Maverick Festival 7
At Easton Farm Park, Suffolk. 4th – 6th July 2014
Now back from the Maverick festival where we met friends old and new and listened to some great music and performances. For me, Friday highlights were Brighton’s own 'House of Hats, who played a tremendous set. I had only seen them once before and they were excellent then but they seem to have taken their musical talents to a new and even higher level. The Jamie Freeman Agreement were as usual terrific, playing a few of jamie’s ‘oldies’ as well as songs from their new album, ‘100 miles from town’ and now have the added bonus in their ranks of the talented Emma Lewis. When, on their last song, I realized it was to be Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road, I thought it was ill advised but ultimately had to agree they really nailed this great song! Following this it was off to the main barn to see and hear (ears are still ringing!) the incredible Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band assaulting the blues! Some of the harshness that I witnessed several years ago has had its edges slightly smoothed but there can still be few trio’s who can generate such raw power.
Saturday was wet and dreary but the excellence of the music (and the local ale!) raised the spirits and threw up what was for me the biggest highlight of a festival of highlights! Marty O’ Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra were simply incredible. Just the three of them but they produced some of the most atmospheric, mesmerizing and often spooky music I’ve heard for a long time. Marty plays a resonator guitar and is the possessor of a voice that must be the most soulful in ‘American roots’ music, with a perfect harmony partner and fiddler in Chris Lynch, whilst everything is underpinned by Jeff Kissell’s incredible double bass playing. The sound they generate is full of fire and passion irrespective of whether they are performing one of Marty’s originals or an old hillbilly or blues song. A great band who I’m pretty sure are going to be huge. They are here on tour so check Marty’s website for gig locations. www.martyoreilly.com The evening in the barn was given over to three of the most talented women in ‘country music,’as well as the up and coming talents of Larkin Poe. Hannah Aldridge, whose album will shortly be reviewed on this website was simply incredible! Not only is she a beautiful, versatile vocalist, but she also has her own unique style, added to which I know very few songwriters who write stories as evocative as Hannah’s. She was followed by the 6 months pregnant and latest great performer in the ‘Williams dynasty’ Holly Williams. She must be one of the most charismatic performers around as well as possessing a ‘classic country’ voice and is another with huge talents as a writer. How do you follow these two? Ask Mary Gauthier because she is one of the few singer songwriters who is able to do so and this was another huge triumph by a truly wonderful performer. A few oldies as well as songs from her new album by a great singer songwriter who put on an absolutely captivating set in front of a full barn of mesmerized old and new fans. Sadly I had to miss much of the beautiful Larkin Poe’s set but saw enough to realize that this pair of siblings could well be on their way to superstardom! Instead I saw Peter Bruntnell and band play an incredible set to finish the evening off. Their sound has developed over the years, Peter never being a performer to sit on his laurels, but he still writes and sings songs that can be classed as ‘Americana’ despite his often diverse direction changes.
Sunday is always a ‘wind down’ day but the full barn was treated to another stunning performance by Marty O’ Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra who performed several incredible gospel songs as well as more updated blues and hillbilly tales all done in their own unique and original style. They were followed by the Rainbow Girls, probably the most joyously addictive and enthusiastic band I’ve ever seen. That in itself would almost suffice but add their tremendous musical talents and the most incredible four part harmonies you are likely to hear anywhere or any when and they should be guaranteed success! You can see them on tour in the U.K. where the bonus is that they are touring with Marty O’ Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra, so two great bands for the price of one. The final act I saw was Norfolks very own ‘Brother act,’ the talented and self deprecating Henry Brothers. They emulate the Brother acts of old such as the Louvins, Allen Brothers, Blue Sky Boys and many others but they put their own slant on the music, and whilst not taking themselves too seriously they are serious about the music and are vital to the tradition, being talented enough to keep it alive and in good health. I actually purchased a copy of their new album ‘Dark waters,’ something I rarely seem to do these days, but there are few modern bands who play in this style and those I’ve heard are well worth supporting, especially The Henry Brothers.
There were many other great artists playing at the festival who I didn’t see, but numerous people were telling me that I had missed some great music and performances.
It seems there were few, if any, disappointed fans, indicating that ‘American Roots’ music is alive and thriving and as diverse as ever!
That just about concludes this brief report on another hugely successful Maverick Festival. This was the seventh of a festival series that will hopefully go on into infinity. Can’t wait for number eight!
Below are many of the photos I took at the festival. You will note they are a pretty unbalanced selection but that's because I started full of enthusiasm, but eventually got tired of trying to fight my way through the crowds and decided to just relax and enjoy the festival!
I haven't cut heads off, just click on the photo and all will be revealed!
