Yorkshire Feedback

Rock Of The North -

Wow! Thats been some weekend Arf! Good feedback to us as well!Roadhouse are a band I already knew about from my Blues Matters days and it wont be too long before Egypt are back.When you list these bands in a couple of paragraphs, it makes you realise what a lot of talent there is around the region!!!!

Reviewed by The Editor/Webmaster (Rock of the North - Englands Biggest Music Site, Following April Gigs in Yorkshire) - added Saturday, 10 May 2008

A View From the Crowd - Skegness 2008

Roadhouse  followed the Brew and, without doubt, boasted the best guitarist of the festival. And believe me, there were plenty of wonderful guitarists on view. Dont know his name but he was fucking fantastic. Fast, stretching his fingers across huge distances on the fretboard, lightning-quick. He played one riff which almost brought me to tears (must be my age). I loved Tellin Lies (fantastic lick) and House of the RS. This was guitar greatness. Where the feck has this guy been? Didnt catch his name, Im afraid, but young Jason from the Brew would do well to get a few tips  Im sure it would help. The girls in the band were talented......

Reviewed by A Punter From The Blues Forum - On Line (BM Forum, ) - added Sunday, 9 March 2008

Colne National R&B Festival

colne festival 2007 THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN!!!! - SEVEN BANDS WERE REVIEWED BY PAUL ABRAHAM FROM LEEDS MUSIC PROMOTIONS......... ROADHOUSE BEEN ONE OF THEM ROADHOUSE While some of the hardcore Blues fans may have found Roadhouse more of a rock-blues band, they would have had to acknowledge what a talented and professional band this is. I personally felt some Pink Floyd / Mostly Autumn vibes, as the two female singers took the music to a harmonious level to compliment the excellent musicianship from the other band members. reviewed by paul abraham for the colne festival 2007

Reviewed by Paul Abraham (Colne Official Site/Leeds Music Promotions , The Magnificent 7 - Top 7 Bands at Colne) - added Saturday, 8 September 2007

Butlins Rock & Blues Festival - Skegness - Jan 2007

Sunday evening and Butlin's regulars Roadhouse were first up on the big stage. A new line up from previous times that we had seen them, with Mandie.G and Suzie Dingle on the vocals.

They were as superb as ever as they ripped through a selection from their ever- expanding repetoire, including the terrific Voodoo Queen.

Reviewed by Tony Winfield & Sue Hickling (Blues Matters, Apr/May 07) - added Monday, 28 May 2007

Roadhouse at The Crwdaddy Club - Essex Blues Festival - Hospice Charity - 2006

And so, to the headline act and, indeed, the very first act that was booked for the Festival, the superb Roadhouse. The last time they played the Crawdaddy was in late 2005 at what was the final gig with the line-up that included Lorna Reilly & Jules Fothergill, now part of funkydory who you can see at the Club on Thursday November 9th. With two superb female singers, Mandie G and the amazing 19 years old Susie D, plus new guitarist Drew Barron, this was our first chance to catch this “new” line-up which has been creating quite a stir, and with good cause. Gary Boner plus his long term rhythm section of Bill Hobley on bass and Roger Hunt on drums turned in a storming final set featuring a number of tracks from the band’s latest Blues Matters! CD, the superb ‘Broken Land’ as well as tracks from previous CDs. All in all they treated the audience to a fine rocking set that gave the lady vocalists every chance to shine as well as treating all the guitar nuts to some great duelling guitars as Gary & Drew jousted with their instruments. A superb finale to an excellent day which was marred by the low turn out.
Still it was a brilliane day with some really superb performances that saw just over £1,000 raised for the Little Haven Children's Hospice

Reviewed by Ashwyn Smith (Blues Maters Magazine, FEB/MARCH 07 - No 36) - added Sunday, 25 March 2007

