December 2015

Review Date January 28, 2012 Review By Alan Harrison Location Cluny II, Newcastle I shouldn’t have been too surprised to find a queue stretching down three flights of stairs to the basement of Cluny II following Madison Violet’s fantastic performance last year at the tiny Central Bar. All of the seats were full and people were still filing in when Rebecca Pronsky and her guitarist Rich Bennett took to the stage, with the New Yorker chatting non-stop as she tuned her guitar. The duo filled the 45 minute support slot very well with a quaint mix of folk and country-noir that was missing “something;’ possibly the rest of her band. Bennett’s slick guitar playing lifted most of the songs, but a few still felt as if they needed padding out a little bit. Perhaps that was just me. Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac aka Madison Violet made their North East debut last year as part of the Jumpin’ Hot Clubs 25th Anniversary Celebrations and “stole the show’ when they performed before 150 or so people in a room designed for 80! Looking around the room everyone who had been there that night appeared to have brought along two friends tonight. The set opened with a gorgeous version of “If I Could Love You” from the recent THE GOOD IN GOODBYE album which was followed by “The Ransom” from 2009’s NO FOOL FOR TRYING. As the evening progressed I soon became engrossed with the girls’ skills with their instruments as I was already in love with the songs anyway. Lisa’s fiddle and mandolin playing could easily win her awards at folk festivals and Brenley’s guitar skills would be shouted from the rooftops if she was a man; but she isn’t so I’ll not mention it again. Already impressed I was open-mouthed when Lisa managed to swap her mandolin for the fiddle without missing a beat during “Never Saw The Ending.” Come on-that’s impressive! It always amuses me when “pretty young things’ write “heartbreakers’ but McEachan’s story leading up to “Stuck In A Love” made it actually sound believable; but I still think she was using some artistic license in there too. Madviolet then managed to delight me with a pretty radical version of one of my favourite songs-“Come As You Are” which, with Brenley’s slightly gravelly voice and raspy harmonica had a bit of a Neil Young vibe to it tonight which is no bad thing in my book. By this stage in the show Mrs H would playfully nudge me whenever the girls implemented their very own Shadows step-over/dance during the quiet bits in songs. It took a while and I was even starting to think that they might be going to keep it for the encore as it’s so good; but when Lisa started telling a story about a grandmother who used to be a lighthouse keeper I began grinning like a ninny. On first hearing “Christy Ellen Francis” last year it instantly went into my Top 10 songs of all time and after tonight’s magical version it will stay there until my memory finally gives up. For some reason I’m a sucker for a love song and this ode to a 100-year-old grandmother makes me come out in goosebumps every time I hear it; so seeing and hearing Madison Violet perform it only feet away from me was a delight I’ll never forget. The girls performed another couple of songs but they paled into insignificance compared to that opus; until the final song of the evening-“The Good In Goodbye” which was the perfect finish to a wonderful performance. Following a noisy standing ovation Madviolet returned to sing a delicate song about another tragic relationship; “No Fool For Trying” then turned the gas right up for the bluegrass foot stomper “Cindy-Cindy” that had the crowd clapping along with delight. Brenley and Lisa left the stage and were immediately swamped at the merch table by happy fans congratulating them in the best North Eastern fashion-buying stuff! Find out more at 

