Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Bobby D Sawyer, Nashville comes to Torquay.
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| Bobby D Sawyer, Blazing Saddles, 18-5-2011. |
On the Riviera Country side of things, well they just seem to be getting better all the time. I've been fortunate to meet some truly amazing artists, who've all agreed to be interviewed for the show, and hopefully if time allows to play some live sessions in the studio. It feels like I've become a part of the country music community, which I wouldn't have believed if it had been said a year ago, when I first started with Riviera FM.
Anyway, let me tell you about another great night at the Blazing Saddles in Torquay. On Wednesday 18th May, we were treated to a truly awesome night of music, provided by a son of Nashville, Bobby D Sawyer.
Now I had never met anyone who was actually from Nashville before, I've met people who've visited, or worked there, but never anyone who had been born and raised there, so for me it was a first, and I'll be honest, if all Nashville folk are like Bobby, I really would like to meet a lot more. When I first met Bobby, the impression I got was of a quiet, humble man, very friendly and easy to talk to. He was the visitor at the club and HE made ME feel welcome. He told me of his home back in Nashville, of his work in the UK, of the fact that he is expecting his 2nd grandchild soon and that he spends 10 months of the year in the UK working and touring. You also get the feeling that you are talking to someone who is country through and through.
From the moment he got behind the mike though, you could tell straight away that he was at home performing, and that he know just what the audience wanted. Starting off the first set with Rodney Crowell's tribute Walk The Line, and then working through numbers like Whiskey under the bridge, I told you so, Folsom Prison blues, Cabo San Lucas, I may hate myself in the morning and a brilliant version of Billy Curringtons People are Crazy, he showed a range for a variety of country styles. Add a bit of western swing into the mix with There's too many pockets in my shirt, and the beautiful waltz number I loved her first, he showed he was at home with up-tempo songs as well as ballads.
During the first set he also played Rain check, which features on his album The measure of a man, and which was his first release as a single on US Country Radio.
The second set started with a couple of Zac Brown Band numbers As she's walking away and Knee deep in the water, and then included Guitars and Cadillac's, Good at drinking beer, Mama Tried, For the good times, A little less talk, a lot more action, Living on love and The big one. He showed what a natural performer he is and the humour in some of the songs was great. A couple of highlights from the second set for me was the changing of lyrics during Knee deep in the water to mention Torquay, a nice local touch, and the brilliantly performed For the good times, originally performed by Ray Price and written be Kris Kristofferson, Bobby did great credit to both men.
The third set started with How many flowers have to die, and continued on with High tone Woman, a track from his next album which sounds very Johnny Cash, Look at us, Cotton picking time, the humorous song Ticks, Someone must be feeling like a fool and a whole host of other songs. He started the evening with a Rodney Crowell song and so ended the night with another Loving all night.
All in all a fantastic night. Great music, performed by a great singer/guitarist. One of the things I did notice though, there seemed to be a feel good feeling running through the Blazing Saddles that night. Dance floor wasn't empty for long, everyone was smiling, it felt great to be there and be part of it.
Bobby, I believe we're all looking forward to you next visit.
To find out more about Bobby, check out his website http://www.bobbydsawyer.com/.
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| Bobby D Sawyer, Blazing Saddles, 18-05-2011. |
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Voice of an Angel, Cheek of the Devil
As promised here is the next thrilling installment of the Riviera Country blog, and it's about another night at the Blazing Saddles.
At the moment though, Riviera Country is not being broadcast due to the fact that we had to change address. We have now moved from the Plainmoor site to a more central location, atop Dot's Pantry, in Union Street, Torquay. The office and studio look much smarter, and the plan is to get all the equipment serviced, then set up ready for transmission to resume circa June 1st. Can't wait to be honest, I'm starting to get withdrawal symptoms. I've had a few ideas for new features on the show, bringing back the Three of the Best section, and doing some more biographies on Sunday's, and after hearing a comment from a listener, bringing in some more up to date modern music. I am also getting close to the point where I'll be able to do an entire show consisting purely of UK based talent. And one of the artists that will feature is a young lady I saw the other week at the Blazing Saddles, Kay D.