Roadhouse at The Crwdaddy Club - Essex Blues Festival - Hospice Charity - 2006

And so, to the headline act and, indeed, the very first act that was booked for the Festival, the superb Roadhouse. The last time they played the Crawdaddy was in late 2005 at what was the final gig with the line-up that included Lorna Reilly & Jules Fothergill, now part of funkydory who you can see at the Club on Thursday November 9th. With two superb female singers, Mandie G and the amazing 19 years old Susie D, plus new guitarist Drew Barron, this was our first chance to catch this “new” line-up which has been creating quite a stir, and with good cause. Gary Boner plus his long term rhythm section of Bill Hobley on bass and Roger Hunt on drums turned in a storming final set featuring a number of tracks from the band’s latest Blues Matters! CD, the superb ‘Broken Land’ as well as tracks from previous CDs. All in all they treated the audience to a fine rocking set that gave the lady vocalists every chance to shine as well as treating all the guitar nuts to some great duelling guitars as Gary & Drew jousted with their instruments. A superb finale to an excellent day which was marred by but one thing – why did so few people turn up?
£10.00 to see 10 acts over a 10 hour period, and yet quite a bit less than a hundred paying customers passed through the doors. I simply do not understand it and it is poor recompense to the artists and to the team that worked so hard and long to put it all together.

Reviewed by Ashwyn Smith (Crawdaddy News, ) - added Saturday, 13 January 2007

Roadhouse at the Wingate & Finchley Club - 17/9/06

Two gigs in one weekend, things are looking up!
I personally found the Roadhouse shows to be much more entertaining when they performed a set on their own rather than the jam sessions Gary used to take so much trouble to organise. They have a good varied repertoire of songs and deliver them with much finesse.
Tonight we had Drew Barron on vocals and lead guitar, and Mandie G on vocals alongside Roger Hunt on drums, Bill Hobley on bass, and of course Gary Boner on vocals and second lead guitar.
We also had the first exercising of the marvellous PA system which had graced the Green Man in Barnet. Vince brought it along and set it and the spotlights up, and it was perfect. A lovely balanced sound, which although pretty loud was perfectly clear and with total silence in the quiet passages. Thanks Vince!
The closing number of the first set was "Rock Me Baby" and boy, did it rock! Drew and Gary stopped taking turns in the limelight and did some beautiful synchronised stringing. There's something about the sound of two guitars wailing like banshees in total harmony that gets the neck-hairs standing to attention. Brilliant stuff. I hadn't really heard much of Drew's playing live before, but he really is very good. Smiling, having fun, and nicely self-effacing while delivering stunning licks and slide.
Mandie G has one hell of a voice, and despite the lack of assistance tonight from other members of Gary's harem dealt us a superb show. How she can keep going all evening like that, with only a couple of breaks, I can't imagine. Her showcase version of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" would have made Bob Dylan very proud, I'm sure.
If only we can get more quality acts like this to the Wingate & Finchley club, and more than the usual handful of regulars in the audience to enjoy the great facilities, then we should be in for some fine gigs.
Rating:

