KL COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

AS always I must preview my report by saying that because of my own gigs I was only able to be present on a couple of days. But over the past few years it seems that the same country artists appear at most major events so, even if you’re not there, you can probably guess what you’ve missed.

This is not meant as a criticism but more a statement about the state of the current British country music scene. Nowadays you can probably count the number of full country bands on both hands—and you won’t need your thumbs.

This event, like the Norfolk Festival held in July, is run by George & Rita and held in the same venue at the Norfolk Showground. The main advantages are that the weather cannot affect it; they have purpose built toilets and showers; plenty of camping space and the site is easy to find. Another advantage is that there is a Premier Inn almost on the showground for those who do not wish to camp.

Inside the agricultural hall where the shows are held there is a big (raised) stage at one end and the bar at the other. In between are a dance floor for social dancers, some concert-type seating followed by general seating then a specialist line/western dance floor, more seating and another general dance floor and more seating just before the bar.

I thought numbers were a little lower this year but the organisers stated that, in fact, they were up. Shows how hard it is to judge. The weather was fine which always puts people in a happy frame of mind.

The event opened on Thursday night with Diamond T Band, the male/female trio Barhoppers and popular (now local) solo act John C. King. There is dance instruction at various time during the weekend and Johnny Rondo supplies late entertainment from the line dance stage after the main stage closes.

Each day they start with a special session for the dancers at around noon and Friday saw Billy “Bubba” King. This was turning out to be a very much family affair because Dad appeared Thursday, then son Billy and later in the afternoon daughter Angie King—she was on the programme as a duo but appeared as a solo with backing tracks.

Other acts on Friday afternoon were American Spirit and the Nashville Rose Band. I had never seen these before and they turned out to be two of Nashville Sounds plus a female singer. I liked them but thought they were nowhere as good as the full Sounds!

Angie King did another set in evening along with trio C’est La Vie who impressed. Top of the bill (and probably weekend) were Henry Smith’s Country Dreams. For this show he had added an excellent keyboard player and how often do we get a chance to see a six-piece Brit country band. He played a lot of old favourites plus some originals and it is obvious why he is one of the most in demand acts in Britain at present—Henry is on our front cover this month.

Saturday saw the line dance pre-main show being presented by Brushwood who unfortunately had some problems with their sound system. Credit to the duo in that once it was sorted they went n past their allotted time to make up.

Veteran Johnny Marks opened on main stage with a programme that no doubt pleased his fans but had nothing new to offer. Muscles & Curves followed and I always want to say I can see the muscles but where are the curves in this all male band. Final act of the afternoon were Nashville Numbers (at top of article), an act I always like. When I walked to the bar I noticed that although the sound was good enough at the front where we were sitting it left a little to be desired the further back you went. The evening saw a second set from Muscles & Curves plus two sets each from the Tony Gallant Band (who closed) and the Steve James Band.

Broadcaster did a second set on the line dance stage to open Sunday. Main stage was opened by Tony Rouse (above), a solo act. The stage manager was next up when Merv & Maria appeared also on the bill were Hayley Moyses & The Bluegrass Forum. It’s always a risk to put bluegrass on a conventional country music festival and I am told they got amixed reaction. Budgie Coleman & Mustard Band have been local favourites for many, many years and Irish act the Stephen Smyth Band were the other afternoon artists.

The Good Ol’ Boys opened Sunday evening and did a second set, Budgie returned and there were two sets from Hank Muldoon & The Hangovers (above).

Comperes all weekend were Roy Waller and Brian Mann.

The next festival is on July 17-20th.

By MICK GREEN