A lovely young lady who is very popular on the country music circuit, Kay D has the sort of singing voice you could just listen to all day. She has a voice that would be at home in any country music venue in the States as well as the UK. She sings in a very crystal clear fashion, and does justice to a huge range of different artists.
During the set she covered songs by artists like Patsy Cline, Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Dixie Chicks, Carlene Carter and Dolly Parton.
Among the songs covered were Blue, People are Crazy, Messed up in Memphis, Man on the Moon, Down at the Twist and Shout, Whose bed have your boots been under, Need you now, This Heartaches on me, Blue rose is, American Honey, Ride the river, Walking after midnight, 57 Chevrolet and Home to Louisiana.
It was a very polished performance, and to think she wasn't actually booked that night. The band originally booked couldn't make it, and Kay D filled the position, and mighty lucky for all the members and guest that she did. It was a memorable night and I'm looking forward to her next visit to Torquay on December 7th. Not least because she has kindly agreed to come into the studio on the 9th for an interview on air, (hopefully we will have got the full licence by then and broadcasting on FM), but to also play some acoustic tracks live for all the listeners. I know the show at the Blazing Saddles is going to be a good one, and the studio session, definitely a must listen to.
Something that we didn't hear during the show, which was a shame, but does appear on her albums, is some of her own work. on the album Let er rip, there is a self penned song called Irony. If this song is anything to go by, she has a promising future doing her own music as well the cover songs.
If you would like to know more about Kay D, and about her touring dates check out her website www.kayd.moonfruit.com .
Back soon with a write up of another top artist at the Blazing Saddles Bobby D Sawyer.
See ya soon.
At the moment though, Riviera Country is not being broadcast due to the fact that we had to change address. We have now moved from the Plainmoor site to a more central location, atop Dot's Pantry, in Union Street, Torquay. The office and studio look much smarter, and the plan is to get all the equipment serviced, then set up ready for transmission to resume circa June 1st. Can't wait to be honest, I'm starting to get withdrawal symptoms. I've had a few ideas for new features on the show, bringing back the Three of the Best section, and doing some more biographies on Sunday's, and after hearing a comment from a listener, bringing in some more up to date modern music. I am also getting close to the point where I'll be able to do an entire show consisting purely of UK based talent. And one of the artists that will feature is a young lady I saw the other week at the Blazing Saddles, Kay D.
A lovely young lady who is very popular on the country music circuit, Kay D has the sort of singing voice you could just listen to all day. She has a voice that would be at home in any country music venue in the States as well as the UK. She sings in a very crystal clear fashion, and does justice to a huge range of different artists.
During the set she covered songs by artists like Patsy Cline, Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Dixie Chicks, Carlene Carter and Dolly Parton.
Among the songs covered were Blue, People are Crazy, Messed up in Memphis, Man on the Moon, Down at the Twist and Shout, Whose bed have your boots been under, Need you now, This Heartaches on me, Blue rose is, American Honey, Ride the river, Walking after midnight, 57 Chevrolet and Home to Louisiana.
It was a very polished performance, and to think she wasn't actually booked that night. The band originally booked couldn't make it, and Kay D filled the position, and mighty lucky for all the members and guest that she did. It was a memorable night and I'm looking forward to her next visit to Torquay on December 7th. Not least because she has kindly agreed to come into the studio on the 9th for an interview on air, (hopefully we will have got the full licence by then and broadcasting on FM), but to also play some acoustic tracks live for all the listeners. I know the show at the Blazing Saddles is going to be a good one, and the studio session, definitely a must listen to.
Something that we didn't hear during the show, which was a shame, but does appear on her albums, is some of her own work. on the album Let er rip, there is a self penned song called Irony. If this song is anything to go by, she has a promising future doing her own music as well the cover songs.
