ACME : - “THE TOP OR HIGHEST POINT, The culmination or perfection in the career of anything”. Well that’s what the dictionary said. I’ve always used Chambers because it always seemed to have all those funny words in it - you know, like the ones that start with ‘F’ and finish with ‘T’, but enough of this tomfoolery.

Bearing in mind this peak of perfection stuff, I decided to make the risky transcontinental journey (via Runcorn), to the ancient Roman city of DEVA (pronounced “DEWA” - no wonder I almost missed the Club!).

Bob Armstrong, Ron Stevens, Brian Curtis, John Allen & Bill Forster
Photo D.Brandon copyright © NWBN

For a change we arrived earlier than usual, my resident banjo picker and I, so parking was not a problem. Inside the usual picking session was in full swing, with all the regulars present. But being of a shy and somewhat retiring nature, my banjo playing friend and I settled in the corner and strummed quietly away to ourselves and were gradually joined by others, including the Acme’s Bill Forster (banjo) and Bob Armstrong (dobro). By the time the main act was ready the room was so full that Derek, Mein Host, had to shift most of the instruments into the back room so that more people would have a seat.

Well for those of you who may not be familiar with the Acme (have you just got back from Mars?), they’re a slick five piece, very much in the style of that wonderful urban USA bluegrass band, The Seldom Scene. You remember them? They’re the band that appeared at Blackburn in the NW a couple of years ago (courtesy of Tom Travis), and hardly anybody made the effort to go and see them, though some were away abroad, swabbing themselves on holiday.

Ron & Bob get the giggles!
Photo D.Brandon copyright © NWBN

I’ve seen the Acme Band many times before, but never in such a close and intimate setting, which I felt really added to the atmosphere on the night. The musicianship was first rate, but what impressed me most was the beautiful close harmony singing, on a par with some of the best I’ve ever heard. Of course these lads have been together for a while now (see NWBN, Sept. 1997) with more or less the same line up:- Brian Curtis (guitar), Bob Armstrong (dobro), Bill Forster (banjo), Ron Stevens (mandolin), and John Allen (bass), so it’s easy to understand why they’re so comfortable with one another (er... they are aren’t they?)

TheOverspill looks on from the Corridor!

The concert started with a Brian Curtis song, I’ve Been Lifted Up through to Today I Started Loving Her Again, a Bob Armstrong song The Unseen Guest, a wonderful a capella version of Lover Of The Lord, and a blistering version of the old Don Reno tour de force banjo instrumental Remington Ride. I watched Bill Forster closely during this number and at no time did his fingers leave his hands! In terms of class acts, this was the biggest and best that Chester Bluegrass Club has promoted, and all concerned deserve congratulations - Well Done!

I understand that the Acme Band are soon to release a CD with quite a few of the self-penned songs on it that they performed at Chester, so keep a look out for it. These lads deserve our support, particularly as they have to travel from all points of the compass to perform and rehearse - they covered nearly 900 miles for this! All in all a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and if you missed it, hard luck, life’s tough.

Chris Wilson, Skelmersdale.

Eric Kwiatkowski (Nottingham) reports:

The ACME played at The Beech Tree Hotel Folk Club (Nottingham) on 26th Nov. Their vocals were top notch powerhouse stuff, with marvellous interplay on the gospel material. Instrumentally they were always interesting. Even on the up-tempo material, the group never sounded jerky or 'on the limit', nor did the rhythm drag on the slow numbers. Some songs veered a touch too close to what might be called C&W for my taste, but that’s obviously down to individual preferences - no doubt some members of the audience would disagree. The group also entertained in other ways, with Brian’s banter keeping the audience involved! About a hundred people were present - all credit to Reg and John’s publicity and “word of mouth” among the enthusiasts. It was very encouraging to see all those people turning out on a winter’s night to support a Bluegrass music concert.

Updated 23rd Jan 1999