Many years ago, I saw Cuban Heels play for the first time and was completely blown away by their infectious, gritty music.
In the years that followed, I attended several of their concerts and acquired all of their CDs. What a sound, what passion, and what power!
Unfortunately, the band called it quits a few years later, leaving their many fans at home and abroad stunned and, above all, saddened…
Last February 2025, the band made a comeback of sorts with a brand new album. The best songs from their four albums were collected on the LP “In a Hong Kong Drizzle on Cuban Heels” (from a lyric by Tom Waits, from which the band took its name).
This new record features ten remastered tracks plus one new song: a brilliant rendition of the spiritual “Grace of God” by The Consolers. Cuban Heels proves to be a unique band in the Dutch blues scene.
Founder Arnoud van den Berg is paying tribute to Twente’s best blues band ever with a book. On Sunday, February 16th, Van den Berg released his first book, “Hoboblues,” along with the album. But besides the book and album, there were also a few gigs planned!
There turned out to be two: last June at the Ribs & Blues festival in Raalte and, of course, at our own Nix (read: Laadperron) in Enschede.
The Nix is not just a venue but also an institution where many of the band members have felt and still feel completely at home. And of course, it remains a band from our region!
Well, Sunday, October 12th is the day: the Cuban Heels are back at the Nix!
The opening act is an intriguing duo consisting of Texas harmonica player Greg Izor and the super-talented guitarist Harm van Essen.
It couldn’t be better, I think.
Izor and van Essen have known each other for a while, having worked on several projects together. It’s wonderful to see how they complement and trust each other.
In a very relaxed half hour, we’re treated to blues in its purest form. Greg has a wonderful voice, and his virtuoso harmonica playing perfectly complements Harmen’s excellent guitar skills.
Dynamic Louisiana swamp blues and Austin soul—this is a real treat.
After a quick changeover, it’s time for Cuban Heels. The audience, drawn not only from the neighborhood but from all corners of the Netherlands and beyond, is eager to get started.
Some apt words to describe Cuban Heels’ music are gritty, authentic, and soulful. The band combines garage blues with raw soul and gospel influences.
Cuban Heels also drew inspiration from Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, The Red Devils, and later The Black Keys, but also flirted with the swampy sound of Tom Waits.
The band, formed in the late 80s, has seen many changes, but today we have frontman Jan Hidding, drummer Chiel ten Vaarwerk, harmonica player Richard Koster, guitarist Raymond Nijenhuis, and bassist Roelof Klijn ready to go.
One long set follows, a set full of steaming, grooving songs we can all sing along to. Fat, pumping harmonica sounds, truly fiery guitar work, a super-tight rhythm section, and then there’s Jan Hidding…
He’s barely changed, has the same presence, the same moves, and still sets the room on fire with his, dare I say it, even better vocals.
The Cuban Heels completely turned the Laadperron upside down! Over The Moon, Dig Me A Hole, Rosie, As I Holler… they all made an appearance.
Supplemented by classics like Don’t Owe You A Thing, Leavin’ Trunk, and I Got Mine.
A brilliant setlist! Never slackening off, only in fast-forward mode. Five top-notch musicians who truly gave it their all and more. You can see below that there was no loss of sound, feeling, or vibe!
Still just as (or even more?) steamy and raunchy, swampy and gritty, to name a few. What matters is passion and playing from your toes. The joy of playing.
It has to be felt; as a spectator, you have to be sucked into a flow of rhythms and groove. Losing yourself (or daring to), getting lost in the music. Enjoying yourself with like-minded people. Well, that’s how I see it.
No one can deny that it was a huge party. Fans say it’s the best they’ve ever seen from the band.
Will the CH return? Who knows. But when they do, we’ll definitely be right there at the front.