If you would like to know more about Kay D, and about her touring dates check out her website www.kayd.moonfruit.com .
Back soon with a write up of another top artist at the Blazing Saddles Bobby D Sawyer.
See ya soon.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Jonny Williams and Lynette Marie Live OB
Well it's been a while since I last put finger to keyboard, but what an exciting time it's been.
I've managed to see some great acts recently including Montana Ash, Spur and Dean Austin.
Like I say the live act were fantastic. Jonny has been on the circuit for a number of years and had built up quite a following, bringing his own style of traditional and modern country music. He performs music his way, and doesn't change his repertoire to suit the dancers, although there were still plenty of people getting up on the floor, so it proves he's got the balance right. Lynette Marie on the other hand has only been performing live for about four years now, but you would think she had been performing a lot longer, such is the standard of her singing and guitar playing. They have both been performing together since last year, and what a grand couple they make.
I've managed to see some great acts recently including Montana Ash, Spur and Dean Austin.
But, on April 27th, I was fortunate to host a Live outside broadcast from the Blazing Saddles Country and Western Music Club in Torquay. Riviera FM were granted the opportunity to run an RSL (Restricted Service Licence) from April 17th through to April 30th. It gave us the chance to broadcast to the Torbay region on Fm radio, and an opportunity that was very well taken. With a host of shows that appealed to a wide range of listeners and some very entertaining outside broadcasts along the way from Smashy and Nicey's OB outside the Brixham Heritage Museum through to the Royal Garden Party at Cary Park, Babbacombe, to celebrate the Royal Nuptials between William and Kate. The other shows included a live OB from the Inn on the Quay, Goodrington, a Karaoke contest from the Dog and Duck, and a talent show hosted by Guy Henderson from the Rainbow Club in Torquay, in which my daughter Chloe performed on stage for the very first time, doing us all proud, with her rendition of Soft Cells 'Tainted Love'.
For the live show from Blazing Saddles, we were blessed with a truly great live act in the form of Jonny Williams and his lovely partner Lynette Marie. The show was predominantly a live music show, interspersed with interviews and comment, and gave me the chance to introduce the members of the Blazing Saddles and country music in itself to a wider audience.
Like I say the live act were fantastic. Jonny has been on the circuit for a number of years and had built up quite a following, bringing his own style of traditional and modern country music. He performs music his way, and doesn't change his repertoire to suit the dancers, although there were still plenty of people getting up on the floor, so it proves he's got the balance right. Lynette Marie on the other hand has only been performing live for about four years now, but you would think she had been performing a lot longer, such is the standard of her singing and guitar playing. They have both been performing together since last year, and what a grand couple they make.
Performing tracks like Tiger by the tail, Jackson, Streets of Baltimore, Train Medley,She loved the hurt right out of me, Milwaukee, here I come, Each season Changes you, Golden Ring and Just between you an me and a long list of others, there was a selection to please just about everyone. One of the briefs I gave myself when I started on Riviera Fm, was that I wanted to open country music up to a wider audience and to counter that old saying 'I don't like country music', which is bandied about alot, and answer it with 'you do like country music, you just don't realise it'. Jonny and lynette definitely helped strengthen that answer, with a performance and a presence that was second to none.
During the breaks I got to interview Roger Bennett, the man who does a grand job organising and running the Blazing Saddles, finding out a little about what make him tick. Unfortunately, due to time restraints, I couldn't ask him as much as I would have liked, so there is a very good chance of getting him in the studio in the near future for a more in depth interview. I also got to talk to Jim, a club member with strong idea's about country, and love for the music whether it be the old or new stuff. I also got to chat to some of the younger members of the club, kids in their teens, who also have strong views on country, and I must say talking to them fills me with joy that country music has and always will have a strong hold in this country.
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| Jonny Williams and Lynette Marie. |
I also got to talk to Jonny and Lynette, and I'm hoping to get a full interview with them later in the year.
