Soo'S ReeVooS

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Soo'S ReeVooS

MUDDY BOOTS 29TH AUGUST

I think everone enjoyed Muddy Boots tonight judging by the cries for more at the end of the evening.

These three guys knew exactly what they were doing with great guitar playing, vocals and harmonies, and a good variety of popular songs. A very enjoyable evening at Fred's.

Rob

BLACKSTONE RIVER 22nd AUGUST

We saw a new duo at Fred's this week and I think most of the audience were pleasantly surprised by Lee Blackstone and John Anderson (not THE John Anderson) who are based in Scotland. Lee did most of the singing with John on guitar and harmony vocals.

I am pleased to say you could hear a pin drop most of the evening with everyone listening to their superb choice of material.

They opened with “Louisiana Saturday Night”, and sang a Clint Black song - “Better Man”. We also heard “Mind Your Own Business” and “I Just Want My Baby Back”.

A lovely relaxing country evening.

Sue

LASS VEGAS 15th AUGUST

I love this duo; Nadine and Bob have great rapport with each other and I thought their choice of material was excellent.

From “Suds In The Bucket” and “Redneck Woman” to lovely ballads like “I Told You So”, “Crazy” and “Unlove Me” between the dances.

The band's sound was spot on, but people on 2 or 3 tables mentioned to me that they found it difficult to hear the ballads as not everyone was listening quietly.

Sue

TEXAS TORNADOS 8TH AUGUST

Fred's Place was packed for this band and I am not surprised. It was party night from start to finish with this excellent band. Lead singer Pete Stothard lives country and oozes country from every pore. From very up-to-date line dances - even joining the dancers whilst still singing - to lovely ballads, he is Mr Personality.

Some tracks were “Quarter After One”, “I Told You So” and my request - a track from newcomer Easton Corbin - “A Little More Country Than That”.

They return in December - can't wait !

Sue

4-CARD TRICK 1ST AUGUST

There was something for everyone this week with the return of 4-Card Trick.

Glen Rogers has a fine voice and they played a good mix of songs from linedance

numbers to “She Believes In Me”, “Look At You” and Rodney Crowell's “I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried”.

Sue

FOOLS GOLD TRIO 25TH July

Sue's gone camping this week and probably at some country music festival somewhere, so Sunday night......

'God is Great, the beer is good and the people were impressed.'

I thought Fools Gold did a fantastic job with a good variety of songs, old and new, and original. Great guitar playing and

vocals from all three band members.

Good sound balance with excellent bass and drum tracks.

The dancers had a great night too, and from a listeners point of view so did we. Book 'em Fred!

Rob

DILLINGER 18TH JULY

I always look forward to seeing this band as they have been in my top 5 for years. Unfortunately there weren't many jokes this time

and it wasn't Dillinger at their best. But I love them so I'll be back!

Sue

BLAKE AND BRAZIL 11TH JULY `10

This was the second visit to Fred's for this duo.

They played traditional country and Irish songs; most of the audience enjoyed but unfortunately I did not.

Some tracks were “Whiskey In The Jar” and “Sweet Sixteen”.

Sue

GARY PERKINS AND THE BREEZE 4TH JULY `10

There was a great atmosphere at Fred's this week with the first visit of the year for Gary Perkins And The Breeze.

They played a lot of new material this time and have a new drummer, Rosie Haywood who has taken over from Lee Guyler as he is too busy with other commitments.

Another great night with this band

Sue

THE BYRNES COUNTRY BAND 27TH JUNE `10

I missed this family trio when they played at Fred's a year ago, but I don't intend to miss them again.

They are a live band with dad Sean, lead singer and guitar; older son Lyle on guitar and harmonies and Jake, just sixteen, on drums and harmonies.

It was nice to see young talent and they write songs as well !

A really enjoyable relaxed evening on a hot night. When are we having them back, Fred ?

Sue

SMOKEY MOUNTAIN BOYS 20TH JUNE `10

This was a first visit for a year for the Smokey Mountain Boys, this time as a trio.

