Kevin Montgomery & The Roadtrippers
The Torrington, 7th May 2002

File under memorable. Let's be honest - its not often that the phrase is really applicable, but on this post-bank-holiday Tuesday this all star Rootsy outfit lived up to its billing with a memorable show.

First up was a superb singer song writer Joe Pisapia (who later joined the band as second guitarist) whose introspective but compelling acoustic style came very close to the late, great Nick Drake. Joe held the audience to the poiht you could hear a pin drop. His personal lyrics hit the spot, his delicate vocal style shimmered like cut glass, and his playing was as sparse as it was memorable. A truly great guest on the night, Joe's solo album is well worth checking out.

And so the band... but no, first was up Kevin who ambled on with acoustic before being joined by the mighty Al Perkins on steel guitar for a memorbale brace of songs, featuring superb interrplay that showcased Kevin's fine song writing

Then finally the band. The Roadtrippers pack a mighty punch, but built up proceedings in a dynamic way. By the time of a mid set Lets All Go To California, the combo was rocking in the style of say, Jackson Brown, the Eagles, CSN&Y at their very best. But the point is that most of the material came from the pen of Kevin Montgomery. The guitars chimed, the harmonies soared, the set bubbled and the band and audience as one had fun.

I could tell you all about the MaverIcks rhythm section - which is even better than you'd expect - or the pedigree of Perkins (CSN & Young; Graham Parsons; The Rolling Stones etc), but on this memorable night, the Road Trippers music shone like a musical beacon on a desolate landscape, in their own right! Yes, it was that good, that every single member of the full house walked away knowing they's just caught a truly fantastic gig.

Roots music is not dead, its just been mixed up a bit in a Neil Young kind of way, and come out the other side in a totally compelling set played by a brilliant band. 10/10

Pete Feenstra
Soundcheck Mag