But one of the questions I did ask, was whether they write their own music, and got the reply that they don't have a lot of time at present and struggle at times with inspiration. Although looking at their schedule, it's understandable. The night before they had to rush from Wales to Norfolk to perform at short notice then rush back to Torquay for that nights show, then onto a host of other venues during the next few days. It made me think of 'Six days on the road' and 'I've been everywhere'. But I'm convinced we will hear some new stuff from them soon.
I did manage to get some feedback from various people about the show, and it all sounds very promising, so in the near future I'm hoping to let you all know what was said. However I would like to thank Roger and the members of Blazing Saddles for their hospitality, Jonny and Lynette for their performance and Gareth and Paul, the technical guys from Riviera FM for making the show possible.
Bye for now, but coming soon a write up on another evening at the club, and a performance by Kay D....
Monday, March 14, 2011
Clive John and the Spirit Band AKA The Johnny Cash Roadshow
I was very lucky, very lucky indeed. One of my colleagues at Riviera FM mentioned that he had seen a show advertised at the Princess Theatre in Torquay, and felt it would be right up my street. The show was The Johnny Cash Roadshow, and was it up my street, You bet it was. As soon as I got home, got on the Princess web page and booked tickets. And was the show worth the haste. Read on...
One word can be used to describe the show, well, actually you would need lots of words, but WOW would definately sum it up.
The Johnny Cash Roadshow is as the name suggests, a tribute to the great man himself, and brought to the public by Clive John and the Spirit Band, a very very good band in their own right.
I have seen tribute bands before, some are good, some are just plain awful, some play it for laughs with tongue firmly in cheek, and every now and then one comes along that can truly transport you somewhere else. That is what Clive John and the Spirit band do. They take you on a nostalgia trip, they take you somewhere you never thought you could go. I like a lot of people have never been to a Johnny Cash show before, but Clive John and the band took me to one, it was that good, they were that brilliant, the show was that unforgettable.
The band consists of lead vocal and acoustic guitar, Clive John, a man who's first words were probably a song. He has recorded seven albums (not including The Johnny Cash Roadshow music) and his latest album 'The Spirit' features all new compositions and utilises the roadshow band (The Spirit Band). He has had several songs in the top five of the EMS Country charts and also owns his own record label Spirit Records.
The June Carter vocals are provided by Jill Schoonjans, a professional singer since the age of 16. She has sung all around the world on cruise ships, toured across Europe and has played at almost every major theatre in the UK. She has toured with Elvis tribute act Lee Memphis King, backed Joe Longthorne on several tours, toured as Frida in the ABBA Elite tribute band, and even a 9 month German tour with a Pink Floyd tribute band. And she is apparently a fully trained Sooty puppeteer. She also shares the same birthday as June Carter.
On lead guitar and vocals is Nick Davis, who has been playing guitar and bass in bands, across quite a few genres for over 20 years. He takes on the role of Luther Perkins, who in turn is such a big influence on Nick.
He has played in a number of bands, performed on the BBC, and worked on sessions at the Pebble Mill studio's and Christchurch in Bristol.
Alan Parker was on Bass and vocals. He's been playing bass since the age of 14 and was in his first band by the age of 15. He's played in Blues, Rock and Country bands in pubs, clubs, universities and festivals all over the UK. He's an accomplished and established musician who fits in session work alongside his live performances.
On drums was Jim 'E' Williams, a man who has played drums and percussion for over 20 years. He's also performed with a great many bands and artists. His playing experience ranges from the theatre pit to television, festivals and stadiums.
The band are supported by a crew from Midland Audio, who provide the sound and visuals for the show.
