Sumptuous Southern Comfort.. Hannah Aldridge live a Grateful Fred event

I've been mad busy the last few weeks and didn't think I was going to make it to any gigs this month but my wonderful wife convinced me it was worth travelling to Southport to go and relax for the evening. So as I didn't think I was going to make it I hadn't really checked the people playing at this Grateful Fred night, I was flying blind, it was going to be a night of discovery.....

Getting over to The Atkinson was a big rush which means I didn't have time to go pick up my camera so unfortunately only got a few pics and 1 vid that's watchable but the important thing was I got myself settled in before Grateful Fred hit the stage.

The ever dependable Fred's started the night off. I'm really enjoying watching them start these evenings they always seem to be having fun with plenty of playful banter between themselves and the audience which always leaves me settled and relaxed. So a cool start..

Grateful Fred Band in full flow

The support for the evening was The Goat Roper Rodeo Band(I know what a top name). I'm always a bit dubious when a band is described as Country because it's 50/50 whether I'm going to enjoy it. As the band started I was thinking I'm not supposed to like this it is definitely not music that I normally listen to, but I looked down and there it was.. my foot tapping away and what's this on my face a grin?? Oh no my head's starting to nod.. it was too late they had me. I can't quite put my finger on it maybe it was the energy maybe it was the harmonies or maybe it was the mesmerising runs of Jim the lead guitar player but they had me. I totally enjoyed watching, listening and moving to The Goat Roper Rodeo Band(I just had to type it again, the name is ace) especially when they headed towards the blues. Having the musical door opened a little wider is always cool and I've just pushed mine a little further open to let this Country Blues sound come in and sit down alongside all the other great music I like listening to. In case you were wondering I thought they were ace & I raced down at the end of the night to grab myself a CD. I thought this was worth racing up the M6 for & then wondered what Hannah Aldridge was going to be like???

The Goat Roper Rodeo Band

Like I said this was going to be an evening of discovery I hadn't heard any Hannah Aldridge before but my ears pricked up as soon as Hannah announced she hailed from Muscle Shoals. I love that Southern States sound so my expectations were high.. As soon as the first notes came out of Hannah's mouth I knew this was going to be great. The wonderful Southern drawl melting the words so they eased effortlessly into your ears. It really is one of the coolest sounds on the planet and as 'You Ain't Worth The Fight' hit home I was hooked. Now I know the way I have described the sound up until now might have you thinking that the sound was laid back and easy listening but the wonderful thing was that Hannah's voice has a real punch delivering emotion and feeling right into your gut when required, it's a great contrast and really works well. As the set progressed you could see how at home Hannah felt on stage passing on anecdotes and backgrounds to the songs making them feel even more real. We even got an impromptu lesson on the use of 'Y'all' but to be honest it doesn't matter how much we try it's never gonna sound as cool coming from a room that would normally say 'Yous' ;].
My night was made complete when Hannah delivered 'Howlin' Bones' a totally gritty southern bluesy masterclass simply sublime. The night was made even more special because we could actually buy the CD which has not been officially released here or in the States yet. Obviously I made sure I got me a copy of that, Y'all should do the same..

http://youtu.be/iV4IYFdOKrk

Hannah Aldridge video link
(Pic is not great with the lighting but the audio sounds fine)

I can't believe I nearly missed this. Y'all should head out and see Hannah Aldridge live she is totally awesome(Right I'm not gonna try and fit Y'all in again I'll just have to accept the only way I'm going to sound cool is to stand in front of John Paul White and mime ;])

Grateful Fred have done it again... If you've not been to a Grateful Fred event yet get yourself over to Southport next month you won't regret it.

For everything Grateful and Fredish..
http://gratefulfred.co.uk/

To Rope a Goat (Not sure what you do when you've got one???)
https://www.facebook.com/TheGoatRoperRodeoBand

Sumptuous Southern Sounds of Hannah Aldridge..
http://hannah-aldridge.com/