Archived Reviews

Guest: Debby McClatchy

Support: Allan Savage
Support: Jimmy & Carol (Beakey, Mick and Titch)

Tonight’s guest was Debby McClatchy. Debby is recognized as one of the finest frailed-banjo players in the accompanying style and is much valued for her banjo and singing workshops. Well, that’s what her website says. Jimmy and Carol are BIG fans and said I shouldn’t miss her. But, I’ll admit it now, I wasn’t really looking forward to it (hey - she plays a BANJO. And a frailed banjo at that (whatever that is)). Secretly, I was pleased when, earlier, my daughter had asked if I would pick her up at 10:30. Now I had an excuse to leave early. Boy, was I mistaken...

But first up was Allan Savage which was serendipitous (look it up) because it was also Pick On Allan Savage Night. We all had a go - even Debby McClatchy threw a barb. And she plays banjo too! Now he knows how a Christmas turkey carcass feels. Actually, it doesn’t feel anything as its dead but that’ll teach him to pick on John Redpath’s belly. That’s my job.

But that didn’t daunt the old stalwart and he was in fine form with three smashing songs accompanying himself on a very robust banjo; 'The Jute Mill Song', 'Nicky Tams' and another whose name I didn’t catch (probably heckling at the time - sorry Allan).

Next up were Jimmy and Carol and the Disgracefuls (AKA John “Six Bellies” Redpath, Peter “I’ll Be Ready In A Minute” Cook and John “What Key’s It In?” Baston). This band (and some think they should be) never disappoint and they treated us to three great well chosen country songs; 'Wayward Wind', 'Roseville Fair' and another whose name I can’t remember. I know, this is the second time I’ve forgotten the name of a song but in extenuation (look it up), I had been asked to do this review half way through their spot. But, whatever it was called, it was great.

Then a tiny woman took to the stage and told us she was going to play us some Old Time Appalachian Front Porch music. From the first it seemed as if you’d known this woman for years. She has warmth and a natural charm and she regaled us with her stories of her family and home and in between she sang and played some wonderful songs. From the 'Gypsy’s Wedding Day' through to the gospel song 'When I Get Home I’m Gonna Be Satisfied' via songs like 'Sweet Betsy From Pike', 'Reuben’s Train' and 'Amazing Grace' set to a mountain modal tune interspersed with great instrumentals, the first set was a joy and ended too soon. By this time I’d started to look at my watch but in dread instead of anticipation.

After the usual bent raffle (who won? who cares?) it was time once again for Allan Savage. Despite my earlier jibes he sang one of my favourite songs - 'Manure and Manya'. The Cramlington Choir harmonies were fantastic - we could have been in Soweto. He finished with the 'Dundee Weaver'.

For their second set Jimmy and Carol sang two rousing songs which kept the choir going - 'Darling Companion' and 'Sitting on Top of The World'.

As usual these two supports hadn’t disappointed.

Then it was Debby back on stage. I just had time to hear 'Cotton Eyed Joe' and the Stanley Brothers 'My Carolina Mountain Home' before I had to leave. I’m told the second set was better than the first with songs like 'Riding The City of New Orleans', 'Sparkling Blue Eyes', 'Wild Rose of the Mountain', 'Frankie and Johnny' and more tunes.

Debby McClatchy is the real deal. Truly authentic. She promised us Front Porch Music and that’s what we got. We could have been sitting in her kitchen back home.

My daughter owes me big time.

Terry Fletcher