holding down the bass, Paul Farr delivering spellbinding guitar work, and Luke Flowers powering the rhythm section on drums. The Manchester-based band were wrapping up the final night of a European tour, having played Belgium the previous evening and having travelled all day to make it here. Frankly, if I’d done that journey, I’d have wanted a large rum and coke and a sleep rather than delivering a full-on blues masterclass.
Kyla’s voice remains tender, urgent, gritty, and capable of making grown adults emotional over a single lyric. Combined with Paul Farr’s fluid guitar, Danny Blomeley’s inspired bass lines, and Luke Flowers’ rock-solid drumming, the result was a performance that was powerful, uplifting, and occasionally jaw-dropping.
What we witnessed as an audience was musicianship at its very best, with every member of the band fully committed, digging deep, and delivering a powerhouse of a show. The standing ovation at the end of the second set was richly deserved and rewarded with a stunning rendition of Hallelujah, prompting the audience to rise once more in collective appreciation and possibly mild disbelief at how good it all was.
A completely independent artist, Kyla Brox has built her career the old-fashioned way: from grassroots pub gigs to headlining major blues festivals around the world. If this show is anything to go by, the only thing growing faster than her fanbase is the demand for those ‘Sold Out’ signs.
Many thanks to Richard Dunning for a superb evening, Mike on the sound desk, John on the door and the most excellent bar staff. Thanks also to the TNMC audience who, collectively with their enthusiasm and friendship, made this a very special evening indeed.
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