Danny and the Champions of the World - The Railway Hotel, Southend-on-Sea, Peoples Republic of Essex -24th September 2013.
So Pete says to me go along it’s local for you and I like em.... That’s how Elaine and I ended up in a dodgy boozer on a school night in September.
Dodgy is apt, the venue is in a former grand hotel that has been tragically neglected, but lovingly abused.
The neglect and subsequent emergence as an open mic music venue treads a fine line between geniusly eccentric and eccentrically genius.
The night in question was hosted by South by South East who are usually showcasing local(ish) talent. Dreaming Spires is a sometime 2/3 piece, but tonight only a 1 piece, as there was an exam the next day! Clearly Mum thought extra study was required, not a problem though as lead vocalist Robin took us through some songs he wrote about his North American travels. Clever songs that warmed the small but expectant crowd very nicely indeed. Next up Jamie Parisio (curiously a 5 piece) who notched up the volume with some banjo and slide guitar based tunes that were clearly pointing to the main event.
Danny arrived to a rousing intro from the owner/landlord who was clearly a very big fan and launched into a fiery multi guitar offering of bluegrass rock. It was obvious for all to see that Danny and his Champs love the free flow power of their music and the technical ability to temper and balance their extraordinary musical talents. Hot sax and organ sitting well with slide guitar and exceptionally well played bass (Chris Clarke formerly of Rockingbirds). The mature balance of the band is very pleasant indeed giving a loud raucous country vibe a surprisingly soulful depth which added to the quality of the performance. A mid-set offering of Elvis and the king being a marvellous highlight for me.
I can only say this is a band you must see live and the tighter the venue the better, get to the front get your head into the action and follow the lead of the Railway’s enthusiastic landlord and create a unique dancing bluegrass moshpit.
There was little commentary from the band during the set other than Danny mentioning a quote he had heard that you only play the Railway twice, once one the way up and......that this was their second visit. On this evidence the band will rock for years to come. I came to the night not knowing the band but left thinking when I would get to see them again....what can I say Pete was right.
Iain. @docswallow
10/10
