This show, the latest in Dave Bresnen's series of occasional concerts, was opened by The Runaway String Band from Scotland. This excellent four piece band presented a fine selection of songs and instrumentals performed in a confident and stylish manner. The band comprised banjo, electric bass guitar, guitar and mandolin, doubling on dobro. The playing and singing was of the highest standard: a band well worth hearing.

To me, the Duffey Brothers' show was a sort of 'Cannon and Ball with music' routine, complete with cheap props and silly dressing up. They are clearly excellent singers and instrumentalists, but the heavy reliance on comedy left little for the music lovers to savour. I was appalled at their 'comedy' versions of such classics as Crying My Heart Out Over You and Is Anybody Going To San Antone. The latter, a big hit for Charlie Pride, was performed in a pseudo-calypso style and West Indian accents which I thought was, to say the least, in poor taste but which some members of the audience actually found offensive! Having said this, most of the audience seemed to enjoy their show with plenty of laughing and hysterical applause. I, however, would have preferred much less comedy and much more music - I wonder what the reader thinks?

Their show was competently compered by Chris Wilson and presented by Dave Bresnen, who deserves our thanks and support, because without his continued efforts we wouldn't even get a chance to hear these acts in the North West. The show was good value at £5 admission, so perhaps there was another reason for the abundance of empty seats? Barry Flynn, Litherland, Liverpool. Editors note: Dave Bresnen comments that Maghull Folk Club, which is suffering from cuts in it's grant from the Arts Council, will no longer put on British Bluegrass bands at this outstanding venue, due to poor attendance - Ed.

Updated 23rd Jan 1999