Hank‘s Ranch Party
Saturday night was a barn-stormer!
The night began with an amiable and enthusiastic crowd who dutifully arrived before we had even finished sound checking. A good start but frustrating for the Hallelujah Trails who had to go on more or less straight away and just start playing festival style. No problem for Jeremy and Anna, though. Their sweet harmonies and Jeremy‘s driving guitar set the tone and the bar high for the rest of the evening. Next up, The Vagaband – one of my favourite unsigned, unsung bands. They play an incredible mix of styles and sounds that have to be heard to be appreciated. I predict great things for these guys if they can keep going. How seven people can get together and perform in today‘s over-crowded underpaid market I do not know but I intend to give them every opportunity I can. They certainly made some new friends and fans on Saturday.
Hank was in good form despite his recent heart-attack (or Johnny Cash-lite as he calls it) and M.C.ed the evening for us and made everyone welcome. He and his merry band of Lost Cowboys – including my old friend and Maverick veteran, BJ Cole and old misery guts himself, Martin Belmont – delivered the goods just like it says on the packet.
I hope the Thanksgiving Ranch Party is a tradition that we can continue with and judging by the reaction, I don‘t se why we shouldn‘t.
