Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra, Traverse

An old time Country and Blues and Western and Boogie Woogie band, committed to playing the music of America's past.  And all the way over here from the North of England.  Still, the music's the real thing, isn't it?  Well, sort of....  Although there a few old-time numbers thrown into the mix, most of the songs come from Heron himself and it's the clever arrangements, and their obvious love for the genre, that give the performance a thirties sound.

Led by Rob on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, the rest of the five piece band play double bass, lead guitar, piano accordion and mandolin/banjo/harmonica (there's usually a drummer too, but he was otherwise occupied).  They look young, they look the part, and, as one of the songs states, just because they've never been to Tennessee doesn't mean they can't honky tonk with the best of them.

With two albums behind them, and another recorded and due for release this June, they have a good catalogue of songs to call upon.  There's a few slow numbers, but for the most part the repertoire is upbeat, catchy and fun.  Which sums the band up well, for it's always good to watch a group of musicians who so obviously enjoy what they do.  The lyrics frequently surprise, with modern topics addressed.  You don't expect a Woody Guthrie style protest song to be about HS2!

Heron isn't a natural raconteur, but does a good job of providing fillers between numbers that are both informative and amusing.  He's a very likeable stage presence, and has a strong and adaptable voice that fits the music perfectly.  Musically the whole band is tight, accomplished and imaginative, with solos, even from the bass, never flagging.  Whilst there were no weak links, the stand out for me was the shimmering harmonica accompaniment and solos from Tom Cronin.

Finishing on a singalong atheist gospel song was the perfect way to end the set.  If you like good-time, toe-tapping rhythms and a fresh take on some classic music styles, all delivered with exuberance and quality musicianship, then Heron and his men will not disappoint.