Review Date May 5, 2014 Review By Simon Redley Location Birmingham Town Hall Robert Cray is one of the most successful blues artists of the last four decades. Selling in excess of 20 million albums, a five time Grammy winner and 15 time nominee, he has no trouble getting bums on seats when he tours. The Robert Cray Band were back here for a 13 date 40th anniversary tour in May, and I caught their Birmingham Town Hall gig. All images credited to Simon Redley Robert’s childhood friend Richard Cousins alongside him on bass, Hammond and keyboard player Dover Weinberg and drummer Les Falconer are in his corner too. They are out there promoting his new record IN MY SOUL which dropped just over a month ago. The band played six of the 11 tracks from the CD, his 17th studio album, at the Birmingham show. The 15-song set list for the third date on their UK tour, gave the close to sell-out crowd everything they wanted to hear, apart from notable missing in action track, “Smoking Gun.”But we did get the classic “Right Next Door,” four songs in. His vocal chops are sounding as strong as back in the day, after 40 years of doing his thing, and always putting 110% emotion and passion into his singing and his playing on every performance. His playing still spine tingling, and like BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and a handful of other legendary guitarists, when he plays, you always know it is him. That cutting tone, those sweet soul licks, that biting attack. It’s all intact. No smoke, no mirrors, no fireworks, a plain black backdrop, a couple of pretty lights shone on top. The Robert Cray Band need no gimmicks. It is all about the music, and above all else; the feel. The star of the show for me tonight was Robert’s flippin’ amazing voice. His is a sweet soul marvel, a gift. His phrasing is so innate and natural. He also knows how to write or choose material that gives him a perfect vehicle for that voice to shine. Wearing a baggy white shirt outside a pair of black trousers, and his trade-mark sandals and bare feet. Richard Cousins by his side, stage right. They kick off with “Won’t Be Coming Home,” from the 2012 album “Nothin But Love,” and then “Poor Johnny,” from 2008’s “Twenty.”Another taken from the 21012 release is “I’ll Always Remember You,” and he is in fine voice. €œRight Next Door,” from the hit 1991 album “Strong Persuader,” sounds superb on the Sunburst Strat’ he changes to, and there’s a neat trick at the end of the song when he and the band fade themselves out, like on a record. For me, the inventive bass line on the original record from Richard makes this track, and tonight it is exactly as on the recording. He introduces us to his comrades, Cousins getting the loudest applause, before swapping back to the silver guitar for the 2008 track “It Doesn’t Show.” We wait until song six for anything from the new album, and it starts with the opening track, “You Move Me,” before the superb soul tune “Fine Yesterday,” also a new one. His vocal phrasing on the 1993 cut from “Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark,” the excellent “Don’t You Even Care,” is sizzling. He gets the first applause of the night for a guitar solo on that song. He squeezes every last ounce of emotion out of the neck of the guitar and from his vocal. They launch into the excellent “In My Soul,” album track “I Guess I’ll Never Know,” with Les singing harmony backing vocals. €œI Shiver,” taken from the 1996 release, “Shame + A Sin,” features some lovely brush strokes on piano and Hammond B3. An instrumental co-written by Robert and his pal of 45 years Richard Cousins, “Hip Tight Onions,” is a cheeky tribute to Booker T & The MGs, and their tracks “Hip Hug Her,” “Time Is Tight,” and “Green Onions.” “What Would You Say,” is also taken from the current album, on which he replicates a sitar sound on guitar. The final song is “Forecast Calls For Pain,” from the 1993 album “Midnight Stroll.,” Then the four join arms and take a bow to a standing ovation. The set list offers two more songs as an encore. We get another track from the current album, “Deep In My Soul,” a staple in the set list of the late great soul and blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland, and then “Blues Get Off My Shoulder,” a tune from his 2012 album. I personally would have liked a couple of incendiary up-tempo numbers to be sent off into the driving rain to. For every second of that 90 minute set, it was pure class from a timeless artist who just gets better. A real quadruple “threat,” as a guitarist and a singer to die for, a versatile songwriter and a performer who digs deep into his soul every time. Find out more at www.robertcray.com

Review Date March 6, 2015 Review By Nick Dalton Location 02 Indigo, London Kix Brooks is everything you’d expect him to be a rabble rousing ringleader of the songwriting community, kicking off with a cheery, arm-waving10-minute ramble about how he’d never wanted to be in a duo. How he and Ronnie Dunn (no keener) were persuaded to join forces by management as, after the demise of the Judds, there were no country duos left. Within days they’d written what turned out to be two hits, including Brand New Man, and the rest is history. That’s songwriting for you, and that’s what this evening was all about, combining engaging tales of success with the chance to hear hit compositions in an unplugged, informal setting. It’s like being at a big, corporate Bluebird Café with more expensive beer. Brooks launched in with Red Dirt Road, the duo’s 2003 hit, then watched as Clark introduced Miranda Lambert’s hit Mama’s Broken Heart (written by Clark and Kacey Musgraves), then watched as Brit heartthrob Sam Palladio, he of Nashville TV series fame, joined in. They all watched as husband and wife team Alexander and veteran singer/songwriter Randall did their bit. There’s a lot of watching goes on in songwriter circles, a lot of approving nodding of heads; only when Alexander was singing was there a second guitar, with virtuoso Randall coming in. It’s thoroughly entertaining seeing competitors in the business of selling songs trying, in the nicest possible way to outdo each other. “Another Blake Shelton” says Alexander, “Dierks Bentley” counters someone else, Kix with his own hits, including a pre-duo solo Sacred Ground, later a hit for McBride & The Ride. Palladio plays his impressive self-penned number Wake Me Up In Nashville, perhaps a hit to be, as he hints of a solo album. Alexander plays the trump card with I Drive Your Truck, not only a mega hit for Lee Brice but also voted CMA Song of the Year. The procession is broken by and the appearance of frenetic duo Striking Matches for one of their wild acoustic-country-meets-Hendrix workouts. Kix looks genuinely startled but normal service is soon resumed. For all the talk of hard drinking it’s a civilised affair; the gang get three rounds in but that’s songs rather than shots. It’s enough, though, to give the feel of having been behind the scenes of Music City. Nick Dalton Find out more at 

