In the immortal words of John Hiatt, “sure I like country music and I like mandolins” so it goes without saying that I will love this band.
After a great support slot from Dietrich Strause it’s onto the main act. A simple setup with just two microphones we settle down to a great night of acoustic country, bluegrass, Americana or folk whichever label you want to hang.
We are treated to 100 minutes of pure joy. Just two talented musicians performing unadorned by a big band or fancy staging playing great songs to a warm and appreciative crowd. Aside from the musicianship with each changing instruments throughout the set, the two voices blend perfectly together with each harmonising as the other takes lead.
The stories and tales and interaction between songs is warm, self-deprecating but most of all funny and natural. The crowd are fully engaged whooping for mandolin solos, foot stomping on some to provide a back beat or just sitting back and letting the warmth of the music envelop them like a comforting marshmallow pillow.
Highlights too many to mention as the quality is exceptionally high throughout but special mentions for ‘Little Worlds’ and ‘Hard Travellin’. I cannot wait to see these guys again.
Special mention to the venue. Once again the Lexington demonstrates that it’s the best small venue in London with great sound (although you might want the disco downstairs to be turned down a little until the music has finished in the top room).
A great night and keep on country rockin y’all