AMERICANA INTERNATIONAL 2008

THE official programme reads “A great weekend of American themed entertainment under your control”. Now that’s what I really enjoy about this event. It offers something for everyone centred on the theme of American lifestyle.

My main interest has been the country music content that as always been offered by the organisers. To a degree I have enjoyed most of the other music genres including rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll’ blues, pop and singer/songwriter. One singer/songwriter who stood out this year was Stevie who played The George Stevenson Hall which is the show centre for the motor bikes of all shapes and sizes. This mandolin playing biker won over many admirers with his talent and good natured approach to his craft. As did Johnny Holland who played Friday evening in The Cedric Ford Pavilion. Another splendid outfit that played the same venue on the same evening was Bradford based Atlanta a four-piece country rock outfit who are destined for the main stage of the future at Americana.

Thursday evening after pitching camp. I dined and wandered over to The Betty Ford Clinic (Cedric Ford Pavilion). Lee Williams introduced the young country music sensation Brianie to the stage. She proved to be a welcomed addition the Brit country music scene with a short set. Almost local boys and long standing Americana performers Lazy Dog gave another splendid couple of sets that delighted the gathering early bird crowd

Throughout the Friday I caught most of the performers on the main stage or Stage One. Loony Chris and his Badaxe Boogie Boys set the ball rolling with their usual fun and mayhem followed by a songwriter showcase. Yorkshire-based The Hanks gave an excellent show as did Wales-based Ian Calford & The Railmen who had the dancers bopping in the aisles. The strong message that came over was that both of these British trio’s played mainly traditional music much to the delight of the younger rockabilly fans and the older country music fans.

After seeking out an evening meal from one of the many food outlets I escaped rain by going into the Cedric Ford Pavilion only venturing out to catch segments of Gail Davies Band, Jay Chevalier, Lazy Dog and Rosie Flores. All star names making repeat performances at Americana and proving that they can hold a crowd even in adverse weather conditions.

Saturday morning found me up early bright eyed and bushy tailed enjoying the sunshine after a comatose JD and John Smiths comfortable sleep. A trip into Newark and a Morrison’s full English breakfast found me fit and ready for the days entertainment. Stage One was my chosen venue. The songwriters showcase was over when compere Indian Paul Bird presented American Kareem Salama who is of Egyptian extract although born and raised in Oklahoma. He came to Americana thanks to the American Embassy in London and proved to be a talented and welcomed addition to this great event. T Jaye Martin who had progressed to the main stage through the songwriters section brought a band of Brit sessions musicians along with her and proved her inclusion. Broadcaster entertainer Kenny Johnson took over compere duties to present Reg Meuross and his band again from the songwriters section and again a splendid inclusion to the main stage.

Sun Studio star Hayden Thompson had the place rocking with his high energy show and stories of many heroes that he had enjoyed working with over the years. The Manchester band Buchanan, who are taking their own music to the people, made a worthwhile debut at Americana—a place noted for self-penned material. They had a smashing show. Britain greatest cowboy Hank Wangford & The Lost Cowboys again proved to be delightful combining covers with self-penned, dry wit and great musicianship. Time was marching on so I grabbed a quick bite while I listened to some Brit pop with The Manfred’s, the only non-country act of the day, but still superb showmen who lived up to their legend. Festival show toppers from Texas Asleep At The Wheel kept the high level momentum going even though the air temperature had dropped considerably the band were cooking hot. I’ve seen Ray Benson (above) and The Wheel several times in the past with an array of different band members but they never fail to excite and give their all.

