Edward MacLean Blue Touch Paper at Kings Place, March 2012 Photo credit: Patrick Hadfield. All rights Reserved

Patrick Hadfield writes: Colin Town’s new Anglo-German band Blue Touch Paper had their first UK gig in The Base series of Saturday nights at Kings Place on March 10th, playing tracks from their new debut album, Stand Well Back.

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Colin Towns Blue Touch Paper at Kings Place, March 2012 Photo credit: Patrick Hadfield. All rights Reserved



Colin Towns (above) led from the keyboards, playing electric piano and samples – and on one number, singing – in a complex amalgam of styles, from solo piano through to full blown jazz-rock. The subtle electric bass playing of Edward MacLean (top picture) carried the band along….

Chris Montague Blue Touch Paper at Kings Place, March 2012 Photo credit: Patrick Hadfield. All rights Reserved

whilst Chris Montague added texture and depth from his guitar.

Mark Lockheart Blue Touch Paper at Kings Place, March 2012 Photo credit: Patrick Hadfield. All rights Reserved

The dominant soloing voice was that of Mark Lockheart, who delivered intense playing on clarinet and saxophones. On drums and percussion were te powerhouse of  Benny Greb and Stephan Maass There different styles and strong personalities in Blue Touch Paper, combining to produce a powerful and cohesive sound.

For forthcoming tour dates see www.bluetouchpaper.com