Reviewed by Rob White (MSN & REVIEW WEBSITES, ) - added Sunday, 1 October 2006

Broken Land Review 5

UK – ROADHOUSE: No Place To Hide
Blues Matters! Records. 10 tracks, 55.04 mins.
As a lover of things Roadhouse, both live and studio, I guess I start from a positive base. Nevertheless, it has been clear from gigs during the last six months that the songs new to the band’s repertoire were something special. Gary Boner, guitarist / singer, has already established a name for himself as a fine songwriter, but he has excelled himself this time.
The CD opener and title track is already a live favourite and literally kicks us off in fine rocking style. Jules Fothergill has a lovely fluid style and his slide combines with Gary to set the tempo. Gary’s vocals then take over with Lorna Reilly in support before Jules rips into more rocking slide. The whole band works in changes of tempo leading to a storming finish. That description could give you a typical Roadhouse song, but track two tells you that this CD doesn’t propose to conform to any pattern! Gary’s gentle chords and drummer Roger Hunt’s soft tapping introduce Slip Away. Gary sings about advancing years, approaching demise and dreams slipping away…..a sad subject, but within the context of a very fine tune. Jules is at his best here, playing in restrained, but moving style. A truly wonderful song.
Jules co-wrote two tracks with Gary, helping to emphasise the slight change in style from earlier CD’s. Lost Along The Way has latin tones from both guitarists, gentle grooves from Jules and more aggressive lead from Gary. Don’t Point That Thing At Me is a funkier tune with a touch of humour (females using the title in conversations with males!). The setting of the song is American, as with many Roadhouse songs. This no doubt helps the band’s popularity across the water.
Anne Campbell takes lead vocals on the only cover, Brooklyn Blues. This a lovely song and helps to emphasise the band’s versatility. Anne’s starring role on this CD, however, is as co-writer of the final track, Killing Time. This is quite a departure from the norm. A gentle, but beautiful, song it features some metronomic rhythm from Gary, almost echoing the ticking clock, together with soft vocals from Gary and new addition Sue Ballingall. Jules overlays with some stunning guitar and the whole effect is superb.
One of the stand-out tracks perversely nods at the band’s past with a song from their first CD. Couldn’t Get To Sleep is an epic 8 minute track and is Roadhouse at their best. Bill Hobley on bass and Roger Hunt lay the foundations superbly for the front line to treat us to music of the highest quality. Jules is quite awesome with his slide lead and Gary supremely effective on rhythm. Sue features with Gary during the first part of the song. After a super solo from Jules, Lorna gets centre stage with some of her searing vocals to bring the track to it’s rousing conclusion. Wonderful.
The whole CD is a wonderful and varied collection of songs played to the highest standard by a group of fine musicians. It deserves to take the band on to a higher level. I strongly recommend it …………..Alan Harvey

Reviewed by Alan Harvey (Blues In Britain, ) - added Monday, 22 May 2006

Broken Land Review 4

ROADHOUSE
Broken Land
Blues Matters 11 Tracks
With personnel and personal changes to absorb and come through, this latest studio set from UK stalwarts finds Gary Boner and his Roadhouse crew delivering another quality batch of songs. With Jules Fothergill now at the helm of FunkyDory and Lorna Reilly part of the latter, Boner has Canadian guitarist vocalist Drew Barron contributing fluid axelines as Gary’s foil in the guitar arrangements. Of course and as ever the real heroes of this collection are Bill and Roger the rhythm section par excellence, always driving but never showing off, these guys are exemplary band players it must be said. Hence returning vocal siren Mandy G and new girl Fiona McElroy are immediately at ease and singing their hearts out ; I would go so far as to say that the backing vocal lines on ‘Redemption Street’ are as good as any Roadhouse lineup ever and they lift the Skynyrdy composition to its advantage, aided by Mr Hunt’s martial drumming. Versions of Dylan and U2 numbers benefit from brilliant sax interludes and it’s a credit to the band how such additions are easily handled and featured. For variety ‘Pulp Fiction Zoo’ and the strange ‘Mexican Nights’ follow through on Boner’s cinematic leaning. As ‘Big Easy’ and the spiky opener ‘White Water’ attest, each Roadhouse release has the feel of a debut, an achievement after many releases. I think Gary would admit that he is a dark compositional mode at present but colours abound on this album and as anyone must know by now, Roadhouse are a formidable live act..onwards then !
Pete Sargeant

Reviewed by Pete Sargeant (Blues Matters, April/May 2006) - added Monday, 22 May 2006

Broken Land Review 3

It's rare for an independent label band to have such a prodigious song-writer as Roadhouse leader/guitarist Gary Boner, but with "Broken Land" the band's 9th album, he has surpassed even his previous excellent efforts.

The key to Roadhouse's Americana road anthems resides in some excellent pre production planning with Gary's mid range vocals being bolstered two female singers. Fiona McElroy, and Mandy G switch from bv's to lead vocals in a rip roaring set that straddles Rock, Blues and Americana.

The opening Jefferson Airplane sounding "White Water" is a classy slice of West Coast rock while another album highlight is the Dylan inflected "Redemption Song". The barnstorming title track belies its dark imagery with a searing chorus full of superb slide guitar.

