FRED'S PLACE | home
ABOUT FRED | WHO'S ON | Soo'S ReeVooS | ARTISTES | LINKS | LINE DANCING | PHOTOS | GUEST BOOK /CONTACT
Soo'S ReeVooS
TWIN FALLS 29th JAN `12
What a good start to the year we've had and this week continued in the same way. Alec Johnson and Pete Walker from Cheshire have been together as “Twin Falls” for 4 years.
It was obvious from the start that they've been playing their guitars for a long time. Both had good voices and we were treated to a few self-penned numbers - 2 being “I Can Live With That” and “It Takes Time”.
I hope to see them again; an enjoyable evening.
Next Week - Johnny Williams and Lynette Marie
Sue
DESERT WIND 22nd JAN `11
The room was packed again this week for the second band of the year's first appearance at Fred's. This 4-piece band from the North was easily recognisable to us “oldies” as drummer Les Payne, Pete and Jim from Stroller and Andy from Poacher - two excellent bands from the past.
I thought they were brilliant and veered towards a country folk sound. It was also lovely to hear a lot of songs I haven't heard before - some they sang were “Blue Ridge Mountain Girl”, “Sure Do Miss You Now” and “Man Of Constant Sorrow”.
Fred thought they were a blast from the past, and I'm sure we'll have them back.
Next Week - Twin Falls
Sue
JEFF GALLANT BAND 8th JAN `11
What a brilliant start to the new year. This five-piece band from Norfolk consists of Jeff Gallant, vocals; Jaydee Read, pedal steel; Dick Hewitt, drums; and Tich Reeder , fiddle.
They have been together for ten years and it shows. All great musicians, they gel perfectly and gave us a smooth professional performance.
They opened the show with “Swinging Doors” - we also heard “The Bottle Let Me Down” and “Take Me Back To Tulsa”.
It was lovely to see the fiddle in a band as it is very rare nowadays.
I really hope we have them back. Soon !
Next Week - Blake and Brazil
Sue
|
AMERI CAN ROUTES 18th DEC `11
Our Christmas show with this trio was a nice quiet ending to the year.
Although I find their material a bit dated, their harmonies are second to none and Irene has a great voice.
They sang a medley of Eagles' songs and we also heard “Someday Soon” and “As She's Walking Away” as well as a few line-dance songs dotted in-between.
Bernie also did us proud with a lovely buffet with enough food to feed us all !
Another year has sped by.
Coming up - Jan 8th - The Jeff Gallent Band” - if you like a fiddle, they have one !
Sue
GARY PERKINS AND THE BREEZE 11th DEC `11
Glad to say we haven't had any snow to stop this year's visit from this top band.
The room was packed and there was a party atmosphere all night. We were entertained with their special brand of country music and comedy, a really enjoyable evening.
They opened with “A Little Too Late” and finished the evening with Bing Crosby's festive “White Christmas”.
There are lots of good bands booked for next year starting on January 8th with a five-piece band - The Jeff Gallent Band for their first appearance at Fred's.
Sue
KALIBRE 4th DEC `11
We always have a good night when Kalibre come to Fred's.
I enjoy listening to their laid-back style of country and am pleased to hear they have won “Duo Of The Year”.
Their first song was Rodney Crowell's “That's Another Good Reason Not To Drink” and we also heard “Bobby McGee” and “The Breeze”.
A lovely relaxing evening.
Sue
|
HAYLEY OLIVER BAND 27th NOV `11
It was the first time at Fred's for this six-piece band from London; Hayley Oliver on vocals backed by three guitars, drums and Wayne Lee
(son of the famous musician Albert Lee) on keyboard.
The band was formed two years ago - before that Hayley toured the country circuit as a solo artiste.
It was obvious from the start that Hayley has a lovely voice and the band are very professional.
I found their first set a little disappointing - with the tempo maybe? - but they really picked up in the next two spots and it was an enjoyable evening.
They opened with “I Really Had A Ball Last Night” and also sang “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” and Patsy Cline's
“Pick Me Up On Your Way Down”.
