Taking my own advice, this weekend I didn’t let Sunday night slide by and I filled it with another free gig.

This time we went over to Kempt Town to a bar called The Ranelagh Arms. They claim to play the best blues in Brighton every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and so has been on our list of places to check out for a while.

The pub was just how we pictured it to be – decked out in wood, guitars and memorabilia on the walls and a fire to keep things cosy. The staff were friendly and there was even a dog running around chasing a bottle top. The only thing missing was a layer of thick smoke to set the atmosphere – but hey it’s against the law so I won’t hold it against them!

The band that were playing were called Smokestack and I have to admit, I only thought to see them because their name sounded cool! Apparently only two of the trio were playing, but if they hadn’t told me I would never have known. The band were perfect for a Sunday – foot tapping, but not to raucous or lively. They played what I call the happy type of blues which is really accessible to anyone (if you’re a blues fan or not) and the lead had a really gentle voice that really relaxes you.

So while they were really good, I wouldn’t have described them as amazing – until they played their final song. The lead took to the stage on his own and using only his harmonica, he played a song that I can only describe as half song, half train – it was excellent but so hard to explain that you’ll just have to go and see them for yourselves!