THE RUNNER BROTHERS
Parliament Hill Bandstand

THE Runner Brothers natural stage is a darkened pub in Kentish Town: it’s where Brian Connell and his rhythm ‘n’ blues ensemble have made their names for the past couple of decades.
Camden’s pub circuit has been graced by the mainstays of the Brothers – vituoso lead guitar and Jimmy Page sound-a-like Ian McKean and front man Brian Connell, whose punchy vocals give the rock ‘n’ roll show a sense of hyper urgency. Throw in his son, Jim Connell, on drums who holds it altogether, and you have a band of the highest order.
And when the Brothers transferred their stomping jive music from beer halls to the fresh air of Parliament Hill, they had sunbathers off their blankets and on their feet for a Sunday afternoon work out.
Their repertoire is the American standards we all know: this was one of the reasons hundreds gathered on the south flank of Parliament Hill and roared them on to five encores. Kicking off with classics like Be-Bop-A-Lula and Kansas City, it was what a bemused Heath constable described as “nice work if you can get it”. The irony of an officer working his Sunday shift watching good natured revellers wasn’t missed.
The Brothers have a good pedigree: Jim first started gigging with his dad when he was still a pupil at Acland Burghley – he is now 32 and the set has changed little. His precise rhythms give the rest of the band a starting point, while his intricate use of the high hat and snare give the band a harmonious feel.
Pianist Dan Roberts, of Highgate Newtown, adds to the sound, while in the past, horns for a full on R ‘n’ B feel. Charlie Harty is on the bass and he too has fitted seamlessly into the line up.
Finishing with Long Tall Sally, many of the dancers in the heat were keen to go on – but given the red faces and burnt limbs about, perhaps it was lucky this free concert lasted just over two hours, and no longer.