Americans sure favour a big show and, at three hours long, the Festival Of The Blues 2 was no exception.

However, sometimes big isn't always best and, with a style like the blues, delivering its unbridled, raw approach requires it be kept tightly together to avoid the risk of losing itself and the audience. Sadly, this show was not the best example.

The first half was slow and it there was time to kill from the beginning.

Michael Roach, called in to fill for guitarist Louisiana Red, was slow to find his way to the stage.

To begin with, there was nothing much about Michael's style of guitar playing that made an impact and his singing was hard to get around.

However, towards the end of his set, he began to perk up with a country and western twang in a classic call-and-response ditty called Jesus Was Born On The Last Month.

The highlight of the show followed with Otis Grand and his red-hot Big Blues Band who stole the show.

His electric guitar-playing picked up the pace of the evening and his accompanying band, especially the horns, were bursting with energy and feeling.

Nicknamed Mamma Dee by the rest of the gang, female vocalist Deitra Farr was next with her energy-driven Chicago Blues. Her strong and playful vocals were best showcased on I'm Feeling Good which was lively and sought to involve the audience a little more.

The last set came from blues guitar legend Bobby Parker. Despite his colourful Little Richard look, his guitar playing failed to make as bold an impact.

To its credit, the festival was a reminder that true music is still alive.

Although no space to dance and a reserved Worthing audience didn't help, one thing they can learn from playing in the UK is that, unlike America, less is more.