It was on a Friday night, some 39 years ago, that I first saw and heard Barrelhouse play. It was crowded during the forerunner of the Bluesfestival Utrecht, but I quickly managed to get to the front of the stage. Tineke’s voice, the guitar work of the brothers John and Guus that you immediately feel, the piano playing of Han, the percussion of Bob, Jan Willem on the bass, it made something in me. And following the band was born. I was lucky enough to attend a performance in de Peppel in Zeist before the Corona era. There was only 32 people in the audience. But it was a wonderful evening and I went home with a signed “Almost There” album. The key to 45 years of performing and touring successfully together is to give each other space. Then the nominations and awards come as a reward. To be able to add an Edison Jazz/World to the list in 2020. Then the title “Almost There “will become reality, what you are looking for can also be found just around the corner.