Sue
TEXAS TORNADOS 20TH NOV `11
I always enjoy it when this trio visit Fred's; two fine musicians backing Pete Stothard - Mr Personality. He gives his all to entertain his audience and never fails.
We were treated to a good mix of country songs and some way up to date line-dance material such as “Kiss Off”, and Blake Shelton's “Sunny In Seattle”. We also heard two Randy Travis numbers - “This Is Me” and “On The Other Hand”.
From Toby Keith to Chris Young's “Tomorrow” Pete has the voice to sing them all.
A really good night !
Sue
|
C'EST LA VIE 30th OCT `11
Another great evening with this band that never fails to entertain.
We heard “Bakersfield”, “The Running Kind” and “When Two Worlds Collide”.
It's always a joy to see them
Sue
FOOLS GOLD 16th OCT `11
It's always a good night with Fools Gold. The line-dancers love them as they are kept dancing all night with some very up-to-date material.
Listeners appreciate their country knowledge and everyone has a good time.
Some songs they sang were “Messed Up In Memphis”, “Dirt Road Dancing” and “Highway Twenty Ride”.
Sue
THE JOHN ASHTON TRIBUTE BAND 9th OCT `11
What a great evening we had this week at Fred's; we were treated to six of the best of country talent - C'est La Vie were backing John Ashton with an extra member, John Pettifer, for a tribute night to Gene Watson.
They opened with C'est La Vie singing “Rose Of Paradise”. After two more songs, John Ashton came on stage and still had the great voice I remember from years ago.
His first song was “Should I Go Home Or Should I Go Crazy?” and we also heard “14-Carat Mind” and many more.
He did mix a few non-Gene Watson songs and I enjoyed Alan Jackson's “Meat And Potato Man” .
The stage was full of instruments and talented musicians - I repeat, what a great night !
Sue
|
THE CLASSICS 25th SEPT `11
I was looking forward to seeing this trio for the second time and I was not disappointed; who could be with these three talented artistes
Paul Wright, Dave Rowland and John Pettifer.
We were treated to an evening of traditional country music and amongst others we heard “I Love You Too Much”, “Guitar Man” and a self-penned number by Paul - “A Different Kind Of Man”.
Country at its best.
Sue
NASHVILLE ROSE 18th SEPT `11
A pleasant evening with the return of this trio.
They sang all traditional country and some rarely sung such as Alan Jackson's “Bluer Than That” and “The Long Sermon” by Brad Paisley.
We also heard 2 of my favourites - “Blue” and “Strawberry Wine”
Sue
AMERICAN SPIRIT 11th SEPT `11
It was a bit thin on the ground this week for this duo. I've always thought of them as a line dance duo but this time I really enjoyed their choice of material.
We heard “Hello Walls”, “Working On My Next Broken Heart”, “Mama Tried” and many more traditional country songs.
A pleasant evening.
Sue
HAYDEN ALLEN DUO 4TH SEPT 2011
I enjoyed the return of this duo. Hayden was a bit under the weather - “man flu” he said. He struggled at first but his voice got better as they went on. Together with Shane O'Bourne on the guitar and a good mix of songs it was a pleasant evening.
Some tracks we heard were “Tougher Than The Rest”, “Thank God For The Radio” and “Till Each Tear Becomes A Rose”.
Sue
|
SMOKEY MOUNTAIN BOYS 14th AUG `11
Everyone knows there is a lot of variety in music but only country fans know the same goes for country music, and we see them all at Fred's
This week the band had an extra ingredient and this is Hank's (Dave's) passion for the oldies - 1920s to 1950s - and sticking to it.
We heard songs from Hank Williams, Hank Stone, Sonewall Jackson and Willie Nelson - tracks we don't hear so often.
The opened the show with “Back In The Saddle Again” - we also heard “Truck Driving Man”, “Honky Tonk Angels” and “Mind Your Own Business”.
The stage was full of instruments - Pete Stone was on double bass, Selwyn Reid on guitar and fiddle, and Steve Harrop playing pedal steel, guitar, banjo, and slide guitar.
It was a great live show and the room was full with an appreciative audience.
