Dust'n'Debris

DUST'N'DEBRIS

Donkey Garden 23rd February 2025

My first visit to the newly re-furbished THE DONKEY GARDEN and delighted to be back there. I didn't know what changes had been made I was not sure what to expect.

So, a couple of minor issues on the venue... the walls are bare and slightly clinical looking, a music venue needs memorabilia and posters around... and the curtains behind the stage were left open, which was distracting (closed after the interval though!)... minor points... but it is early days and I am sure it will soon seem like home again. From my conversations with management and team I am sure that the management are keen to re-establish the place as a great venue and to be really supportive of the audience.

So onto the gig... delighted to see DUST'N'DEBRIS again... A great hugely enjoyable americana/cajun/country/rock band who always deliver a hugely enjoyable show.

As the band took the stage Les said that as ever they would start with a story, and soon the joyous sounds of "Rocky Mountain Belle" were filling the room, closely followed by two more up-tempo D'n'D favourites.. "Wagon Wheel" and "Dooley". The set progressed along familiar lines though i must admit that when a band announces a Beatle cover "One After 909" isn't the first song I expect.. (however often i've heard it!).

The first half ended with a new song to the set, "Dry Town", which i think will be a welcome addition to future gigs

The second half followed the same pattern featuring predominantly up-beat songs familiar to a D'n'D gig ending with the rocking americana of the jump number "Symphony Sid" followed by "Runaround Sue" and ending with "Battle of New Orleans " and a cajun 2-step.

Hugely enjoyable gig... the band continue to delight audiences with their joyful upbeat music and personalities... it is always good to see a band smiling and enjoying their work.

Musically the the band are class... the rhythm section of "Bud (drums) and "Mark (bass) drive along beautifully while the Leader, Les plays solid acoustic guitar and occasional harp, singing in his more "Lived in" style while Jade alongside sings beautifully as always. Fiddle music is central to much country/americana and Elaine's fiddle playing shines brightly through the set... completing the line up George delivers some superb lead guitar, as well as banjo and mandolin... and also adds some fine vocals.

Always a delight to see... Dust and Debris delighted as always...

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