Review Date May 5, 2015 Review By Nick Dalton Location Union Chapel, Islington “It’s irony,” says Parker, greyer but no less wiry or pithy than he was 35 years ago. He’s talking about the billing. His label, Universal, apparently said it sounded like a working men’s club act with a performing dog. He points to Schwarz, wearing a black polo neck, and you can see the humour, raunchy roots rockers reinventing themselves as a not-really-acoustic duo. And he chuckles at how the label banned a competition to win a home concert in case they, well, went wild and broke something. This packed gig is part of a tour supporting the new album, MYSTERY GLUE, with the reformed and reunited Rumour before the full band heads out in the autumn. Parker plays acoustic for a bit then turns to electric, Schwarz is electric throughout, so this is far from a genteel acoustic event. And they’re certainly not sitting down. Parker’s music swings (as he tells us) and the evening does too. Whether it’s Flying Into London from the new album or Silly Thing from the 1976 debut HOWLIN’ WIND there’s a delicious warm and contented feel to it. Parker’s music in the punky 70s and glossy 80s occasionally tried to be something it wasn’t; here (and on the new album) there’s a relaxed yet still edgy groove. The gig is a happy trawl through the years. It’s gripping when Parker spits out Hey Lord Don’t Ask Me Questions (which becomes a singalong, but not so much as to make anyone unduly embarrassed) and his hit cover of Hold Back The Night, but it’s just as uplifting when he encores with the rip-roaring Railroad Spikes from the new album. Parker has always brought together rock, country and soul, the cornerstones of American music, infused with a Brit energy – and he does it just as well with a duo as a band. Nick Dalton Find out more at www.grahamparker.net

Review Date May 6, 2015 Review By Nick Dalton Location What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone The sad, reflective lyrics of (They Used To Say) Train Time hark back through the years and this show reflects the glory days of roots and county in the capital when, 30-odd years ago you could pop out to the pub and see the likes of Guy Clark, Butch Hancock, even Dwight Yoakam. And, above all, Wes. This comeback gig after years of ill health is an eye-opener, the Brit guitarist, singer and songwriter showing to both those in the know as well as a new generation just why he’s long been part of the musical cognoscenti in Texas. Everything that this cool venue (including dazzling Swedish, finger-picking support act Benjamin Folke Thomas) stands for is summed up in the country and borderlands music, effortlessly breathtaking guitar work, aided by a coterie of top musicians. There’s sax player Al Stewart, Simon Webb on keyboards and bassist John Gordon, all part of the original band (and now working with hitmaker and actor Mike Berry as Rumpus) and Patti Vetta, another original on percussion and vocals. The only new boy is Howard Tibble, veteran of the original Hank Wangford Band and who’s played with the liked of Phil Everly. He’s on a kit so small that it takes one back to Jonathan Richman’s Modern Lovers. It reflects the new-found subtlety of what used to be a wild party. Amongst the potted plants, lamps and chilli lights on the tiny stage they weave through eye-wateringly beautiful songs and music – How Do We Get There From Here, Devil From Del Rio, Whiskey Is My Driver, all featured on his new 3-CD anthology BORDERS. It’s not simply old stuff; he’s working on a new album and the lilting, flamenco-led Blue Cajun Angel and Spanish jazz of Cocktail Conversations fit seamlessly into an awesome canon of material. And then, of course, there’s Monterrey, a majestic, Spanish guitar-picked epic. If the music leaves you misty-eyed, the venue does too; a pint of cider and glass of wine for £5.95. Those really were the days… Find out more at www.wesmcghee.com

