It’s a Green Note promoted gig tonight at the Water Rats as the Green Note is too small. Given that this show sold out a while ago clearly the Water Rats falls into this category too. With many of the shows on this run sold out clearly the word about his great band is getting out there as their popularity grows. The country scene in the UK is burgeoning with a loyal and large audience if you can get noticed and this is especially true for female led bands or artists with those seemingly attracting the bigger audiences.
Tonight, though it’s The Honeycutters or as they are now billed Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters. As chief songwriter and lead vocalist it was clearly decided to promote Amanda’s significant talents front and centre within the band. Significant they are with a natural stage presence and between song story-telling she is engaging during those often-awkward breaks between the tracks. Buts it’s the quality of the songs and the voice that shines through tonight as they take us through a road trip around the states of the US stopping off in Carolina and Texas to name but two.
The band are tight but understated and provide the perfect base for Amanda to build upon with some nice harmonies from the rhythm section to boot. Lead guitarist Matt Smith switches effortlessly between his Fender and pedal steel, an accomplished player without being too showy. But it is Amanda herself who impresses most with her perfect country vocals with a hint of yodel thrown in.
A great start to 2020 with a real talent who should be getting more recognition and I know how difficult it is for smaller scale US artists to make the trip over the pond and for that alone we must be grateful. Top tunes and top night
Keep on country rockin y’all