The Often Herd

THE OFTEN HERD

Musician Pub 24th April 2024

Another treat at the The Musician Pub with the return of the superb The Often Herd.

The band are a bluegrass band from Newcastle Upon Tyne who deliver their own terrific brand of bluegrass.

The first set comprised predominantly their own material including songs from their excellent album "Where the Big Lamp Shines", including my personal favourite, "Casablanca" as well as "Rosary Beads" and the instrumental tune "Sycamore Gap" which after the events there last year has become something of a lament.

After the break they kicked of with a lovely delicate piece by mandolin player Evan and followed with some well chosen covers, including "Meet me on the Corner" (Rod Clements/Lindisfarne), "You're Gonna Make Me Lonsome When you Go" (Dylan/Robert Zimmerframe!!) as well as a couple of bluegrass standards, "Roll in my sweet babys arms" (Flatt & Scruggs) and "Make me a Pallet on your Floor"

The band - Rupert (guitar/vocals), Evan (Mandolin/Vocals), Niles (Fiddle/Vocals) and Elliot (Stand-up bass) are all quality musicians who clearly love and respect the music.

They play with real spirit and energy as well as a great sense of joy and fun and there is a great rapport among the band and with the audience... as Rupert said "I'm playing music i love with my mates"... and that shows clearly from the spirit and joy that is so evident in the performance.

The playing throughout is real quality, with each of the musicians having a chance to show their quality with their solos as well as in the ensemble playing. They play as an ensemble, and one of the players takes the lead then switch lead/solo amongst themselves seamlessly.

The set is basically bluegrass, but wonderfully varied in terms of tempo and feel, and along with the sense of fun and warmth of the band makes a wonderfully enjoyable performance... no two ways about it... this is a really great band delivering a really great set... terrific evening

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