Roadhouse - The Rayners, Harrow: 20.11.2002

Variety. If you never quite know what's coming next, not only does it keep you interested throughout a live gig, it can elevate a good night into a better one. It certainly did this evening.

Now, I've seen Roadhouse more than once and consequently know some of their songs, but it's all about delivery and tonight they really rocked the punters' socks off, compared to a slightly country blues feel of previous gigs. This time around, they upped the pace of their set, whilst maintaining the light and shade that's one of their trademarks.

"Blues Highway", the title track of their latest cd, kicked off in a moody vein before opening out with some marvellous guitar playing, particularly from Jules Fothergill and terrific harmonies from Anne Campbell, all complimenting Gary Boner's growling vocals. Vibrant blues-rock that would grace a stadium, let alone the back room of a pub near Harrow, followed in the form of "Telling Lies", which got the feet moving early doors, particularly notable for the clean drumming of Roger Hunt at the back.

Their own spin on the Sonny Boy Williamson / Ralph Bass classic "Help Me" featured Anne moving up to lead vocals that varied from husky to soulful and back as the song progressed, before another track from the new cd, "Voodoo Queen" conjured up a trip to New Orleans, courtesy of Gary's funky guitar.

The rhythm section then excelled, with a thunderous Bo Diddley beat leading into a version of "Not Fade Away" that drew rapturous applause from the audience and left them quite breathless, especially from the guitar duelling par excellence between Gary and Jules. The pace dropped, but only slightly, to cruising mode for "Backstreets", during which the Gary's lead vocals and Anne's harmonies left the lyrics stuck firmly in the memory.

The closing number, "Whiskey Man" included an intro from Bill Hobley, whose bass playing had been a feature throughout, as a perfect foil for the upfront lead guitar and vocals that draw the eye, together with a chorus that was pure sweet blues.

And all this was from the band as a five-piece. Their Roadhouse Club gigs and regular jam sessions can include almost twice that number on occasions, so cut along to one if they appear near you.

© Darrell Parsons, November 2002