Reviews: Banter

BANTER

Musician Pub 27th March 2024

The The Musician Pub served up another magnificent gig on Wednesday night with the welcome return of superb folk supergroup Banter.

Banter is four superb musicians with a deep grounding in traditional music. They are Simon Care (melodeons) Nina Zeller (Keyboards/vocals) Tim Walker (Drums/Trumpet/Acoustic Guitar/Bass/Vocals) and Mark Jolley (bass/acoustic guitar/fiddle). Their roots are deeply in traditional folk but the band are a highly creative unit and stretch the boundaries creating traditional music that is purely Banter.

The repertoire is largely traditional flavoured with unique Banter arrangements, as well as pieces written by some of their heroes, (featured on the new album "Heroes" which is a tribute to those who have inspired and supported them) such as Pete Coe (Rolling Down the Ryburn), David Francey (Torn Screen Door) and John Tams (Lay Me Low)

It hard to pick out highlights from the set, as all of the pieces were top class... but maybe John Tams song "Lay me Low" stands out... Tams described the Banter version the definitive version of the song.

Pete Coe's " Rolling Down the Ryburn" rolled along beautifully with it's infectious chorus which you cant help joining in and the tune sets "Morgan Rattler" and "Seneca Square/Soldiers Joy" were irresistable upbeat sets which rocked along like crazy...

All four musicians are masters of their crafts and the playing and singing outstanding throughout. Not only was the music exceptional but the band also have a great sense of humour throughout both in the music and the banter... at one point Tim showed clearly that attempting star jumps while playing the trumpet before having a lead vocal to deliver isn't necessarily the best plan! The between songs chat was at all times informative and enlightening as well as funny.

Overall, the music was outstanding, the band generate a tremendous feeling of warmth and well being and it is totally impossible not to love the...

In many ways however, they save the best til last.. they encored with a terrific version of "Roxette" before first Simon with his melodeon stepped to the stage apron followed by the rest of the band, away from the microphones... Tim then stepped forward and showed what a great voice he has by delivering a spine chilling acapella version of maybe the greatest set closing/goodnight song... "(When we go) Rolling Home" accompanied by the band and audience.

This brought a wonderful show to an end little short of 2 hours from the start... left everyone smiling broadly and and revelling in witnessing an outstanding performance by a terrific band... great musicians and lovely people all...

If you missed out... catch them when you can and invest in the album... you wont be disappointed