SWAMP TEA – a scratch band for Florida’s West Brook!

So pleased to have been able to set this up – see us at Billy Bootleggers, Arch 2, Stepney Bank, Ouseburn, Newcastle, Saturday 17th June, 6pm start, free entry.

SWAMP TEA are a scratch band pulled together to introduce the amazing West Brook to Tyneside. West Brook is a US soulful session and live performance musician hailing from the swamp-state of Florida. Recording and touring over 25 years, with bands such as IveyWest Band, Ginger Beard Man Band, The Melody Trucks Band and many more. West brings the energy and style of swamp blues, country and southern funk in his playing. A multi-instrumentalist, his lap steel and guitar playing combined with powerful, raspy vocals, have led him to become known as one of the leading musicians in the south eastern United States. Check out more info about West on Facebook and Insta: @westbrookslideguitar West’s SWAMP TEA scratch band has local legend Mr Whalebone Peter on bass/vocals (many north east bands, but most notably The Bandits). On drums is the inimitable David Pipkin (originals bands Stan The Band, Mrs Beckett, and more). Finally on guitar/slide/vocals is Bad Bob Bates (The Bandits, The Bates Motel, Ma Kelly’s Boys, Raising Dust and solo work)

Nice weekend – short break coming up

Nice run out with Ma Kelly’s Boys at Trillians, Newcastle (see pic – great rock bar) this Friday gone, then a couple of enjoyable solo sessions (Golden Lion, Corbridge; The Red Kite, Winlation Mill) ahead of my short break – trigger finger op coming up this week.  My fretting hand has been getting progressively worse over the last couple of years and at last I’m going under the knife to sort it.  See you on the other side….

Raising Dust review, 20/1/23

Raising Dust at The Schooner 20.01.23
Andrea Pattinson and Bob Bates unite as a duo performing country, alternative Americana and just the right quantity of popular hits that fit into their style.
I arrived a little late yet deliciously on time as they were just beginning Lady Antabellum’s “Need You Now” – by far my favourite song in the genre, which for such a sad song immediately put a smile on my face.
There was a healthy dose of Plant Krauss, but like the majority of the artists covered tonight Darius Rucker is new to me – though after hearing a tremendous sing along version of Wagon Wheel he is firmly on my radar.
You can’t dive into these waters without a nod or three to Dolly Parton and the chosen tunes were exceptionally delivered, but as Andrea’s usual gig is as one of the UK’s foremost Dolly tributes that was to be expected. It was especially nice to hear I Will Always Love You as it was originally intended.
As a duo, Andrea’s sweetness and Bob’s sandpaper drawl perfectly complement one another despite being at such opposite ends of the vocal spectrum – and Bob’s choice of dirty guitar tone was as ever, perfect.
For someone who’s usual Friday night would involve the likes of AC/DC and Black Sabbath, this was a breath of fresh air – and the very good turnout at The Schooner whooped and clapped their appreciation throughout, with plenty up dancing too. In fact I had to zoom and crop the photo as it was almost impossible to get a clear one such was the audience enthusiasm.
It will be very interesting to hear how they choose to vary the sets up in future, and it’s safe to say that Raising Dust have been firmly added onto my list of guilty pleasures. A match made in heaven.
Sublime.
(C) Paul Sinclair 2023
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