Ramblin' Roots Revue (Day 1) - Friday 6 April - High Wycombe
The Ramblin' Roots Revue held at Bucks New University in High Wycombe over the weekend of 6 - 8 April 2018 returned for its second year, again with an exceptional line-up for the ridiculous bargain early-bird ticket price of under 30 quid.
The set-up is arranged around two stages with sets alternating between them, so those with the stamina can listen to around 24 hours of near continuous music spread across the three days.
The opening Friday night began on the smaller Whiskey Saloon Stage with Robert Chaney a singer from Florida whose music is described by The Blues Magazine (UK) as “Deliciously dark and brilliantly bleak.”. I'd not come across him before, but apparently he often plays solo. Tonight he was bolstered by the support of a full band. I enjoyed the set at the time, but I can't say it left much of a mark on my memory. My guess is that his music needs a few listens before it gets under your skin.
The evening was to continue with a mix of bands I'd seen before and others new to me. A highlight for me of the 2017 weekend had been the main stage set from Case Hardin. So it was a little bit of a disappointment that this year they were demoted to the smaller stage and even more so that the tight schedule was limiting their set to just 35 minutes. They used the time available however to great effect and played a good mix from their back catalogue plus one new song, but regrettably time didn't allow for the epic Poets Corner to close the set.
And then on to the headliners for Friday. I was not sure what I was going to make of these having only seen bits of them in parts previously - Romeo Stoddart some years ago at Truck and a less than exciting set from sister Michelle at last years Ramblin' Roots - the Magic Numbers turned in a professional well received set that included a broad mix of stuff from their eponymous 2005 album and from their latest offering. The soulful "Love's just a game" was a joy to hear. As seems to be the way more and more, with bands having played their "hits" during the set, they need something special to finish with. Neil Young will always come to the rescue, and after a dubious audience vote that came down i'd say closer than 48/52, we were treated to a spellbinding, harmony laden rendition of "Harvest Moon".
A great opening night complete with lots more to look forward to over the coming two days.
The set-up is arranged around two stages with sets alternating between them, so those with the stamina can listen to around 24 hours of near continuous music spread across the three days.
The opening Friday night began on the smaller Whiskey Saloon Stage with Robert Chaney a singer from Florida whose music is described by The Blues Magazine (UK) as “Deliciously dark and brilliantly bleak.”. I'd not come across him before, but apparently he often plays solo. Tonight he was bolstered by the support of a full band. I enjoyed the set at the time, but I can't say it left much of a mark on my memory. My guess is that his music needs a few listens before it gets under your skin.
The evening was to continue with a mix of bands I'd seen before and others new to me. A highlight for me of the 2017 weekend had been the main stage set from Case Hardin. So it was a little bit of a disappointment that this year they were demoted to the smaller stage and even more so that the tight schedule was limiting their set to just 35 minutes. They used the time available however to great effect and played a good mix from their back catalogue plus one new song, but regrettably time didn't allow for the epic Poets Corner to close the set.
Case Hardin on the Whiskey Saloon Stage
Last up on the small stage were the Redlands Palomino Company. They too were at the 2017 event but somehow they seem to have passed me by back then. This year I really enjoyed the set of self penned songs they played, complete with banter in-between from husband and wife front pair, Alex and Hannah Elton-Wall. Hannah's amusing tale relating to one fellow band member (sorry, didn't catch his name) lurking stage right with a striking resemblance to QI's Alan Davies drew some laughs. The set they played was all their own material right up to their last number when "Alan" stepped up to the mike and with a twelve string attached he took the lead on what seems to be a regular set closer for bands these days - Nick Lowe's "What's so funny bout peace love and understanding", made famous of course by Elvis Costello & the Attractions.
Redlands Palomino Company - What's so funny bout peace love and understanding
Over then to the main stage where, hot from his closing slot on the recent Old Grey Whistle Test - Special, Americana album of the year winner Robert Vincent opened up proceedings. Much the same as with Robert Chaney earlier, although I enjoyed the set, I felt there was nothing that I took away from it to draw me back. Perhaps with both these artists, some prior knowledge of their music may have helped. His singing was fine, the songs were OK, the band were top rate - in fact seeing any band that has the talented CJ (Chris) Hillman on pedal steel guitar and you know you are in for a treat - perhaps I should give one of Roberts albums a proper listen.And then on to the headliners for Friday. I was not sure what I was going to make of these having only seen bits of them in parts previously - Romeo Stoddart some years ago at Truck and a less than exciting set from sister Michelle at last years Ramblin' Roots - the Magic Numbers turned in a professional well received set that included a broad mix of stuff from their eponymous 2005 album and from their latest offering. The soulful "Love's just a game" was a joy to hear. As seems to be the way more and more, with bands having played their "hits" during the set, they need something special to finish with. Neil Young will always come to the rescue, and after a dubious audience vote that came down i'd say closer than 48/52, we were treated to a spellbinding, harmony laden rendition of "Harvest Moon".
A great opening night complete with lots more to look forward to over the coming two days.
Comments
Post a Comment