In short, this album is crammed full of magical moments. And while there is a dip into the Dylan catalogue for "All Along The Watch Tower" - complete with a lovely sax solo - and Mandy's tour de force, "Knocking On Heavens Door", it is the original songs that really stand out.

Listen to the anthemic "Last Train Home", and you are put in mind of classic Southern rock, while the biting irony of "Pulp Fiction 2" brings with it a sonic dimension not unlike Amon Duul2.

But for the most part "Broken Land " is a cd full of great playing with some lovely slide from Canadian Drew Barron, killer songs from Gary Boner and the kind of exuberant choruses that in a previous age would have generated even more radio play than the band have already enjoyed.

Reviewed by Pete Feenstra (Pete Website - www.feenstra.co.uk, May 2006) - added Monday, 22 May 2006

Broken Land Review 2

Roadhouse - CD - Broken Land


(www.roadhousegb.co.uk)
This top quality release from the hard working Roadhouse demonstrates that the British 'blues' scene is not only still strong but thriving. Superbly modelled in every aspect, 'Broken Land' has all of its i's dotted and t's crossed; nothing has been overlooked, nothing has been left to chance. The high standard of production allows the listener to access every second of every song without ever having to concentrate - superb clarity and tight instrumentation seem to part and parcel of the Roadhouse approach.
The first thing I noticed as this work unfolded was the stunning tightness of this unit. Then the depth and variety of feel made an appearance. Apart from the superb musicianship on display here there's the fact that Roadhouse use three vocalists which keeps the feel fresh and alive. Of the eleven tracks, nine are originals (a plus for me), and impressive pieces they are too! Instrumentation selection is excellent as Roadhouse flit from using one lead guitar with rhythm support to twin leads and back again. The introduction of guest alto sax on two tracks further enhances the classy feel of this album.
Instrumentally I can't fault this work or this band. Vocally they mix it up beautifully and loads of thought has gone into the arrangements here. Generally, Roadhouse tend to shy away from the long drawn-out guitar solos which can be over-used and can become tedious; they keep things in this department tidy and concise. When a longer lead break is called upon it's kept interesting and fresh by the constant changes in fx and styles. Not one of yer stereotypical blues breaks in sight - thankfully. The twin lead vocals of Mandie G and Fiona McElroy are set well against the gruffer sounding voice of Gary Boner - just occasionally there's a hint of latter day Fleetwood Mac here. The 'girls' concentrate on their vocal strengths whilst Boner and Drew Barron both lay down lead and rhythm guitar. The rhythm back-line is supplied with uncanny tightness and superb touch and feel by bassman Bill Hobley and drummer/percussionist Roger Hunt. The six come together as one to produced a wonderfully precise unit.
Roadhouse's ability to mix it up sets them apart from many of their contemporaries and 'Broken Land' is an excellent piece of work that although sitting pretty much in the blues genre manages to incorporate a light rock edge and a hint of 'world' music. This is a beautifully put together album that deserves to do well for the impressive Roadhouse.
Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)
(Rhythm & Booze rating 9)

