IF ever there was a night to prove to the doubters that the church of the Blues is broad one indeed, then Saturday night at Colne Muni was probably it.

The organisers of the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival had stated from the outset they wanted to involve more female artists into the event which this year celebrates its 28th consecutive year.

And so the Muni became girl power HQ for the evening with three diverse artists showcasing their own individual take on the Blues.

First up was Belfast’s Kaz Hawkins and her band – winners of this year’s European Blues Challenge. You can see why the judges were knocked out by this firecracker of a performer. In trademark Fifties’ style dress and with multi-coloured petticoats flying, she unleashed a real powerhouse of a show.

But Kaz is no Blues shouter. Sure her voice has power aplenty but there’s also a richness and a warmth which saw the set range from gospel to rockabilly.

And beneath the high energy performance – at one point her belt decided it had had enough with her cavorting around the stage – there was also a charming vulnerability.

MC for the night Lisa Mills, then introduced Jo Harman who, for me, produced the most interesting and also the bravest set of the night.

Possessing a voice of rare quality, Harman’s set ranged from an almost jazz-like beginning through to soul and funk much of it tinged with a feel of the Seventies.

A cover of Papa Was A Rolling Stone and When We Were Young from her recent album People We Become were particular highlights.

Headlining the night was Grammy-nominated Janiva Magness making a rare appearance in the UK.

With a great band behind her, including a guest appearance from husband T J Norton on harmonica, she demonstrated why she’s a former winner of the entertainer of the year title in the States, having a great rapport with the audience in between songs.

These songs again ranged from a Bo Diddley cover to uptempo party numbers, all delivered in consummate style by one of the best female Blues singers around.

Once again, the main stage at Colne proved how much the Blues has to offer.