Feb
4
Written by:
carrie
Friday, February 04, 2011
The Green Rock River Band were launching their new EP so we went along to check them out at the Ram Jam in Kingston. This band is a powder keg of bluegrass, country, old-time music, brought right up to date and very "now". You don't need to be a fan of any of those genres because this is simply impossible-to-resist infectious riotous fun all the way.
When they hit the stage it's kind of like being attacked by a overfriendly rabid dog. The main energy comes from lead man Jeremy Sachs, who's whips his band into shape, and dares the audience not to have fun. He rants and hollers like a manic deep south preacher, smashing his hand into his fist to emphasise the drama. He's also a mean banjo player.
The songs are mainly the band's own, which is wonderful, and guitarist Paul Freeman has contributed some gorgeous numbers to their set. With three of the band singing, a river of sound rolls off the stage. But each singer has their own voice which adds to the variety. The exception is "Shady Groves" - the Americanised version of our "Matty Groves", made famous by Fairport Convention - it has one of those tunes that just won't shift.
Fiddle player Matt Markwick takes his solos with total control, swirling and gliding, eliciting whoops and hollers from the crowd. Mandolinst Jim Dog also adds power and style. Mark Duddy on drums has a minimalist kit that has clearly enjoyed a few wild nights out, and he powers the band using only brushes or hotrods.
The Green Rock boys treat their audience like friends they want to party with, and no doubt the party continues well after the band leave the stage. We're told "This isn't a Chekov play, there's no fourth wall!". The crowd are part of the fun, and they're given every opportunity to get involved whether through foot-stomping, hand-clapping, or just heckling and bantering with the band.
Songs of lust, betrayal, whisky, women, busted dreams and impending doom. Delivered in mental party style. Fab.
Web:
http://www.myspace.com/thegreenrockriverband
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Green-Rock-River-Band/7944049196