Reviewed by Toxic Pete (Top Blues Website, ) - added Monday, 22 May 2006

Broken Land Review

Roadhouse
Broken Land
Blues Matters BRMCD20061
****
Triumph from Britain's leading country rockers
The London roots rockers who never stand still release another album with yet another line-up. They get through guitarists faster than Rod Stewart gets through wives. Yet that does mean they¹re always on edge, always pushing forward. Some might have felt that losing British guitar prodigy Jules Fothergill could be a setback but mainmain Gary Boner has found an excellent (and very different) replacement in Canadian Drew Barron.
The songs are still a raging country-roots blend of imagery - rivers, trains, desolate countryside - but the textures are different again, Barron bringing a softer, mystical feel up against Boner¹s rock jangle.
Roadhouse¹s trademark twin girl singers - more than backing vocals, sometimes soloists but always there like a wind whistling around the Boner/Barron twin guitar attack - are still there. Yet different - one of the band¹s earliest members, Mandie G, has returned, joined by newcome Fiona McElroy, the latter taking centre stage on the choogling, spine-tingling rocker Still Haven¹t Found.
The set kicks off with a classic Roadhouse rampage, White Water, great tune, great guitars and male-female vocals winding around each other.
The rhythm section of Roger Hunt and Bill Hobley (band originals along with Boner) are darker and dirtier than ever as they tackle moody originals like Pulp Fiction and the West Coast-sounding The Big Easy. What¹s also impressive is how the band manage to take what some might see as a hoary covers and turn them around. All Along The Watchtower becomes a bleak barroom workout, complete with smokey sax by Fred Schmid. And Knocking On Heaven¹s Door
The Spanish guitar driven Mexican Nights is a new approach for the band before they return to familiar ground for the rampant finale Last Train Home. A killer record from a band who deserve to be much bigger. ND
Available from www.bluesmatters.com

Reviewed by Nick Dalton (Maverick, ) - added Monday, 22 May 2006

Loft Club - Barnet - 30/5/05

Roadhouse
Well, this was another excellent evening at The Green Man in Barnet!

I've had a new-found respect for Roadhouse after their gig at the Rayners supporting Ian Parker, which was just perfect. I had become tired of the self-indulgent "Roadhouse & Friends" jam sessions, but when they played their own set it was excellent.

And so it was tonight. With another new girl singer, Fiona, joining the excellent Lorna on vocals, the audiovisual show was spot on! Gary treats his harem very fairly, giving them all a share of the spotlight, he even recalled Anne to sing on few numbers. Where else could you see a fine band like this with not one, not two, but three great girl singers?

The material was a mixture of the familiar Roadhouse back catalogue plus some recent winners from their new CD - "Sacrifice" was particularly good - and even some tired old standards like "Stormy Monday" were given a great workout by Lorna.

Jules told me he was eschewing effects pedals tonight, and I liked the pure tone he achieved, along with the brilliant slide work for which he has become renowned. And at times the interplay between Jules and Gary worked really well, I just love that twin-guitar sound.

Jules told me he was eschewing effects pedals tonight, and I liked the pure tone he achieved, along with the brilliant slide work for which he has become renowned. And at times the interplay between Jules and Gary worked really well, I just love that twin-guitar sound.

The veteran Roadhousers in the background, Bill 'n' Rog, have been in the band for going on fourteen years, Gary informed us. And their great professionalism is a joy to witness - in fact the whole band, old and new seem to get on so well it really works like a dream.

The finale Voodoo Queen was really great with Lorna and Fiona belting out the lyrics and Jules and Gary doing some great duelling. We demanded an encore, and got it, Gary showing great respect for the pub management and politely asking if it was really OK to do another song.

So, in summary, a really good, happy, professional show. As I said above, an excellent evening.

Reviewed by Rob White (Rob White/Pete Feenstra's Website, ) - added Wednesday, 1 June 2005

Roadhouse - "No Place To Hide" - Blues Matters

It may seem strange that two of the most impressive Americana style albums of the year should come from European bands, but as Roadhouse prove there's no better currency than great songs. And guitarist/vocalist and song writer Gary Boner has a truckload. Aside from some scintillating guitar from young Jules Fothergill and fine bv's from Anne Campbell and Lorna Reilly, Boner's songs are a cut above most of the bands that purport to set the standard in the Roots field.Look no further than the title track, or the brooding bluesy style of "Slip Away" or the Jefferson Airplane feel of "Couldn't Get To Sleep" to hear a superb mix of road anthems, crammed full of Deep South imagery.

Reviewed by Pete Feenstra (Website, ) - added Friday, 27 May 2005

Roadhouse - Willem Tell Blues Club, St Lenaarts, Belgium: 19th Feb 2005

Roadhouse is in the Belgian bluesscene something we like to call a noble unknown. Except for the chosen few who were able to experience a show of the ‘best kept secret of the UK’, there weren’t too many people in the Benelux who would turn their heads when they hear the name ‘Roadhouse’, despite the 1500 (!) gigs in the UK.

