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.....