By Geoff Bowers Click for Eric Kwiatkowski's report

Previous articles on this band: | At Nottingham | At Liverpool |

This was a Valentines Day that Nottingham Bluegrassers will not forget in a hurry! We had seen them for a first time here three years ago when they 'did us proud'. How could we know that this time around was to be in a different level all together? Ok - we are in a much better venue that is more intimate and has a great ambience but the whole band were… on fire!

Mike O'Reilly was a funny guy before but this was just great. He did a couple of solo spots and had everyone in tucks of laughter. One time he was doing an impression of an evangelist radio presenter and then he lived the role and went into the audience and took them apart! I'm very happy to be able to say that the atmosphere is always good at our concerts and that's very rewarding. This night though surpassed all. The banter with the crowd was really relaxed and I was so pleased that everyone felt happy enough to give as much as they got. We were all in fits!

Mike commented early that it was a real pleasure for the band to play to such an appreciative audience and went on to describe some typical home gigs where the local drunk would half yell - half yodel an unintelligible request, which drew a good laugh. With just great timing, a guy in the audience waited for a few songs to pass and did a perfect impression of Mike's drunk! 'Brought the place down.

It wasn't only Mike's humour that marked the man. Oh no! He surpassed himself in his vocals and guitar playing. He held nothing back and gave every inch of his self and I was so impressed along with everyone else I know. He has a good strong voice which he used with all stops out. Great stuff Mike!

Dick Smith was such a good model for the many banjo enthusiasts and delivered the goods in his usual rock-solid Scruggs style that we associate with him for very good reason. We couldn't have a better living example.

Ray Legere was just magic! He moved between two sets of mikes during individual songs and tunes swapping instruments seamlessly and it made it the best five-piece, four-piece band that we're likely to see. His own solo spots were received with tumultuous applause.

A pleasant surprise for all was the late replacement bass player. He quipped when introduced: "The band upgraded!" He was an equal vocal contributor and did several solo songs. He fits in really well with the band and has the same sense of humour.

Before the start of the concert, at ten-to-eight that night, Mike O'Reilly had been most concerned that the band's bill would leave us out of pocket! Fortunately, in the event, he worried needlessly as by start time we were able to break even. That's certainly good enough for a Saturday night on Valentine's Day - especially when we saw the momentous performance that came our way!

I'm sure that everyone who saw them three years ago at the Trent Bridge Inn, knew that we were in for a good night. Not for a second though, did we think that such a phenomenon was to unfold! They were just irrepressible! I often use the adage, "There's no substitute for enthusiasm." Well, we aren't going to see a band give out like that for many a good long while I'm sure. They didn't want to go home! They over ran every set. They played, sang and gave advice and tuition to anyone who asked - for well over an hour after the concerts over-run end. Talk about devotion - these guys just love it. I have nothing but admiration for them. They were so very, very good at their craft and such good entertainers!

For our part, we won't make the mistake of doing a Saturday night again - unless there's no other option! We'll certainly avoid the unfamiliar associated, 'Car Park Full' signs and other gigs upstairs. Thankfully, the next concert is back to the familiar Thursday slot so we can relax on those scores. :o)

Thanks to Dave Finn and Eric Kwiatkowsky for their repeated generosity to the raffles. Once again, thanks to all who supported the night for helping to make it the wonderful success that it was. We'll not forget that night in a hurry!

Best' Geoff and Pat. :-)

Geoff  & Pat Bowers, Nottingham Write to Geoff | Geoff's Website

29 Feb 2004