Northern Renegades

It was a welcome return tonight for Newcastle, Staffs based Canadian Chuck, but this time as a Trio with good friends Dave luke from Powys,Wales and Cliff Sims from nearby Derby.

The lads have been playing together now for ten years. Chuck plays rhythm guitar and takes lead vocals, Dave plays lead guitar and mandolin, and Cliff plays electric bass, and together provide superb harmonies for Chuck's excellent country singing.

Chuck has been influenced by John Prine, Bob Dylan and the late Hank Williams; so it came as no surprise that their songs featured in the concert. These included John's, Everybody, and That's The Way The World Goes Round, Bob's, Knockin' On Heaven's Door and Hank's, Your Cheatin' Heart and Hey Good Lookin'.

We were also treated to several of Chuck's own compositions, including, Old Man Candles Are Burning, and The Moon, Stars And The Sun, which incidentally he has recorded for the soundtrack of the Movie, The Penalty King, which previewed at Cannes in May and is scheduled for release here this summer.

Other songs rarely heard on the circuit included, What'll You Do About Me, covered by both John Schneider and Randy Travis, Utah Phillips, It Won't Be Long, and Rodney Crowell's, Ain't Living Long Like This, which has also been covered by Albert Lee, The Rock 'n' Roll Classic, Kansas City, and Glendale Train a song covered by the new Riders of the Purple Sage.

More popular numbers permeated their show which was a joy from start to finish, enjoyed by dancers and listeners alike.

Tonight's duo were making their first appearance at our club. They have been playing together for eight years or more despite having different backgrounds. Chuck, a Canadian, has now lived in Staffordshire for approximately twelve years, whereas, Dave is from the South of England and is now resident in Mid - Wales.

Chuck plays acoustic guitar and takes lead on vocals; Dave plays acoustic guitar and electric guitar and mandolin and does harmony vocals. From the very first note, they make a striking impact. They are both accomplished musicians and their harmonious vocalising is a joy to the ear.

Their programme is deliberately varied, including songs written by Chuck, well known standards, and rarities which few, if any other artistes perform.

Chuck's own songs include 'English Style Lovin', Lovin you, and The Moon, The Stars and the Sun, and all have lyrical and melodic quality.

Quite a few Hank Williams numbers permeated their performance and these generally kept the dancers on the floor. Special mention, however, must be made of Dave's mandolin breaks in 'Your Cheatin' Heart' Glendale Train and Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain./ What skill and musicianship! It comes as no surprise to know that he has appeared at ' The Grand Ole Opry' in Nashville and regularly accompanies International Country singer, Gale Davies.

An evening of wonderful entertainment was nicely concluded with the traditional Gospel song ' Will the Circle Be Unbroken'.