Music / Reviews
Review: Jess and the Bandits, The Louisiana
The story so far: Jess Clemmons is a Houston born singer songwriter who has hooked up with a talented bunch of Brits to form the Bandits. They’ve recorded a debut LP of tunes best described as country rock ‘n’ roll and are touring that disc right now.
The resulting live show is a blast: the faster numbers are delivered with an agreeably crunchy vim and vigour and at times the twin guitar live line-up sounds agreeably rawk rather than country-rock (signature tune My Name is Trouble in particular has developed a pair that King Kong would envy) whilst the ballads and slower numbers swing with a soulful country twang. Jess has a splendid voice, powerful and yet she doesn’t over-sing the songs – harping back to an era when singers sang songs rather than feeling the need to hit every note in their range to demonstrate their ability. She’s an entertaining stage presence too and as well as the back and forth with the crowd her responses to the band’s desire to sass her between every song resulted in some choice laughs for all present.
The set included the best of the debut Here We Go Again with a fair few covers too, including a show stopping version of Wichita Lineman that managed somehow to be intensely understated. The cover of Piece of My Heart was arguably a misfire though: great vocal and great playing but the tune doesn’t suit a jaunty country tempo. Of the originals Nitty Gritty went down a storm with the crowd and its righteous message has clearly struck a chord with the fans, and equally impressive was If You Can’t be Mine. This was performed with Darren Hodson (who’d played an excellent acoustic set earlier, let’s hope he brings his outfit Southern Companion to town soon), and the pair nailed it, despite Hodson’s admission that he’d taken full advantage of the rider.
is needed now More than ever
If the band can keep up the momentum then with any luck they should be touring the second record in larger venues, so make sure you’re there as the Bandits will leave you with aching feet, a knackered voice and a bloody great big grin on your face. Guaranteed.
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