A brilliant night - hope they return soon.
Sue
3-CARD TRICK 7th AUG `11
Glen Rogers returned this week , but not with 4-Card Trick, it was 3-Card Trick ! - still with
Les Evans on guitar and John Keys on drums and vocals.
Personally I think Glen's voice is too good to sing all line-dance songs and I'd like to hear more traditional country songs and ballads from him.
The ones I enjoyed were “I Loved Her First “, “She Believes In Me” and “Behind Closed Doors”.
They return in November as 2-Card Trick !
Sue
|
THE THRILLBILLIES 31st JULY `11
We should have seen Cajun Moon this week, but apparently their van broke down so The Thrillbillies stepped in.
They sing a lot of line-dance songs but I did enjoy listening to the Merle Haggard and George Strait tracks.
Some tracks were “Write This Down”, “Fireman”, and Paul Overstreet's “Seeing My Father In Me”
Sue
CLEAR CUT 17TH JULY `11
Kalibre were supposed to appear at Fred's this week, but unfortunately they couldn't make it so Clear Cut came instead. They are a father and son duo - Dad, Don, lead singer and guitar, and Darren on Keyboard, accordion and guitar. The first spot started with “Speak To The Sky” and we also heard “Baby Likes To Rock It” and “Sea Of Heartbreak”.
Sue
SPUR 10th JULY `11
It's five years this month since this popular duo first came to Fred's - I know because it was my “big” birthday !
I had not heard of them then and was hoping for a good evening; we got it of course and since then they have gone from strength to strength.
Some tracks they sang were “Pop A Top”, “Not” by the Bellamy Bros., and Alan Jackson's “Freight Train”.
Can a good duo get better each time I see them ? It seems so.
Sue
BLACK STEEL 3RD JULY `11
A new duo to Fred's - Bob Schard , singer and Jimmy Martin on pedal steel, fiddle and guitar.
Jimmy was with Chris Harris who has retired from the country scene (sorry, girls !).
Some tracks we heard were “Corinna, Corinna”, “I Want To Be Elvis Tonight” and “Billy Be Bad” - again !
Sue
|
GARY PERKINS & THE BREEZE 26TH JUNE `11
It was worth the wait to have this brilliant band back at Fred's Place.
I really enjoyed their new material and at the end of their first of two spots they sang “Friends No More”, written for Gary by Ray Wells, a regular at Fred's.
We also heard “Angel Of No Mercy”, “The Breeze” and “Ride The Wind” - one of Gary's self-penned numbers.
They are due back in December- snow permitting !
Sue
LEMON GRASS 12TH JUNE '11
I was looking forward to seeing this trio as Lemon Grass used to be a frequent and popular band at Fred's years ago. Since then although they have changed the line-up a few times they still have one original member - Malcolm on guitar and vocals. He has a good voice and has obviously passed that talent on to his daughter Caroline on keyboard who sang beautifully.
The third member is Colin on pedal steel, harmonica, guitar and vocals. He too sounded good and all contributed to a laid-back country night at Fred's.
Some songs we heard were “Have I Shaved My Legs For This?”, “New Kid On The Block” and “Strawberry Wine”.
Hope we don't have to wait so long to see them again.
Sue
|
ARIZONA STORM 22nd MAY `11
A blast from the past this week at Fred's with this newly formed 5-piece band from the Midlands made up of very experienced musicians.
They came suitably dressed in country gear and they all wore stetsons. They looked the business and not a backing tape in sight.
We were treated to a good mix of songs from Travis Tritt's “Sometimes She Forgets” and Garth Brooks' “Low Places” to Zac Brown's “Knee Deep” and Sugarland's “It Happens”.
We also heard two good self-penned numbers from two members of the band and enjoyed the voice of Thorne Hill.
I thought they played well together whilst retaining their individual personalities.
Hope to welcome Arizona Storm back very soon.
Sue
C'EST LA VIE 15th MAY `11
It's a pity the audience was a bit thin this week due to festivals, and certainly not this excellent band.
Those of us lucky enough to be at Fred's enjoyed a great night with this top band.
