NICK WHITFIELD/JOHN LEWIS/RUSTI STEEL/HANK WILLIAMS TRIBUTE
The Donkey: 15th September 2023
What a glorious night of celebration at the The Donkey Venue Friday night... As we approach what would have been the King's 100th birthday we were gthered to celebrate the music of the legend.. .the truly great HANK WILLIAMS, surely one of the greatest poets and performers we have ever seen.
The gig started with a cracking set by NICK WHITFIELD, who started gently with a lovely performance of Glen Campbells "Gentle on my Mind" before going up through the gears to a ending with a rousing version of "I Fought the Law" which had everyone singing along. Nick is a great singer and musician and delivered a joyful set of country music in keeping with the spirit of the evening.
Next up was JOHN LEWIS... a simply exceptional set of country and original songs delivered with a huge commitment, a great voice and strident guitar work... The set included a magnificent song about what you can meet having a relaxing swim in the Bristol channel...
Last, and by no means least, up in the first half was RUSTY STEEL. Like the previous two artists, Rusty delivered a superb set of full on country music... Another great voice and guitar work and superbly entertaining.
The fact that I have no memory of what songs any of the guys performed, other than the three named, is I think testimony to the fact i was so engrossed n the overall performances which were upbeat, joyful and wonderful.
After a short interval the three musician joined forces as a trio to deliver a remarkable, joyful and simply brilliant set of Hank Williams classics.. as a trio playing upright bass, guitar and pedal steel.. the sound was authentic, the singing and playing exceptional... and the classics kept coming... If memory serves me rightly, they started upbeat and second song was "Your Cheatin' Heart" which had the audience whooping and singing... a reaction that last through the best part of the 90 minute set.
With a legacy like Hank it is a major decision what to leave out... every song is a winner... I am sure that there were songs nott played that would have been expected or wanted, but every number played was a veritable classic... and played with energy, joy and no little ability.
A remarkable and glorious evenngs entertainment leaving everyone breathless and joyful.
Huge thand to Mick, John and Rusty for delivering such a memorable gig
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