The love of Johnny Cash's music was paramount to in the show, and it came across in waves. From the opening minute the music, the atmosphere, the performance, everything was electric. Clive belted out song after song for about an hour or so in the first set, and I swear, at one point I thought he was Johnny Cash re-incarnated. When Jill came on for the Duets 'Jackson' and 'Long legged guitar picking man', it just made the show complete. All the classic tracks were there Walk the line, Tennessee flat top box, Cocaine blues, Boy named Sue, 25 minutes to go, It ain't me babe, Get rhythm, Folsom prison blues, I got stripes, Cry cry cry, A thing called love, Daddy sang bass and a whole lot more. Clive even paid homage to the San Quentin and Folsom Prison concerts by doing a solo acoustic version of a couple of songs, one of which 'Long black veil' was hauntingly beautiful to listen to. When they sang 'San Quentin' the audience was invited to take on the role of the convicts by cheering to certain lines in the song.
In no time at all the two hour show came to an end. The band came on for an encore of 'Ring of fire', that was absolutely superb. All in all it was a musical experience never to be forgotten. As I said before, they are a successful band in their own right and a couple of Clive John originals were played during the set, one of which 'Make the most of everyday' is an inspiring and beautiful song. The royalties from this song goes to the charity 'Acorns'. This is a charity that Clive John has managed to earn over £9000 for over the years, through this one song.
I got to meet Clive John after the show, and he explained how the over the last five years, he and the band have strived to make the show the best it can be, as real to life as possible and as slick and professional as it can be. Well, for me that has worked wonders, like I said it transported me to realms I thought I would never go. I am a huge Johnny Cash fan, and although I have never seen him live in concert, Thanks to Clive and the Spirit band, I have experienced the next best thing.
Thank you guys.
One word can be used to describe the show, well, actually you would need lots of words, but WOW would definately sum it up.
The Johnny Cash Roadshow is as the name suggests, a tribute to the great man himself, and brought to the public by Clive John and the Spirit Band, a very very good band in their own right.
I have seen tribute bands before, some are good, some are just plain awful, some play it for laughs with tongue firmly in cheek, and every now and then one comes along that can truly transport you somewhere else. That is what Clive John and the Spirit band do. They take you on a nostalgia trip, they take you somewhere you never thought you could go. I like a lot of people have never been to a Johnny Cash show before, but Clive John and the band took me to one, it was that good, they were that brilliant, the show was that unforgettable.
The band consists of lead vocal and acoustic guitar, Clive John, a man who's first words were probably a song. He has recorded seven albums (not including The Johnny Cash Roadshow music) and his latest album 'The Spirit' features all new compositions and utilises the roadshow band (The Spirit Band). He has had several songs in the top five of the EMS Country charts and also owns his own record label Spirit Records.
The June Carter vocals are provided by Jill Schoonjans, a professional singer since the age of 16. She has sung all around the world on cruise ships, toured across Europe and has played at almost every major theatre in the UK. She has toured with Elvis tribute act Lee Memphis King, backed Joe Longthorne on several tours, toured as Frida in the ABBA Elite tribute band, and even a 9 month German tour with a Pink Floyd tribute band. And she is apparently a fully trained Sooty puppeteer. She also shares the same birthday as June Carter.
On lead guitar and vocals is Nick Davis, who has been playing guitar and bass in bands, across quite a few genres for over 20 years. He takes on the role of Luther Perkins, who in turn is such a big influence on Nick.
He has played in a number of bands, performed on the BBC, and worked on sessions at the Pebble Mill studio's and Christchurch in Bristol.
Alan Parker was on Bass and vocals. He's been playing bass since the age of 14 and was in his first band by the age of 15. He's played in Blues, Rock and Country bands in pubs, clubs, universities and festivals all over the UK. He's an accomplished and established musician who fits in session work alongside his live performances.
On drums was Jim 'E' Williams, a man who has played drums and percussion for over 20 years. He's also performed with a great many bands and artists. His playing experience ranges from the theatre pit to television, festivals and stadiums.
The band are supported by a crew from Midland Audio, who provide the sound and visuals for the show.
