# For the fifth time, Engel Blues was held in Oss at the Groene Engel – 5th Angel Blues: Photos

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2025/12/24/for-the-fifth-time-engel-blues-was-held-in-oss-at-the-groene-engel-5th-angel-blues-photos/
- Published: 2025-12-24T11:53:25+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**The fifth edition of Engel Blues in Oss offered a fantastic program with performances
by Erika Baier, José Ramirez, Shakedown Tim, and Danny Bryant. Van Tastik and Richville
played on the café stage. A varied, energetic festival day full of strong blues 
performances.**

This year, due to Heath’s cancellation, the main stage featured an entirely international
lineup: Erika Baier from Sweden, José Ramirez from Costa Rica, Shakedown Tim from
Belgium, and the headliner, Danny Bryant from Great Britain.

Performing on the small stage in the café were Van Tastik from the United States(
who live in the Netherlands) and, last but not least, the Dutch band Richville.

[⌊Engel Blues Festival | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Engel Blues Festival | Photography
Marco van Rooijen⌉[

The blues volunteers at De Groene Engel had seen her at Blues@theFactory and were
so impressed that they asked the programmer to bring her to Oss.

She was accompanied by Blues@theFactory’s regular house band. Her set was excellent–​​
a wide variety of styles, and Harm van Essen regularly let loose on his guitar.

Towards the end, it became a bit more rock ‘n’ roll with Big Mama’s Hound Dog and
her own song Shake Your Bones. That style suits her voice well.

She might not have Big Mama’s vibrancy, but she does have the power. I love her 
voice: not that crispness that many women have, but warm and with a punch where 
it deserves.

A fantastic start to the festival.

[⌊Van Tastik | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Van Tastik | Photography Marco van
Rooijen⌉[

The festival was structured in such a way that after a concert in the main hall,
a small band would start in the café—starting with Van Tastik.

The Dark Reverend Van Tastik is a globetrotting troubadour and was in Oss today.

His music is a beautiful blend of various styles; you’ll hear blues, but sometimes
also Spanish influences.

Van Tastik makes modern, dark blues with raw energy and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll
theater

[⌊José Ramirez | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊José Ramirez | Photography Marco
van Rooijen⌉[

Meanwhile, José Ramirez was soundchecking in the main hall. From the start with 
The Hunter, José has always been a force to be reckoned with.

What a fantastic showman – you can’t miss him. He comes onstage playing, and his
usual rounds through the audience were never missed. The crowd loved it. Besides
José, keyboardist Jeroen van Helsdingen also got to show off his class.

[⌊Erika Baier | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Erika Baier | Photography Marco van
Rooijen⌉[

José closed the set with two covers. The first was Prince’s Purple Rain. Unfortunately,
his voice had a nasty reverb; his voice has plenty of body and really doesn’t need
it – and neither does the song, for that matter.

The guitar solo, however, made up for everything. What class he has. The closing
track was a cover, and I think “Why Can’t We Live Together” wasn’t necessary in 
such a short set; it’s not really suitable for a festival.

[⌊Shakedown Tim | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Shakedown Tim | Photography Marco
van Rooijen⌉[

The organizers had added a longer break to the program – a great way to stretch 
your legs and grab a bite to eat in town or at home.

We were back in plenty of time for the evening’s substitute, and that’s certainly
not meant in a negative way: Shakedown Tim had been asked to play at the last minute
because Heath had to cancel their performance due to unforeseen circumstances.

[⌊Danny Bryant | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Danny Bryant | Photography Marco
van Rooijen⌉[

But what a band they were! Tim had brought along none other than Steven Troch, his
old buddy from the bands Fried Bourbon and Half a Bottle, to play harmonica. It 
was a fantastic show, featuring mainly classic blues from the 40s and 50s – both
covers and original songs.

Highlights included Steven Troch’s sung “9 Below Zero” and the beautiful tribute
to the Belgian blues musician Tiny Legs Tim, who died far too young: “Tiny Legs,
Big Soul!”

[⌊Van Tastik | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Van Tastik | Photography Marco van
Rooijen⌉[
 In the overcrowded and warm café, Richville was the next band. Richville
is a Dutch duo consisting of Richard van Bergen (vocals & guitar) and Jody van Ooijen(
drums & percussion).

Close your eyes, and you won’t notice there are only two musicians. If you enjoy
an honest, unpolished blues sound, Richville is highly recommended.

[⌊Richville | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Richville | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉[

Richard van Bergen was clearly enjoying himself; he gave some great comments between
songs to the audience and volunteer Liesbeth van Hal.

The first set was tight, and at the end, there was even time for a quick Chuck Berry
performance.

[⌊Danny Bryant | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Danny Bryant | Photography Marco
van Rooijen⌉[

Danny Bryant is back – and how! He’s become Bryant 2.0. He’s lost a lot of weight
and hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol in two years. I last saw him in 2024 at Luxor
Live in Arnhem.

Back then, he looked rather apathetic on stage. How much has changed! The band has
a lot of fun, they often play next to each other and laugh a lot on stage.

![Danny Bryant | Photography Marco van Rooijen](https://i0.wp.com/live.staticflickr.
com/65535/54915071961_ca181ce7c0_c.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

Of course, we all know his harder songs, but perhaps his calmer songs are even better
live. What a beautiful song, Guntown remains.

Second guitarist Marc Raner traded his electric guitar for an acoustic, while Danny
poured all his emotion into the solo. The new song The Enemy Inside, about his drinking
problem, was also very impressive.

![Engel Blues Festival | Photography Marco van Rooijen](https://i0.wp.com/live.staticflickr.
com/65535/54914208162_b8470d55d7_c.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

The highlight remains Painkiller – what a beautiful build-up that song has. The 
piano piece in the middle even brought the audience in Oss (almost) to silence.

Conclusion: this 5th edition of Engel Blues was once again a strong one. Not established
acts like Erika Baier, but also a top-notch act.

Among them were established names that gave the festival the right variety. Hopefully,
this festival will remain a permanent fixture on the Groene Engel calendar.

[⌊José Ramirez | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊José Ramirez | Photography Marco
van Rooijen⌉[

 

[⌊Shakedown Tim | Photography Marco van Rooijen⌉⌊Shakedown Tim | Photography Marco
van Rooijen⌉[

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