Sheesam & Lotus & Son, and The Crooked Boys

Two very different Canadian bands, but both providing great entertainment via their own routes.

I've reviewed S&L&S before, in September last year, and everything I wrote then still stands.  A central core of fiddle, banjo, sousaphone and two excellent and complementary voices with additional sounds from an eclectic mix of instruments, tap dancing and body parts (by which I mean Sheesam playing his own body, not that they bring along an assortment of bits of corpses).  Plus, on this occasion, a song from the usually silent Son Sanderson who might not equal the others in vocal talent, but is their match in entertainment.

It's foot tapping feelgood music, with the benefit of visual and verbal comedy.  Not to be missed if they come your way.  (They have a few more dates in England this week.)

In contrast I came to The Crooked Brothers with no expectations, or any idea of the type of music they played.  With drums and double bass anchoring, the three front men  play an assortment of guitars, dobro, mandolin, banjo and harmonica, and all three take their turns at lead vocals.  There's variation there too, from a gruffness the equal of Tom Waits to a sweeter balladic tenor.

The music is hard to pin down.  Country rock, blues and folk are mixed into an appealing chunk of Americana sound.  There's a lot of energy in the songs, even the slower numbers, with solid rhythms, diverse harmonies and lyrics covering a variety of subject matter.  The sinisterly titled 'Organs on Demand' is well outside the usual remit of country music!

There was also a solo number, the excellent and bluesy Mean Mean Baby, with just voice and harmonica, and a duo performance, but for the most part this is very much an ensemble performance, tight and fun for all involved.  All three singers take their turns providing introductions and showed off some pleasantly dry humour.

Although the standard of musicianship, and sheer originality, falls short of the standard set by the first act, it was a hugely enjoyable set and immediately enjoyable.  Being called back for two encores testified to the rapport they built up with their audience.  They can be seen at various venues around Scotland in the coming days, before they move over to Holland.