Pete Stone played double bass and fiddle, Steve Harrop played guitar, pedal steel, Hawaiian guitar and banjo, with Hank (Dave) Taylor on lead vocals and guitar.

We had an evening of original country with tracks from Hank Williams, Stonewall Jackson, Hank Stone and many more.

An enjoyable evening.

Sue

NASHVILLE ROSE 13th JUNE `10

This trio consists of Roy Kedge, steel guitar and lead vocals, who has been on the country scene since 1970 and has played with top bands both English and American; his son Steve who is a fine guitarist and plays with Roy in a 5-piece band called “Country Sounds” and Rachael Rose, Steve's girlfriend who sings and plays acoustic guitar and the mandolin. She also brings her own range of “Rose” jewellery to every venue.

A talented trio that I am sure we will have back at Fred's.

Sue

CAROL STEVENS & THE JD BROTHERS 6TH JUNE

The numbers were down at Freds tonight which was a real shame as those not present missed something completely different. Carol Stevens and the JD Brothers from the Whitley Bay area of Newcastle put on a colourful and incredible show. It was fun fun fun all the way. The stage was decked out in flags and the music was loud. Dave and Carol took turns with the vocals with Dek on guitar and did some great versions of some favourite country songs such as Tennessee Waltz (never heard it sang like this before) Stand by your man, The Breeze and How Long. They strayed a little from country with an upbeat medley which consisted of Viva las Vegas and Quando Quando. They are off to Vegas on friday and were getting in the mood, it really put us all in a good mood too. A bit of Irish was thrown into the mix with Fields of Athenry and Freds favourite Forty Shades of Green. I enjoyed their version of Whisky in the Jar alot. I saw a lot of people laughing tonight and some remarks I heard were 'what a breath of fresh air' and 'They were the Biz' . No one could accuse them of not having stage presence thats for sure. Don't miss them next time.

TRACEY

HAGGARD JONES AND THE CLASSICS 30TH MAY `10

A breath of fresh air breezed into Fred's this week with this newly-formed trio. All 3 were well-recognised as Paul form Fools Gold,

Dave their pedal steel player, and John Pettifer - ex Cheap Seats. Paul has a permanent smile on his face

when he is singing; together they were superb - and the songs they sang ? - well, their name says it all.

Sue

ARIZONA FLAME 23rd MAY `10

On a hot night it was nice to sit back and listen to this trio.

Glen's younger brother has been replaced by Steve James, still keeping the laid-back feel.

There was a good mixture of songs; I would perhaps have liked a little more personality but all in all an enjoyable evening.

Some tracks included “Swinging Doors”, “The River” and “Fort Worth”

Sue

EASY RIDER 16th MAY `10

This duo were last at Fred's two years ago so I was looking forward to seeing them.

They are both good singers and I was hoping they would squeeze in a few ballads between line dance songs and the Everlys' tracks.

Unfortunately for me and a few others they didn't, but to be fair, most people danced all night and enjoyed them.

Sue

KALIBRE 9th MAY `10

It was pure country at its best all night with the return visit of Kalibre.

We heard a lot of different songs such as J J Cale's “Sensitive Kind”, Rodney Crowell's “Dangersous Curves” and Alan Jackson's “It's Alright To Be A Redneck “.

We are already looking forward to their return.

Sue

BRUSHWOOD 2nd MAY `10

I have not seen Andy and Brian together as Brushwood before, but was very pleased to see Brian, who left “Honest Truth” due to ill health, back on stage.

They sang all the latest line-dance songs and kept the dancers on the floor all night.

Sue

SPUR 25th APRIL 2010

I am so pleased that Spur won duo of the year ; Mark has a superb voice and James complements him.

Since their first time at Fred's 4 years ago they have grown and matured as a duo. They sing a wide range of country music and got through so many songs that Fred lost count !

Some of the tracks were “The Running Kind”, “Pop A Top” and “Designated Drinker”.