Jon J Paul treated us to a solo spot where he sang “Carrickfergus” - we also heard a self-penned number from him.
Other songs they sang were “I Still Miss Someone”, “Tear Stained Letter” and “Your Man”.
Sue
LASS VEGAS 8th MAY `11
I love this duo. Nadine has a lovely voice and Rob complements her well. I'd like to see them win duo of the year.
Nadine puts her heart and soul into every song and they even made “Billy Be Bad” - played every week by every band - sound nice to listen to. They come with an extra dimension with their stage presence and comedy.
I loved Nadine's “Unlove Me”, “I Told You So” and “Eat At Joe's” - and I thought she sang “I Told You So” better than anyone else I've heard.
A great night at Fred's again.
Sue
FOOLS GOLD 1st MAY `11
Having missed their last visit to Fred's I was really looking forward to this visit and they did not disappoint.
Paul, Debbie and Dave always give a polished performance and I love listening to Paul's country knowledge.
Their daughter Melissa came too and sang 2 songs in the first spot and 2 or 3 in the last; she spent the rest of the night on the dance floor, looking as though she was enjoying the evening as much as the rest of us.
I also got from the horse's mouth (Paul!) that Melissa is NOT going on the X-Factor and they don't know where that rumour came from.
Some tracks we heard were “Yolanda”, “1,2,3,4”, “From Oklahomah With Love” and a favourite of mine, “ I Can Dream”.
A good night.
Sue
|
BLUE HORIZON 24th APRIL `11
What better way to enjoy a warm Easter break than to to go Fred's and see a really good band?
Blue Horizon are Christine Ringer on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Dave Harris, lead guitar, banjo, lap steel and vocals, and Mark Hopps, bass guitar and vocals. They are from the north-east and we don't get to see them very often - shame !
Christine has a lovely clear voice and Dave is an accomplished musician. I especially enjoyed their rendition of “Whisky Lullaby” - we also heard “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” and “Seven Spanish Angels”.
I hope we don't have to wait so long for them to return.
Sue
BLACKSTONE RIVER 17th APRIL `11
This was the second time at Fred's for this band; they came as a duo the first time but have added Davie Holland on pedal steel. I thought they gelled well together and enjoyed the evening.
Steve Blackstone is returning to Fred's on August 28th with a 5-piece band “Shooter” that he is looking forward to show-casing.
Some tracks we heard were “Past The Point Of Rescue”, “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” and a good little-known song “Playing Possum”.
Sue
TEXAS BACK 10th APRIL `11
It's always nice to see a new country act as we did this week at Fred's.
Brother and sister Gavin Michael and Debbie Jayne are from County Durham - they are a pleasant couple hoping to make the big time.
Their first song was “Speak To The Sky” and they finished with “Love Can Build A Bridge”.
Sue
RANCHER 3rd APRIL `11
This duo from Berkshire - Steve Lovett, lead vocals, guitar and John Hallett, guitar, double bass and harmonies - have not been to Fred's for a year; that's my excuse for not remembering if they were a line-dance duo or more traditional country - they usually do a line-dance show but Fred had asked for more traditional country and they obliged to the enjoyment of most of the audience.
They opened with “Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down” - we also heard “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” and “Truck Driving Man”.
An enjoyable evening for the listeners and the line dancers could still dance.
Sue
|
4-CARD TRICK 27th MARCH `11
A good night at Fred's this week with Glen Rogers - “The Voice” - and his band.
They seem to be playing less line-dance songs these days and more traditional country.
Their opening number was Kenny Rogers' “The Gambler” and we also heard Marty Robbins' “Devil Woman”, T-Bone Shuffle and Charlie Rich's “Behind Closed Doors”.
Sue
NASHVILLE ROSE 20th MARCH `11
A return visit for this trio - Dad Ray on steel guitar and lead vocals, son Steve on guitar and Steve's girlfriend Rachel Rose on mandolin and she also sings.
They came with a good mix of traditional country with a few line-dance songs.
Some songs they sang were “Blue Roses”, “Lonestar State Of Mind”, and “Boyfriend Of The Year”.
