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.
Monday, March 14, 2011
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.....
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