The love of Johnny Cash's music was paramount to in the show, and it came across in waves. From the opening minute the music, the atmosphere, the performance, everything was electric. Clive belted out song after song for about an hour or so in the first set, and I swear, at one point I thought he was Johnny Cash re-incarnated. When Jill came on for the Duets 'Jackson' and 'Long legged guitar picking man', it just made the show complete. All the classic tracks were there Walk the line, Tennessee flat top box, Cocaine blues, Boy named Sue, 25 minutes to go, It ain't me babe, Get rhythm, Folsom prison blues, I got stripes, Cry cry cry, A thing called love, Daddy sang bass and a whole lot more. Clive even paid homage to the San Quentin and Folsom Prison concerts by doing a solo acoustic version of a couple of songs, one of which 'Long black veil' was hauntingly beautiful to listen to. When they sang 'San Quentin' the audience was invited to take on the role of the convicts by cheering to certain lines in the song.
In no time at all the two hour show came to an end. The band came on for an encore of 'Ring of fire', that was absolutely superb. All in all it was a musical experience never to be forgotten. As I said before, they are a successful band in their own right and a couple of Clive John originals were played during the set, one of which 'Make the most of everyday' is an inspiring and beautiful song. The royalties from this song goes to the charity 'Acorns'. This is a charity that Clive John has managed to earn over £9000 for over the years, through this one song.
I got to meet Clive John after the show, and he explained how the over the last five years, he and the band have strived to make the show the best it can be, as real to life as possible and as slick and professional as it can be. Well, for me that has worked wonders, like I said it transported me to realms I thought I would never go. I am a huge Johnny Cash fan, and although I have never seen him live in concert, Thanks to Clive and the Spirit band, I have experienced the next best thing.
Thank you guys.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Blazing Saddles 9th March 2011
Well, it was another great night at Blazing Saddles last night, but not just musically. We'll come back to the music in a while.
Last night I was joined by Riviera FMs top man Martin Foster, his wife Vicky and Gareth and Paul, Riviera's tech guys. Riviera FM is getting a Restricted Service License for two weeks in April, and one of the shows planned is a live outside broadcast from Blazing Saddles CMC on the 27th April.
At first everything went quite well, and it looked like the show was a go, however after scanning the area for a broadband signal or connection, it looked like the show may not go ahead.
The idea was that the show would be linked to the studio via the Internet, and then transmitting live from the studio, however no Internet, no show. Things were starting to look bleak, but Martin, as always showed faith in his team, and commented that 'If it can be done, these guys will get it done'. Well Martin's faith in his team has paid dividends in the past and it proved no different last night. Gareth and Paul found a way and the show is now on. So thanks to Gareth and Paul it looks like a great night is on the cards.
And now back to the music.
The guest band last night was Bonnie Diamond and Coe, a duo consisting of Bonnie on lead vocals and David on guitar. They hail from the South East and between them bring a wealth of experience and musical talent. Bonnie has worked on various cruise lines and television, with shows including The Benny Hill Show, The Les Dawson Show, Pebble Mill, Yorkshires End of the Pier Show and the Little and Large Show as well as being a support artiste to many named artistes.
David is a well respected and established musician who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. He plays the guitar and writes all the musical backing as well as providing back up vocals and harmonies, as well as the occasional lead.
They provide a range of musical styles including Rock n Roll, Pop, Standards and Nostalgia, but last night it was their Country set, and what a set it was.
The songs were varied and included Hey good lookin, Ring of fire, Summertime blues, Singing the blues, Black Coffee, If tomorrow never comes, Who says you can't have it all, If I said you have a beautiful body, Lyin eyes and a whole host of others. One of the highlights of the night for me was David playing the instrumental version of Ghost riders in the sky, a tune I've been trying to learn myself, but it's always great when you can hear it played well, and it inspires you to try harder.
The show, as always at the Blazing Saddles was top notch. Bonnie and David are very friendly people and very genuine and that comes across in the set. They have that special quality that endures them to their audience and which in turn makes them part of the Blazing Saddles family. They are back in October and that is going to be a show worth seeing again, looking forward to it already.