At Easton Farm Park, Suffolk. 4th – 6th July 2014
Now back from the Maverick festival where we met friends old and new and listened to some great music and performances. For me, Friday highlights were Brighton’s own 'House of Hats, who played a tremendous set. I had only seen them once before and they were excellent then but they seem to have taken their musical talents to a new and even higher level. The Jamie Freeman Agreement were as usual terrific, playing a few of jamie’s ‘oldies’ as well as songs from their new album, ‘100 miles from town’ and now have the added bonus in their ranks of the talented Emma Lewis. When, on their last song, I realized it was to be Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road, I thought it was ill advised but ultimately had to agree they really nailed this great song! Following this it was off to the main barn to see and hear (ears are still ringing!) the incredible Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band assaulting the blues! Some of the harshness that I witnessed several years ago has had its edges slightly smoothed but there can still be few trio’s who can generate such raw power.
Saturday was wet and dreary but the excellence of the music (and the local ale!) raised the spirits and threw up what was for me the biggest highlight of a festival of highlights! Marty O’ Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra were simply incredible. Just the three of them but they produced some of the most atmospheric, mesmerizing and often spooky music I’ve heard for a long time. Marty plays a resonator guitar and is the possessor of a voice that must be the most soulful in ‘American roots’ music, with a perfect harmony partner and fiddler in Chris Lynch, whilst everything is underpinned by Jeff Kissell’s incredible double bass playing. The sound they generate is full of fire and passion irrespective of whether they are performing one of Marty’s originals or an old hillbilly or blues song. A great band who I’m pretty sure are going to be huge. They are here on tour so check Marty’s website for gig locations. www.martyoreilly.com The evening in the barn was given over to three of the most talented women in ‘country music,’as well as the up and coming talents of Larkin Poe. Hannah Aldridge, whose album will shortly be reviewed on this website was simply incredible! Not only is she a beautiful, versatile vocalist, but she also has her own unique style, added to which I know very few songwriters who write stories as evocative as Hannah’s. She was followed by the 6 months pregnant and latest great performer in the ‘Williams dynasty’ Holly Williams. She must be one of the most charismatic performers around as well as possessing a ‘classic country’ voice and is another with huge talents as a writer. How do you follow these two? Ask Mary Gauthier because she is one of the few singer songwriters who is able to do so and this was another huge triumph by a truly wonderful performer. A few oldies as well as songs from her new album by a great singer songwriter who put on an absolutely captivating set in front of a full barn of mesmerized old and new fans. Sadly I had to miss much of the beautiful Larkin Poe’s set but saw enough to realize that this pair of siblings could well be on their way to superstardom! Instead I saw Peter Bruntnell and band play an incredible set to finish the evening off. Their sound has developed over the years, Peter never being a performer to sit on his laurels, but he still writes and sings songs that can be classed as ‘Americana’ despite his often diverse direction changes.
Sunday is always a ‘wind down’ day but the full barn was treated to another stunning performance by Marty O’ Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra who performed several incredible gospel songs as well as more updated blues and hillbilly tales all done in their own unique and original style. They were followed by the Rainbow Girls, probably the most joyously addictive and enthusiastic band I’ve ever seen. That in itself would almost suffice but add their tremendous musical talents and the most incredible four part harmonies you are likely to hear anywhere or any when and they should be guaranteed success! You can see them on tour in the U.K. where the bonus is that they are touring with Marty O’ Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra, so two great bands for the price of one. The final act I saw was Norfolks very own ‘Brother act,’ the talented and self deprecating Henry Brothers. They emulate the Brother acts of old such as the Louvins, Allen Brothers, Blue Sky Boys and many others but they put their own slant on the music, and whilst not taking themselves too seriously they are serious about the music and are vital to the tradition, being talented enough to keep it alive and in good health. I actually purchased a copy of their new album ‘Dark waters,’ something I rarely seem to do these days, but there are few modern bands who play in this style and those I’ve heard are well worth supporting, especially The Henry Brothers.
There were many other great artists playing at the festival who I didn’t see, but numerous people were telling me that I had missed some great music and performances.
It seems there were few, if any, disappointed fans, indicating that ‘American Roots’ music is alive and thriving and as diverse as ever!
That just about concludes this brief report on another hugely successful Maverick Festival. This was the seventh of a festival series that will hopefully go on into infinity. Can’t wait for number eight!
Below are many of the photos I took at the festival. You will note they are a pretty unbalanced selection but that's because I started full of enthusiasm, but eventually got tired of trying to fight my way through the crowds and decided to just relax and enjoy the festival!
I haven't cut heads off, just click on the photo and all will be revealed!