Sue

MUDDY BOOTS 18th APRIL 2010

A return visit to Fred's for this trio from southern England; dressed all in black as usual and playing guitars they took turns to sing. Definitely a band for the line-dancers who enjoyed dancing to them most of the night.

Some tracks were “Toes”, “People Are Crazy”, “3rd Rock From The Sun” and I especially enjoyed their rendition of “Holy Water” by

Big `n' Rich.

Sue

TRADING WITH THE NATIVES 11th APRIL 2010

This 4-piece band from Reading have not been to Fred's for a few years.

Before they began they announced that they play alternative country music which unfortunately did not suit everyone.

There was a fault with the sound in the first spot, but once sorted I thought Nadine, the lead singer, had a lovely voice and was nice to hear different songs.

Some tracks were “You're My Kind Of Girl”, “Everybody Wants To Hold Her Tight” and “Constant Craving”.

Definitely a band for the listeners.

Sue

4 CARD TRICK 4th APRIL 2010

A return visit from this band with Glen Rogers - the big man with the big voice. On their last visit they played mainly line dance songs - this time it was mainly older country songs such as “Devil Woman”, “Me & Bobby McGee” and “Behind Closed Doors” .

Sue

CHEYANNE 28TH MARCH 2010

It was the first time at Fred's for this duo and they were unfortunately stuck on the motorway and arrived an hour late.

Predominantly a line dance duo, they did include some different songs like “Wink”, “Strawberry Wine” and “I Like It”.

After 6 years living in Spain, they are now back in England and I am sure we will see them again.

Sue

C'EST LA VIE 21st MARCH 2010

After last weeks all-American show I wasn't sure who could follow that, but this week C'est La Vie showed us all that is good about British country music. They seemed to have a new lease of life and sang some new songs. They filled the stage with their personalities and instrumentally they are second to none.

All this and Gary Perkins as a guest artiste! He sang 3 songs in the second spot and 4 or 5 in the last spot.

The whole evening was country at its best.

Sue

HEATHER MYLES 14TH MARCH 2010

It was an all-American night at Fred's this week with a band from California, Tru Country, backing Heather Myles who is currently

Touring Britain.

Tru Country were the support act too and Heather came on at 9.00pm for two spots; she began with “Walk on By” and also sang her

well-known song “Who Did You Call Darling To Last Night” and tracks from her new cd “In The Wind”.

There was no room for dancing as Fred's Place was packed solid with a listening audience who all enjoyed the evening as much as I did.

The only thing I would like to say is that I wish there had been an encore.

Sue

NO REGRETS - 28th FEB

This popular duo gave the line dancers a good night with both new dances and older songs, such as “Riding The Rodeo”, “Always Running Behind” and “Something Happened To Me”.

They are not really my cup of tea, but it was a good evening for most of Fred's audience.

Sue

WEST VIRGINIA - 21st FEB

It was a shame the snow kept a lot of people away this week as West Virginia were at their best.

They always give a polished performance and told some new funny jokes !

Some songs they did were “Take That Smile Off Your Face”, “The Breeze” and “The Cowboy Rides Away”.

Sue

LASS VEGAS - 14th FEB

It was lovely to have Nadine Somers back at Fred's - I for one have really missed her.

She was back with Rob who did go on to play with Vegas - hence together as a duo, they are aptly named Lass Vegas .

I think Nadine has a lovely voice and a stage presence second to none. Together, with Rob always at his best with Nadine, they gave us a great evening. I loved their comedy routine too.

Some songs they sang were “Redneck Woman”, “Strawberry Wine” and “Cowboy's Sweetheart”.

I hope we have them back again soon.

Sue

LIVE WIRE - 7TH FEB

Fred's place was buzzing this week with the return visit of this young duo from Ramsgate.

From the first “up to date” line dance to the oldies, Ainsley and Debbie entertained every age group. They have only been together for two years but gel perfectly.

Debbie's two solos “Take It To The Limit” and “I Told You So” showed what a good voice she has.

I hope they are not long returning to Fred's.

If you are going to Minehead next month, LIVE WIRE are on the bill.

Sue