So once again it was another great night at Blazing Saddles and a Big thanks has to go to Roger Bennett and his team of helpers and indeed all the members of Blazing Saddles. Without their efforts and their love of country music in general, there would probably be nowhere in Torbay to enjoy this whole musical genre. Their efforts help keep country alive and kicking in our little part of Devon.
See you soon.....
Last night I was joined by Riviera FMs top man Martin Foster, his wife Vicky and Gareth and Paul, Riviera's tech guys. Riviera FM is getting a Restricted Service License for two weeks in April, and one of the shows planned is a live outside broadcast from Blazing Saddles CMC on the 27th April.
At first everything went quite well, and it looked like the show was a go, however after scanning the area for a broadband signal or connection, it looked like the show may not go ahead.
The idea was that the show would be linked to the studio via the Internet, and then transmitting live from the studio, however no Internet, no show. Things were starting to look bleak, but Martin, as always showed faith in his team, and commented that 'If it can be done, these guys will get it done'. Well Martin's faith in his team has paid dividends in the past and it proved no different last night. Gareth and Paul found a way and the show is now on. So thanks to Gareth and Paul it looks like a great night is on the cards.
And now back to the music.
The guest band last night was Bonnie Diamond and Coe, a duo consisting of Bonnie on lead vocals and David on guitar. They hail from the South East and between them bring a wealth of experience and musical talent. Bonnie has worked on various cruise lines and television, with shows including The Benny Hill Show, The Les Dawson Show, Pebble Mill, Yorkshires End of the Pier Show and the Little and Large Show as well as being a support artiste to many named artistes.
David is a well respected and established musician who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. He plays the guitar and writes all the musical backing as well as providing back up vocals and harmonies, as well as the occasional lead.
They provide a range of musical styles including Rock n Roll, Pop, Standards and Nostalgia, but last night it was their Country set, and what a set it was.
The songs were varied and included Hey good lookin, Ring of fire, Summertime blues, Singing the blues, Black Coffee, If tomorrow never comes, Who says you can't have it all, If I said you have a beautiful body, Lyin eyes and a whole host of others. One of the highlights of the night for me was David playing the instrumental version of Ghost riders in the sky, a tune I've been trying to learn myself, but it's always great when you can hear it played well, and it inspires you to try harder.
The show, as always at the Blazing Saddles was top notch. Bonnie and David are very friendly people and very genuine and that comes across in the set. They have that special quality that endures them to their audience and which in turn makes them part of the Blazing Saddles family. They are back in October and that is going to be a show worth seeing again, looking forward to it already.
So once again it was another great night at Blazing Saddles and a Big thanks has to go to Roger Bennett and his team of helpers and indeed all the members of Blazing Saddles. Without their efforts and their love of country music in general, there would probably be nowhere in Torbay to enjoy this whole musical genre. Their efforts help keep country alive and kicking in our little part of Devon.
See you soon.....
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Blazing Saddles Country and Western Music Club
As the title suggests this entry is about the Blazing Saddles Country and Western Music Club, a local club based at the Cavendish Hotel, Belgrave Road, Torquay. They meet every Wednesday evening from 7.45pm through to 10.30pm.
The club is run by a gentleman called Roger Bennett, who is one of the nicest people I know. Full of knowledge about the country scene both home and abroad, he tirelessly puts together the club meets, but he is also assisted by the other club members, in fact the whole club is like a large family, and that gives it a very special feel.
Each week the club hosts a live act. The acts come from all over the UK, and highlight just how big country music is in Britain. Acts like Clear Cut, Chris James, West Country, Pedro, Double JR, Glen Rogers,Double Barrell and Campbells Country to name just a few are regulars at the club, and the performances they give are slick, professional, family friendly and full of fun. In fact whatever band comes to the club, they become another member of the family that is Blazing Saddles.
One such act that I was lucky to catch is Johnny Holland. He was the guest act on Wednesday 16th February. Johnny hails from the Midlands, and has the look and presence that is every inch country, from the hat on his head to the cowboy boots on his feet, you know you are going to get the real country and music show, not someone playing the part. From the moment he was introduced, you got the feeling, here is a guy who is at home with what he does, and the banter with the audience emphasized what he is about.
