The latest bluegrass group from the USA, promoted in Nottingham by Geoff and Pat Bowers, were, as expected, top class. The group comprised Ken Orrick (guitar / most lead vocals), Dick Brown (banjo), Eric Uglum (mandolin/lead guitar), Paul Shelasky (fiddle), and Marshall Andrews (double bass).

So what did they sound like? Vocally, powerhouse singing of the kind typically heard in bluegrass music. The group's material consisted of bluegrass classics from, for example, the Stanley Brothers and Reno & Smiley, together with some of their own songs.

Straightaway a blistering Katy Hill intro got the audience's interest, followed by a slow down into the first song proper. Among the numbers played were Flatt & Scruggs' On my Mind, with a terrific recreation by Paul Shelasky of the original's fiddle solo. Family Bible is a song I heard years ago done by Reno & Smiley; it doesn't seem to be performed much now, so it was nostalgia time for me. Long Black Veil was sung with feeling and power, as was Face in the Crowd. For me and, I think, most British bluegrass addicts, Little Whitewashed Chimney will be forever associated with Bill Clifton, who did so much to bring the music over here in the

Lost Highway

1960s, and the group ripped through this one in great style. From the more recent repertoire, Dark Hollow was enjoyed by everyone. Orange Blossom Special was the final 'string burner' - a big crowd pleaser as always.

On the instrumental side Marshall Andrews drove it all along with good solid playing throughout, with Ken Orrick on rhythm and back up guitar and most of the lead vocals. On lead guitar Eric Uglum produced a beautiful rich tone from his D-18. I enjoyed hearing his George Shuffler style crosspicked solos, interspersed with fiddle-style single string work. When I briefly spoke to Eric later, saying how much I'd enjoyed his Shuffler-style approach, he replied "Yes, that's what I call guitar playing!" Eric also played a good traditional mandolin style, mixing tremolo and single string work, all attractively woven into the group's arrangements. Dick Brown's punchy banjo work was admired by everybody I spoke to; it was a lesson in how it should be done (if only I could!) Paul Shelasky's fiddle work was outstanding in every way. He is also a talented comedian, with a quick-fire delivery of some hilariously funny situations.

Overall, it was a great night. Let me here say a special thank you to the couple who put all the work in getting this together - Geoff and Pat Bowers. They both gave freely of their time and put considerable effort into creating the best possible environment for our visitors from the USA to play. I know that Geoff always strives (and that is the right word) to get a good venue, and is always making sure that the frequently-upgraded sound system is as good as it can be, with Geoff himself on the mixer board. Geoff, a fine bluegrass musician and singer in his own right, knows how it should sound over the PA and that's good for the group and audience. On this occasion I sat right at the back and everything came over clearly, including the guitar, which often suffers at live shows. Pat's always on the door, making everyone welcome with a cheery "hello". I know that she supports Geoff 100% in his efforts. If you want a good evening's bluegrass, come to Nottingham!

Eric Kwiatkowski, Nottingham.

Promoter Geoff Bowers writes:

PhwooooarR!

What a night we had in Nottingham with Lost Highway. This band was a good as anything we've ever put on before and showed us a real night to remember. They were funny, laid back, and each member was so good on his own instrument. Vocally they were right on too and Eric Uglum showed us some fine high tenor harmony of the best tradition. Ken Orrick the amiable frontman with his warm, friendly personality to match the warmth that came through in in his voice. Marshall Andrews the bass player and driver for the band, played a fine bass - and uniquely - brought his own instrument which was something of a novelty for US visiting bands.

Fiddler, raconteur and 'bossman' Paul Shelasky noticed the CD I was playing of the Good Old Persons and only when he commented did I realise that he was the fiddler with them on that CD. What a top-flight fiddler he is. He did a request for a particularly intricate and fast fiddle tune which they didn't normally do in their usual repertoire and, my oh my! You should have heard it go - just beautiful...

Due to an accident on the A1 which blocked their path, Lost Highway arrived later than we had hoped but still in plenty of time for the start. It didn'arf make I sweat though! As soon as Dick Brown stood with his banjo, in front of his mic at sound check, it was very evident that we were in for some great stuff which certainly proved to be the case.

Not only was this band so very hot but they proved to be workaholics too! They had no support and were scheduled to do three, 45 minute hour spots with two half hour breaks in between. As Usual, I left them a large-faced clock propped on the monitor cab' with the instruction to come off when they felt right.

The second spot went on to within ten minutes of the end of the night, before I realized what was on and had to pull them off! We - and they - were so engrossed that the time just flew as on and on they went. What a band! Smartly besuited, in a hot basement hall, they even turned off a rotating fan that I'd put out for them. Cool, or what?

Neither myself nor any of the others had seen or heard of this band before but I can tell you, they've created a very strong fan base here in Nottingham who will be straining at the leash for the chance to see them again. They certainly deserve a pay rise and we'll see that they get it should we be lucky enough for them to return!

More power to the elbows of this fine, fine band.
Best' Geoff, (very happy bunny! )

1 Jan 2002