Sunday morning found me buzzing again and ready for another Morrison’s big breakfast. Missed most of the Gospel Show but thoroughly enjoyed Scottish-based Dez Walters Band. Dez is an old friend from way back and I have always enjoyed his bountiful talent and this Americana experience was no different. Trading With The Natives gave another fine performance while American star James Intveld & Friends raised the energy levels even higher. Missed out on Robert Gordon & Chris Spedding while dining but I was back in time for Wayne (The Train) Hancock (picture at top of review) and his band who gave a simply stunning performance. Caught part of American rockabilly star Ray Campi show before diving over to Betty Fords for a grand finale with country music fans and friends at the expense of missing Brit pop act The Darts. Undercover in the clinic Yorkshire duo Clear Cut proved why they are in such great demand throughout the nation while Midlanders Saltcreek impressed to bring this wonderful festival to a close.

Big thanks go to event organisers Chris & Bev Jackson and their superb team for once again making Americana unforgettable. I am only sorry that I could not get everywhere or report on everything but my main interest is the country entertainment side which is only a part of the Americana concept.

See you again next year at Americana International.

By Brian Ahern

Marilyn Armstrong’s View

This was the 28th Americana which is the longest running festival in the country and it proves if you have the right formula you will be No One.

Friday was a very wet day and when we arrived early evening a few were sitting under umbrellas enjoying the evening. Managed to catch the end of Gail Davies' set as usual she was great. Next it was Jay Chevalier from Louisiana and in 2006 his song “Come Back To Louisiana” was adopted as official state recovery song after the devastating hurricane Katrina he was backed by Lazy Dog a good performance. To close the show it was the Rose of Texas Rosie Flores who was born in San Antonio, she has many roots musical styles and is in the Texas Hall of Fame. A briliant performance to finish the day.

Saturday was better weather wise and the day started with the songwriter showcase that showed that we have talent in country music. Kareem Salama was born and raised in Ponca City, his parents are Egyptian. He likes country and bluegrass. A good set with “Generous Peace” and “My Tears Aren't Pure” among his numbers—he has played the Albert Hall in London. The T. Jaye Martin band always please. Reg Meuross and his band were lively and entertaining. Hayden Thompson was born in Mississippi in 1938 and had his first Gibson guitar when he was five and he is still going strong at 70! A superb set.

Buchanan from the Manchester area gave a great set and their album The Picture has been voted d album of the year in the UK Country Radio Awards. Next we had Hank Wangford & The Lost Cowboys—some good foot tapping numbers that pleased all. Now for all of us that remember the ‘60s the one and only The Manfreds took us down memory lane with “Ha Ha Said The Clown”, “Mighty Quinn” and “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” to name a few—a tremendous performance that had ‘em shouting for more, also a standing ovation. Then it was the turn of the act all the country fans had been waiting for: Asleep At The Wheel, the Kings of Western Swing from Texas. “Corrina Corrina”, “Hot Rod Lincoln”, “Choo Choo Boogie” and “Route 66” to name a few. Some brilliant fiddle, steel and guitar made for an awesome performance. The rock ‘n’ rollers were jiving away and the lighting was superb—they ended the day with a well deserved standing ovation. A superb end to a great day of music. It was then a choice Cedric Ford Pavilion or Lady Eastwood Pavilion for Quill and Joe Hallam or rock ‘n’ roll.

Sunday was hot and sunny with the gospel show starting the day as always—some good acts and music. Dez Walters from Glasgow gave an excellent set as he always does. Trading With The Natives, who have been on the scene for many years, got ‘em dancing and foot tapping—great set. James Intveld and friends gave a good performance. Unfortunately we had to leave as we had work in the morning,but as usual my informants gave the run down on the rest of the day. Robert Gordon & Chris Spedding, Wayne Hancock, Ray Campi and friends and The Darts all gave good performances.The rock ‘n’ roll stage also had great performances with the jivers having a ball. Must not forget the line dancing tuition and line dancing in Cedric Ford Pavilion—some good acts all over the weekend. The jivers were also catered for with jive tuition in the Lady Eastwood Pavilion. Thanks to Bev, Chris and the Jacksons for once again giving us the best in country music and rock ‘n’ roll, plus the security team who do a great job over the weekend. Of course, the cars ,trucks and Harleys were in tip top condition and we saw some unusual ones. Make a note in your diary for 2009: 10th-12th July.