Bobtje Blues, a Belgian promotor, was determined to get them to the mainland after seeing them perform last summer in England. This is the review of a show in a bluesclub called The Willem Tell, in St-Lenaarts, near Antwerp. A lot of blueslovers showed up for the gig, and nobody knew exactly what to expect of this English band some people were talking about. As the first set started (with ‘Blues Highway’) I got the feeling we were about to witness a gig everybody would be talking about. Gary Boner (vocals, guitar and founding member) and Jules Fothergill (guitar player and ‘slidewonder’) were setting standards in a blues rock song, where there was also an eminent role for the backing vocals of Lorna Reilly and Anne Campbell.

After the second song (‘Not Fade Away’, a Buddy Holly-song with a nice touch of Diddley) it became clear that it’s not that easy to put these four guys and two ladies in one category. Although it’s obvious that Roadhouse was born as a child of the blues, calling them a bluesband would be disrespectful. They are so much more… To justify the term ‘bluesband’, I would like to refer to the first-rate versions of ‘Help Me’ (original by Sonny Boy Williamson) or ‘Rock Me Baby’ and ‘Stormy Monday’, both sung by Reilly, who is blessed with a heavenly voice.

Bassplayer Bill Hobley, drummer Roger Hunt and earlier mentioned Boner, are a trinity that knows no equal (and I don’t mean the Holy Trinity, because there’s a devilish side to their playing…). The other thing that definitely contributes to the inherent sound of Roadhouse, are the unique vocals of the ladies. Jules closes the line. Arriving in Belgium he got struck by foodpoisoning, but it didn’t show. On top of all that class, Gary Boner writes songs that fit the band perfectly. ‘Lost Along The Way’ or ‘Slip Away’ (both from their last album ‘No Place To Hide’) are, in my opinion, magnificent songs. They make me shiver, over and over again.

As mentioned earlier, Roadhouse isn’t a band with one style… they’re a band with their own style. If you love blues, rock, and all that is in between, Roadhouse is a band you cannot and should not ignore. And as for myself, a diehard blues lover, I have to admit that Roadhouse is responsible for a shifting in my cd-player.

Anyway, I consider myself lucky for becoming aware of Roadhouse, and I hope I’ll see them soon on a Belgian stage again. And if that ain’t gonna happen, I’ll cross the channel next year, that’s a promise (or a threat…)!

Reviewed by Steven Verhoeven (http://www.bobtjeblues.com, Online Blues Reviews) - added Wednesday, 2 March 2005

Roadhouse - The Boom Boom Club, Sutton: 4th May 2003

I should be ashamed of myself... on two counts. Firstly I hadn't seen Roadhouse until the Boogaloo Festival at Bognor in January and secondly this was their 1500th gig and only my second. In truth it was number 1498, but among such lovely people and on such a brilliant evening of fine music who cares?

The band have been in the business of the blues for 12 years with occasional changes of personnel in that time and a high percentage of their gigs have been their famous jam evenings. As a result they are as much a family as a blues band. On this evening we were treated to an intriguing mix of new and old with Joe Hollywood kicking proceedings off, former member Doctor Noel Brown singing through his enormous cigar and (among others) Drew Barron, John O'Leary and Robin Bibi all taking a turn. We also had the experience of Blues Matters' own Pete Sargeant on harp accompanying that excellent guitarist Robin Bibi on I Loved Another Woman and Long Grey Mare. Roadhouse then took to the stage for four of their best songs: Blues Highway (title track of their current wonderful CD), Tellin Lies, Back Streets and Gary Boner's favourite Voodoo Queen. They did them all proud and they did us proud, but they weren't finished yet. They continued with a little help from their friends. Pete Sargeant was back up for Help Me, Robin Bibi and Noel Brown both had another chance to display their skills and the finale saw Drew Barron back onstage with the band for another great Gary Boner composition, Preacher Man. Superb stuff, all gratefully received by the appreciative audience. In truth the crowd was smaller than I expected (and certainly smaller than the band and their guests deserved), but we all had a great time.