A pleasant evening.
Sue
McKENZIE 13th MARCH `11
First time at Fred's for this duo from Essex. Zoe has a nice voice and when they sang together, with Kenny on guitar, they sounded fine, but by the end of the first spot I kept thinking of the words of a Toby Keith song - “A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action”
Their second spot was a medley of songs from the 50s to the 70s with Zoe changing costumes to fit each number.
Before the 3rd spot a lot of people left but the ones who stayed seemed to like them.
Some of their songs were “Jackson”, “Coal Miner's Daughter” and “Told You So”.
You can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time .
Sue
SPUR 6th MARCH `11
It was nice to have Spur back at Fred's this week after a bit of an absence due to them going to Nashville.
Mark has a great voice - very gravelly - but I wish he didn't chew gum whilst he is singing and it would be good to see them come out of the dressing room in the breaks.
Some songs they sang were “Margaritaville”, “Digging Up Bones” and “Meat And Potato Man”.
As usual a good evening with this duo.
Sue
|
LIVE WIRE 27th Feb '11
Ainsley and Debbie are always consistent, singing the best and newest line dance songs; a popular line dance duo.
At the beginning of the evening Ainsley announced that they would be singing some different
Country songs also. It was a good mix all night and I hope they stick to it.
Some songs they sang were “City Of New Orleans” “Coat Of Many Colours” and “Country Roads”.
An enjoyable night.
JONNY WILLIAMS & LYNETTE MARIE 20th FEB `11
This week was this duo's debut appearance at Fred's. Both are solo artistes who form a duo for half of their performances.
Jonny has been on the country circuit for 23 years and Lynette for 4 years; separately and together they go down well with both festival and club audiences.
The room was packed with people enjoying their choice of old classics and a few newer songs.
Some we heard were “Love Me Like You Used To”, “Setting The Woods On Fire” and “I've Got A Tiger By The Tail”.
Country at its best !
Sue
KALIBRE 6th FEB `11
After a break last week to see Marty Stuart live - an excellent show - and how fantastic to have an American country super-star in Nottingham - I was back to Fred's this week for Kalibre.
What an superb, wonderful and enjoyable evening at Fred's ! In Bobby Reed's words, “It's been a pleasure”. They love playing here and we love having them.
A great choice of songs - we just sat back and listened; they are already booked to return.
Some songs were “Nobody Knows It But Me”, “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” and “Something Happened To Me “ .
PURE COUNTRY.
Sue
|
BRUSHWOOD 23rd JAN `11
This duo is definitely one for the dancers.
From their first song - “I Wanna Dance With You” through “Messed Up In Memphis”, “Bobbi With An “I” “and “Rolling With The Flow”, it was line-dance all evening apart from “Unlove Me” !
We don't really appreciate being asked if we know the song/singer - it's a country club and most of us have got the t-shirt !
Sue
HAYDEN ALLEN DUO 16th JAN `11
We had a brilliant duo this week; Hayden Allen has a good voice and his partner, Shane O'Bourne is one of the very best guitarists I have ever seen.
Their mix of music was good - a few line dance songs and a lot of traditional country - “That's What They Said About The Buffalo”, “Old Soldiers” and “Thank God For The Radio”.
The third spot started with Hayden's fiancée on the stage with them for two songs.
We must have them back at Fred's.
Sue
BLAKE AND BRAZIL 9TH JAN `11
For people who like Charlie Landsborough and Daniel O'Donnell this duo are well received as they were this week at Fred's.
They sang songs like “Country Roads”, “But I Do” with a mix of Irish tunes - “The Water Is Wide”, “Whiskey In The Jar”, and “Rose Of Clare”.
Sue
AMERICAN ROUTES 2nd JAN `11
A good start to the new year with this trio from the North East.
It's over 2 years since they last played at Fred's so I was looking forward to seeing them again.
Irene has a lovely voice as does her husband Brian. Chris accompanies them on the harmonies; together a laid-back, middle-of-the-road band.
Some tracks they sang were “One Day Soon” , “Tequila Sunrise” and “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good”.
Sue
|