Music / Previews
Americana, Blues & Country Picks: July 2017
So last time out the June picks featured some gentle satirical content spoofing the general election but no need for that this time after the decisive results, and it wouldn’t be patriotic to spoof the politicians this time round (especially as we’re living in the best of times as part of a unified and forward thinking country). Rock ‘n’ roll, however, will never let you down and to prove it we have a killer month of gigs, covering the whole gamut from A to C via B, with plenty of variety and a boatload of talent. You can find established bands & new bands; small venues, medium rooms & indoor festivals and must see gigs fighting gig clashes. Oh, and speaking of festivals – don’t forget the Keynsham Music Festival (now in its twentieth year) with a marvellous selection of acts including the genre busting Billy in the Lowground on Saturday 1st and the laudable Bread Over Bombs on Sunday 2nd. There’s really no excuse: there’s something for all tastes and to suit all budgets. See you down the front.
is needed now More than ever
This outfit are no strangers to the ABC picks, they seem to be on the road constantly, have been building up a loyal following and seemingly having a whale of a time. If you’re not familiar with the band but fancy a night of quality blues rock then this is the band for you. Being perpetually on tour means they’re tighter than a sand-crab’s arse and they’ve got plenty of good tunes (they’re songwriters, so the tunes aren’t just an opportunity to show off their chops) and have a pleasing soulful touch. Support comes from Bad Touch a young band who also hit the blues influenced rock but with a bit more of a classic rock vibe (Tommy Vance would have loved ‘em). This is a good night to be reminded that blues rock is still a vibrant force and source of a bloody good night of carefree musical mischief.
Gorgeous four part harmonies; minimal but effective instrumentation; tunes that whilst rooted in folk certainly qualify as Americana, but are also informed by all sorts of other forms; wry observational lyrics and classy song writing. All of the above feature on the recordings of Darlingside. They’ve also got a reputation for reproducing their oeuvre live via engaging, amusing and charming shows that have the critics raving and have enabled them to build a devoted following through word of mouth. All the signs are that they’ve the potential to get very big, very quickly – so it will be well worth scoring a ticket and checking them out.
Any event that promises blues, booze, burgers & boogie-woogie should be right at the top of your July “to-do” list and to be frank the acclaimed Backyard Bash is delivering a weapons grade bill of killer acts. The bookers at the Lion have a knack of cajoling world class talent in to town for their regular shows and this is that knack in excelsis. Any one of these bands / artists could headline in their own right so it’s going to be a sensational afternoon and evening. Be there or be eternally disappointed. And square. Check ‘em all out: Kirris Riviere Blues Band, The RedHillBillies, Backbone Blues Band, Medicine Creek, The Rosellys, Rachel Laven. If you can’t find something to tempt you…well seriously, what’s the point?
https://youtu.be/lSXhGCw_Nhs
There are some bands who really try too hard to take a particular genre and then make an impact by being clumsily different; by bolting on inappropriate tropes from other genres or, Grud forbid, being “wacky”. Not so the Pierce Brothers, they have taken the folkier end of Americana and turned it into a rather unique and exuberant thing that really, really comes in to its own on stage. The brothers learnt their craft busking (arguably an even more thankless task than bottom of the bill indoors) and they not only put on an incredibly exciting show but they write damn fine tunes too. Their last performance was supporting the mighty Lucinda Williams and they owned the Colston stage, so they’re gonna burn down the Thekla.
https://youtu.be/3pt37UBKTPM
Colston Hall & elsewhere: Friday, 14 – Mon 17 Jul
Anyone who’s attended the previous Americana festivals will know the Colston are well versed in the art of curating a mighty fine shindig and the River Town Festival is shaping up to be another triumph (read all about the re-brand here). The bill this year is simply irresistible (there was quite a fight at the B247 Bunker when it came to snaffling up the review slots) but too many acts to summarise, suffice it say it’s a varied & nuanced bill featuring internationally renowned acts, home grown talent and plenty of new & up and coming acts to try out.