Review Date September 15, 2015 Review By Johnny Tiat Location Leicester Square Theatre I have never been a fan of country music, although there are the odd one or two tunes that appeal to me, so when I was invited to ‘The Country Superstars Experience’ At The Leicester Square Theatre in the heart of London’s West End, I was apprehensive. Would I enjoy the show? The answer to that question, is a big fat YES. The amazing writing/directing and performance of Sarah Jayne Crust and Andy Crust gave myself and every other person that packed the auditorium a most enjoyable evening. The show was opened by none other than Dolly Parton herself (If I did not know otherwise I would have thought it was Dolly). Dolly immediately had the audience warming to her and we were putty in her hands, then she introduced the legend himself Johnny Cash the audience whooped with joy as he played with such precision and expertise some of Cash’s well known classic’s including Folsom Prison Blues and Walk The Line. The first half was like a whirlwind, as Billie Jo Spears, John Denver, and Tammy Wynette took to the stage and entertained us faultlessly. When Andy came on as Garth Brooks, I felt his performance was breath taking and to close the first half he was joined on stage by Dolly who joined in with Friends In Low Places. During the interval I headed for the bar and wanted to speak with as many people as I possibly could. Among the comments made when I asked the question “What do you think of the show?” were “Absolutely loving it, they look and sound like every one of the characters.” When I asked a man whom by the way he was dressed looked like a fan of country music. “Are you enjoying the show?” He replied “What do you think? This is Country music at its best.” I was thinking. How are they going to follow that? The second half was opened by Dolly, the perfect host. (I am going to resist the temptation of describing her as the hostess with the mostest). It is no wonder that I.T.V and S.T.V described Sarah as “The world’s foremost Dolly Parton Tribute act.” Throughout the show we were given the background of the artists and the meaning behind some of the songs. With the second half introducing Willie Nelson and Patsy cline, closing with Kenny Rogers being joined on stage by Dolly receiving a well-deserved standing ovation. I looked on Kenny Rogers website this morning and he says: “Andy Crust and Sarah Jayne are Europe’s leading Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers tribute act.” I would recommend this west end hit to anyone, whether you are a fan of country music or not. Find out more at http://www.countrysuperstarsuk.com

Review Date September 15, 2015 Review By Johnny Tiat Location Leicester Square Theatre I have never been a fan of country music, although there are the odd one or two tunes that appeal to me, so when I was invited to ‘The Country Superstars Experience’ At The Leicester Square Theatre in the heart of London’s West End, I was apprehensive. Would I enjoy the show? The answer to that question, is a big fat YES. The amazing writing/directing and performance of Sarah Jayne Crust and Andy Crust gave myself and every other person that packed the auditorium a most enjoyable evening. The show was opened by none other than Dolly Parton herself (If I did not know otherwise I would have thought it was Dolly). Dolly immediately had the audience warming to her and we were putty in her hands, then she introduced the legend himself Johnny Cash the audience whooped with joy as he played with such precision and expertise some of Cash’s well known classics including Folsom Prison Blues and Walk The Line. The first half was like a whirlwind, as Billie Jo Spears, John Denver, and Tammy Wynette took to the stage and entertained us faultlessly. When Andy came on as Garth Brooks, I felt his performance was breath taking and to close the first half he was joined on stage by Dolly who joined in with Friends In Low Places. During the interval I headed for the bar and wanted to speak with as many people as I possibly could. Among the comments made when I asked the question ‘What do you think of the show?’ were ‘absolutely loving it, they look and sound like every one of the characters.’ When I asked a man whom by the way he was dressed looked like a fan of country music. ‘Are you enjoying the show?’ He replied ‘What do you think? This is Country music at its best.’ I was thinking. How are they going to follow that? The second half was opened by Dolly, the perfect host. (I am going to resist the temptation of describing her as the hostess with the mostest). It is no wonder that I.T.V and S.T.V described Sarah as ‘The world’s foremost Dolly Parton Tribute act.’ Throughout the show we were given the background of the artists and the meaning behind some of the songs. With the second half introducing Willie Nelson and Patsy cline, closing with Kenny Rogers being joined on stage by Dolly receiving a well-deserved standing ovation. I looked on Kenny Rogers website this morning and he says: ‘Andy Crust and Sarah Jayne are Europe’s leading Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers tribute act.’ I would recommend this west end hit to anyone, whether you are a fan of country music or not. www.countrysuperstarsuk.com