Review by Chris Kyan:
Stage set and ready
Already the second gig of the 2016 season is over and another full house at LRB. Today we had the new Mackie Digital mixer controlled by Mackie’s master fader application running on I-pads – would you believe. Where are all the knobs and fader controls not to mention the vast rack of outboard processors….amazing stuff. The new system sounded just great…thanks Simon, James and David.
Editor: very chuffed indeed, as the manager for American Young told us it was the best sound they’ve ever had. What finer endorsement of our new equipment and the expertise of the sound team.
The all-digital setup has allowed a few more front row seats for those who like to be close to the action, and what a night of action we all had.
American Young
First to the stage were ‘American Young’, and what a sensation they were. Kristy Osmunson with Violin (often strummed) and Jon Stone, guitar, this duo were quirky, funny, sassy and moving all in one short set. Their excellent new single ‘Point of view’ is out soon, look out for it. They received a very well deserved standing ovation.
Loveless Effect & Sasha McVeigh
‘Loveless Effect’ followed with a far rockier set driven by Justin’s heavy drum sound. That was one heck of a drum rig to take on the road. Yep, and Justin did confirm it came with them all the way from Arizona. The opening number begged the question ‘How do you feel’? Track two on their self- titled EP. Well, we felt great! We were also treated to a great cover of the ‘Rolling Stones’ ‘Dead Flowers’ before they were joined by Sasha McVeigh who played her new single ‘When I’m over you’ co-written with David Evans.
Sasha’s bubbly personality shone as usual on her second and hopefully not last visit to the Barn.
Especially for Jonathan, Sasha sang the Bonnie Raitt number, ‘I can’t make you love me’. This was a surprise concocted by Lyn and Sasha over social media, as the song is a favourite of Jonathan’s.
Near the end of her set Sasha sang a lovely tribute to her mum who was in the audience and the show finished with a Rockin’ version of ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’. We best not ask? But it really is a great song.
Wow! That was another superb first set at the little Rabbit Barn and behind the scenes Lyn and her team were ready with a warming Chicken Curry for all. Birthday cakes were also passed around for Fran and Ray. Perfect.
Christina Martin & Dale Murray
The Final segment was reserved for Christina Martin and her Husband Dale Murray who have been touring Europe since early January. Having been away from Nova Scotia for so long they were becoming homesick but the Little Rabbit Barn experience certainly lifted their spirits and we were treated to some amazing music played on some lovely Duesenberg guitars. http://www.duesenberg.de/ Christina talked us through her journey that lead to so many great songs which gave a deeper understanding and appreciation with many laughs too and plenty of audience participation.
We learned that she is a Thong girl, Ok Skinny Jean Girl and not a Hat Girl and it’s hard to keep looking 22 all the time. Your safe at the back as she can’t see you and she doesn’t like Tequila but she likes how it makes you feel!
For the final number Christina and Dale unplugged and played whilst mingling through the audience. That was a lovely intimate experience you can only get a a live venue.
I don’t think Christina and Dale will be strangers at the Little Rabbit Barn anymore, it certainly worked its magic on them. Terry’s persistence in booking paid off handsomely. We loved it all, Thank you.
It is great that so many of you regularly contribute to what is a private and not for profit evening of entertainment.
Events like this are the lifeblood of touring artists who would not be able to continue without your ongoing support.
I would like to thank Jonathan and Lyn for opening up their home to us all and their initiative and commitment to both financially and physically create a unique and special series of events. It’s only a shame more people can’t share the experience first hand, but at a private event it’s just not possible. When it’s full, it’s full….. get in contact early as guest places fill quickly!
May I point you all to the little Rabbit Barn YouTube channel where Jonathan expertly mixes and blends the sound and videos to bring back some of the highlights of past evenings. This is a fascinating and valuable archive.
The sound and picture quality are excellent…..so if you have good headphones or a hifi system you can hear just how good. A perfect antidote to evenings when ‘there’s nothing on the telly’.
Should you need help getting the best from this technology, just ask, as plenty of enthusiasts are on hand to advise. (It’s easy)
Links are available on the web site www.littlerabbitbarn.com or just search You Tube for Little Rabbit Barn. Subscribe (it’s free) to be notified as soon as something new is posted.
Editor: Chris, thanks for your review and the photographs that capture the performers and the atmosphere at LRB.