But what of the music. Well his repertoire included tracks like Messed up in Memphis, People are crazy, Mexicali, Carbo San Lucas, Ride the River, Laid back and low key, Neon moon, Small town Saturday night and one of my favourites Gallway Girl, plus a whole load of others, all delivered brilliantly. The only downer on the performance was that it came to an end, I could have quite happily sat there all night listening and enjoying the performance.
During the break and after the show I got to have a chat with Johnny, and I found him to be as genuine a guy as you could ever meet. It really was a pleasure to meet a real star. He even kindly gave me one of his albums 'Ridin High', which if you get the opportunity, buy a copy, because it's a great album. Definately going to get plenty of airplay on Riviera Country.
And he's just one of the acts that performs regularly at Blazing Saddles. Coming up in the next few weeks are duo Sapphire on Feb 23rd, soloist Jim Worton on Mar 2nd, duo Bonnie Diamond and Coe on Mar 9th and on Mar 16th 2 Card Trick. If they are up to the standards of Johnny Holland, and I don't have any reason to doubt they will be, they are going be some great evenings down in Torquay.
Johnny himself will be back in the bay on Sept 28th, and I for one will definately be there.
Well, that's it for now, but watch this space for some exciting news about a possible LIVE outside broadcast from Blazing Saddles in April.
But, before I finish I would like to thank Roger and all the members of Blazing Saddles for another really wonderful evening.
The club is run by a gentleman called Roger Bennett, who is one of the nicest people I know. Full of knowledge about the country scene both home and abroad, he tirelessly puts together the club meets, but he is also assisted by the other club members, in fact the whole club is like a large family, and that gives it a very special feel.
Each week the club hosts a live act. The acts come from all over the UK, and highlight just how big country music is in Britain. Acts like Clear Cut, Chris James, West Country, Pedro, Double JR, Glen Rogers,Double Barrell and Campbells Country to name just a few are regulars at the club, and the performances they give are slick, professional, family friendly and full of fun. In fact whatever band comes to the club, they become another member of the family that is Blazing Saddles.
One such act that I was lucky to catch is Johnny Holland. He was the guest act on Wednesday 16th February. Johnny hails from the Midlands, and has the look and presence that is every inch country, from the hat on his head to the cowboy boots on his feet, you know you are going to get the real country and music show, not someone playing the part. From the moment he was introduced, you got the feeling, here is a guy who is at home with what he does, and the banter with the audience emphasized what he is about.
But what of the music. Well his repertoire included tracks like Messed up in Memphis, People are crazy, Mexicali, Carbo San Lucas, Ride the River, Laid back and low key, Neon moon, Small town Saturday night and one of my favourites Gallway Girl, plus a whole load of others, all delivered brilliantly. The only downer on the performance was that it came to an end, I could have quite happily sat there all night listening and enjoying the performance.
During the break and after the show I got to have a chat with Johnny, and I found him to be as genuine a guy as you could ever meet. It really was a pleasure to meet a real star. He even kindly gave me one of his albums 'Ridin High', which if you get the opportunity, buy a copy, because it's a great album. Definately going to get plenty of airplay on Riviera Country.
And he's just one of the acts that performs regularly at Blazing Saddles. Coming up in the next few weeks are duo Sapphire on Feb 23rd, soloist Jim Worton on Mar 2nd, duo Bonnie Diamond and Coe on Mar 9th and on Mar 16th 2 Card Trick. If they are up to the standards of Johnny Holland, and I don't have any reason to doubt they will be, they are going be some great evenings down in Torquay.
Johnny himself will be back in the bay on Sept 28th, and I for one will definately be there.
Well, that's it for now, but watch this space for some exciting news about a possible LIVE outside broadcast from Blazing Saddles in April.
But, before I finish I would like to thank Roger and all the members of Blazing Saddles for another really wonderful evening.
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