Hot Club of Cowtown/Red Stick Ramblers – Celtic Connections Festival Glasgow, Scotland 16th January 2010

I’ve seen Hot Club of Cowtown a couple of times in the last year or so and have thoroughly enjoyed them – the clincher on this 520 mile round trip (it was a weekend, thank goodness) was the first UK appearance of the Red Stick Ramblers. I’d seen Kevin Wimmer, Eric Frey and Glenn Fields play with Steve Riley (and Feufollet’s Chris Stafford) in cajun super-group party-band the Racines a couple of times, but this line-up was new. No accordion – Blake Miller, who plays cajun box on the band’s CDs didn’t make the trip (he’d already crossed the Atlantic to play in France at the same festival as yours truly last summer, so I guess he’s jetted out). This meant that the RSR’s played a set heavy on the swing, honky-tonk and cajun fiddle. This was the first time I’d come across the playing of Chas Justus on guitar and the buzz that I’d heard was just(us)ified…a terrific swing player with great attack and fire in his playing. My favourites – “Drinkin’ to you” and “Made in the shade”.

Under normal circumstances, RSR would have blown most bands off the stage, but we’re talking Hot Club of Cowtown here. No Damien on drums this time, unlike their last visit to the UK, but the original three piece. The set was fluid and played on calls as ever – and so tight, it’s a wonder that they could breathe. The newer tracks are standing up well too – Elana’s “Reunion” has a bittersweet “Is it -isn’t it ironic?” lyric that I still haven’t resolved. “The Magic Violin” is indeed just that; one wonders whether some kind of crossroads at midnight pact has been stuck. They’re back in the UK in May and they’re playing the Kilkenny festival at the start of that time, so I’ll get to see them again soon – can’t wait!


Find more photos like this on Americana and roots music – No Depression


Find more photos like this on Americana and roots music – No Depression