Tobinfest: “The Groundhogs”, Husky Tones and more…
This is a beauty of an altruistic event – a whole bunch of bands getting together to celebrate Mike Tobin who has spent a considerable part of his 75 years on the Bristol music scene. All of the bands are of interest and it’s such good value for money, what better way to stave off the imminent return to work blues that colour a Sunday afternoon? Of particular interest to the ABC community are the Husky Tones, and the Ken Pustlenik powered “Groundhogs” – am outfit that twist the blues into some phantasmagorical, visceral and often psychedelic shapes (more here).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_ZX03iGO_0
Fact: Dan Baird is one of the most undervalued songwriters in that there USA. Fact: Homemade Sin are purveyors of unequalled sleazy, heart-warming, rambunctious, greasy, raunchy, hip swaying rock n roll. Fact: the band are incapable of paying a bad show. Fact: the Danoraks are dancing, drinking riot of fun. Fact Micke Nilsson and Mauro Magellan are a rhythm section so tight and in the pocket they could make a phone box dance. Fact: the band not only have an enviable catalogue of tunes, but throw in DB solo material, Satellites tunes and unexpected covers. Fact: Warner E Hodges guitar playing is exceptional, an inspiring mix of AC/DC riffing, quicksilver solos (that impossibly summon up Nashville & Download simultaneously) and hilarious audacity. Fact: the band are so appealing that even the grumpy bugger at the Metal & Prog Picks is attending the gig. Fact: if you miss this gig you will regret it for the rest of your life. Fact: the gods of rock hate us mortals because…
…yes that’s right, the bastards have seen fit to force us to choose between DB&HMS and this exquisite three band line up at the Lion. The night opens with the The Rosellys playing their second show in town this month, so if you missed them at the Backyard Bash you can put that right and enjoy quality Americana: fresh, vibrant and delightfully authentic. Next up Rachel Laven, who also graced the Backyard bash and graces this bill in turn with her beautifully observed songs and delightful picking. Headliner Don Gallardo tops of the bill and his rather fabulous blend of modern country laced with a seventies sensibility and genuine song writing ability sits nicely with the support acts (this really is a bill for people who appreciate the words as much as the grooves). He’s a road rat too – constantly touring so you bet he’s got the chops.
The Golden Lion: Sunday, 23rd Jul
Genuine STOP PRESS moment – the ABC email account got word of this gig as the picks were being finalised and what splendid news that JL is back in town. His first show was with his brother in their band The Bros Landreth, and oh boy, what a scorcher and he came back for an equally fabulous solo show earlier this year. He’s a killer picker and a crafty songwriter – heart-warming tunes that he delivers with self-deprecating humour and grace. Another highly recommended CRH gig.
It’s a damn shame that for many “easy listening” has become a pejorative term because Sam Outlaw’s two albums (current platter Tenderheart and debut Angeleno) are incredibly easy listening but they’re not easy listening. They’re easy listening because they are beautifully produced, delightfully performed and the guy knows how to write a killer tune with diverse lyrics – tender, amusing, thought provoking and not the bleedin’ obvious. They’re not easy listening because they’re “SoCal Country”, which means they’re far more engaging than some of the neo-traditionalist big-hat acts. The guy can deliver too – his last outing was a killer duo show, but this time it’s the full band, so it’s gonna get rowdy.
This pair have been playing together for a very, very long time and have released getting on for twenty LPs (with performances and tunes that have harvested awards & accolades, including a Grammy) and have an enviable catalogue of songs. They’re fully paid up good guys too, genuinely supporting all the right causes, and set a hell of an example for integrity over a lengthy career managed on their own turns. What better way of ending a month of fabulous gigs?
Further Ahead:
Well seeing as you’ve got the diary handy to plot out your July gig schedule and your credit card in your hot little hands to pay for tickets, you might as well plan a bit further ahead and make sure you don’t miss out any killer shows; to give yourself time to research some of the newer acts and of course to try and outwit the gods of rock with their invidious gig clashes. So cast your eyes at the delights ahead as there is plenty for any lover of fine music to enjoy via a shitload of great gigs. Don’t be tardy mind, sell out forecast high for many shows.
Rev Peyton’s Big Band, Tunnels: Tuesday, 15 Aug
Lambchop, Trinity: Thursday, 17 Aug
Round Mountain Girls, Tunnels: Friday, 18 Aug
Husky Tones, Louisiana: Sunday, 20 Aug
Michael Chapman, Grain Barge: Saturday, 09 Sep
Danny & the Champions of the World, Lantern: Monday, 18 Sep
Jess & the Bandits, Tunnels: Thursday, 21 Sep
Kirk Fletcher, Tunnels: Sunday, 24 Sep
Erja Lyytinen, Tunnels: Tuesday, 26 Sep
Slaid Cleaves, Tunnels: Sunday, 01 Oct
Little Big Town, Colston Hall: Tuesday, 03 Oct
Cardboard Fox, St. Georges: Sunday, 15 Oct
Walter Trout, Bierkeller: Friday, 20 Oct
Brandy Clark, St. Georges: Saturday, 21 Oct
Mad Dog Mcrea, Bierkeller: Saturday, 21 Oct
The Sadies, Tunnels: Sunday, 29 Oct
John Mayall, Colston Hall: Sunday, 05 Nov
Harrow Fair, Tunnels: Tuesday, 07 Nov
Simon McBride, Tunnels: Monday, 13 Nov
Joanne Shaw Taylor, Colston Hall: Tuesday, 14 Nov
Crow Black Chicken, Tunnels: Wednesday, 15 Nov
Sari Schorr, Louisiana: Thursday, 16 Nov
Samantha Fish, Tunnels: Tuesday, 21 Nov
Van Morrison, Colston Hall: Tuesday, 21 Nov
Tom Russell, Thekla: Thursday, 23 Nov
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, St. Georges: Friday, 24 Nov
Songhoy Blues, Anson: Friday, 01 Dec
Chantel McGregor, Tunnels: Sunday, 10 Dec
Ainsley Lister, Tunnels: Tuesday, 12 Dec
All pix John Morgan
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