(Review by Russell)
We don’t see much of Brendan Croker on Tyneside these days.
This solo outing on the Jumpin’ Hot’s Americana
stage was an all too rare appearance. Sage
Gateshead bustled with seemingly half of Tyneside on site.
Stetsons, the ten gallon variety, sold at a fiver a time. I’ve heard of
‘disposable income’ but really! Cowgals in cowboy boots, wannabee cowboys in
sandals. Yes, Geordie Cowboy dresses to impress! Face-painted offspring,
running around, having a wonderful time, the ‘little darlings’.
Concentration at a premium, the
man from Yorkshire , Brendan Croker, took to
the stage. A short set drew upon diverse material; Miss Otis Regrets, a couple of Jesse Fuller numbers (Croker said
they had lived with him for a long time), an original tune or two and a bizarre
highlight – The Trail of the Lonesome
Pine (sans Laurel and Hardy dance routine)! Next time, next time…hear
Croker close-up in a small club, the chances are the Stetsons will be absent.
Wandering home past the Bridge
Hotel Tilly Billy was in final rehearsal for tonight’s drum fest. Drum heads
should be out in force. Alternatives can be had at Blaydon Jazz Club (Keith
Stephen’s Hot Club Trio) or take in more Americana
at Sage Gateshead.
Russell.
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