JUDGING by his awesome display of musical dexterity in JJ Smyth's last night it may be hard to keep Ben Prevo - a man many refer to as the best kept secret on the Irish blues scene from moving on to greater things.
Prevo, who comes from New York, arrived in Ireland about five years ago and, since then, has amassed quite a following among blues fans here. He learnt his trade playing as a side man for some established artists in both America and Europe and he brings many of the influences he was exposed to along the way to his own entertaining brand of the blues.
His guitar work in JJ Smyth's, which was punctuated with passages of swing, slow blues, funk, jazz, rock and the modern, urban blues variety, was crafted together with a touch of real class. Prevo's ability to draw so effortlessly from so many sources constantly proved to be the strength behind his set.
There were many highlights during a memorable performance which included some outstanding R&B tunes. Prevo also covered a number of songs from the recently released Irish Blues Club 40 Shades of Blue CD. Quite a few Irish Blues Club members played during Prevo's second set which, in fact, turned into a very lively jam session. However, the slow, soulful and sweet solo - one that really got under the skin from Prevo on Can I Do Anything stole the show.
You can catch Ben Prevo in the International Bar every Sunday night at about 9.30 and at a selection of other venues around the country. He has also recorded a number of songs which appear on the 40 Shades of Blue CD.