The highlight of the day at the Maverick Festival 09, for me at least, were The Groanbox Boys, a trio steeped in the traditions of American roots music, blended in the melting pot of New Orleans: a real romping, stomping, hollering, good-time band of roving troubadours.
The percussionist was a sight to behold, hammering out rhythms on just about anything apart from a conventional drum or cymbal, even at one stage wielding the thigh bone of a large mammal to beat a wooden palette. His band mates played accordion, guitar and banjo, vocalising with guts and soul, guaranteeing a splendid time for one and all.
Another pleasing set came from The Haley Sisters whose dialect was south Yorkshire rather than Louisiana, more than ably assisted by their guitarist Brian, who sat modestly to one side and turned in some blisteringly dexterous guitar runs as the girls sang songs in sweet harmony from a selection of country greats.
Didnt stay for headliner Al Perkins, the legendary guitarist who in his time has plied his trade for the likes of Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan and The Stones. A pity to miss him, but its a long drive from Suffolk.
dennypoos
I'd have waited, but that's just me. Long drive or no.