If you missed this one catch another one soon!

Reviewed by Alan Harvey (Blues Matters!, June 2003) - added Sunday, 21 November 2004

Roadhouse - Blues Highway - Music Media RHCD006

Right from the dramatic opener 'Desert Sky' with its ominous chords, conspiratorial Gary Boner vocal and cool female chorale, South London's finest take you on quite a trip through their take on American-influenced music. Blues-tinged to the max, this set sees the fresh air of a West Coast/Airplane breeziness which propels the tracks through various soundscapes and the overall sound is aurally panoramic and all the better for that. The songs are delivered with vigour and pride, with Boner's gritty guitar stylings meshing and sparking across his axe cohort Jules Fothergill's punchy dexterity; these are thinking listeners' musicians always serving the songs rather than their own indulgences. Fans of the moody guitar solo can purchase this release with confidence but there is SO much going on here and no small contribution is made by the two female singers aboard for this set, Anne Campbell whose growing comfortableness on stage gives this hardworking band a trump card and the sadly-now-departed Billi Shaw. Shrieking is eschewed in favour of atmospheric singing, well-placed in the arrangements.

The atmospheric element of this set cannot be denied and I think this gives the album international appeal - well no I don't just think, I know because our US compadre Mick Martin has played excerpts from this disc on his West Coast/Internet KXJZ radio show to great interest and acclaim. In fact these selections play well amongst the Allman Brothers, Johnny Winter and Delaney & Bonnie tracks that feature in the broadcasts; over the last weeks US fans' Emails have been bounced on to the band here in England so that the word can be spread by the artists themselves.

Bill Hobley provides pumping, spacey bass lines and you won't find a better band drummer than drummer Roger Hunt so all in all this crew don't want for much - they just want more people to switch on to what they're doing. They prove that you can entertain and ring the changes on material, witness the New Orleans-style funk of 'Voodoo Queen' and the expansive restlessness of the title track. Play-safe this group are not.

Gary Boner regards this release as a major step on for the band and this is evident. RoadHouse also host splendid live music club evenings accommodating all manner of star guests and other groups whose approach they feel a kinship for, a self-propelled scene that deserves support as well providing audiences with truly special nights and unusual line-ups.

Hard to pick a favourite cut from a collection this strong but repeated plays point me towards the Shaw/Boner composition 'Dark Rain' a haunting song with a Nick Drake style intro, rolling rhythm not a huge distance from heyday Fairport (ie bloody good!) crisp drumming and a mentholated sax solo (Andy Thompson) topped by an arcanely paced guitar run from Jules.

Quality and soul in equal measure, there may not be a better homegrown release this winter...

Reviewed by Pete Sargeant (Blues Matters!, Feb 2003) - added Sunday, 21 November 2004

Roadhouse - Blues Highway - Music Media RHCD006 ****

A true original Brit band who manage to combine elements of country and blues into their own individual sound. The influences are all there but the result sounds like nothing other than their own. Oft likened to the Band, or Creedence there¹s now a bigger dollop of New Orleans in the mix as the band enter yet another incarnation.

This is their sixth album now. As anyone who¹s ever seen them live knows, there¹s a band nucleus revolving around guitarist/singer/songwriter Gary Boner, but an ever-changing, evolving group. Here he and original rhythm section Bill Hobley and Roger Hunt are joined by new young lead/slide guitarist Jules Fothergill whose playing may be steeped in the blues but studiously avoids blues cliches, instead adding a sharp rock edge to the jangle of Boner's playing.

Singer Anne Campbell is joined by Billi Shaw, the pair taking on lead vocals as well as providing rich backing harmonies. And top session player Andy Thompson, who¹s played on stage with the likes of Dire Straits, adds rich, smokey sax.

The album's at its most country on the tuneful opener Desert Sky and the hypnotic When Mountains Fall, but the feel is most definitely bayou country rather than the Nashville variety. Numbers like One Last Roll, with its screaming slide solo, the choppy Voodoo Queen, and the delicate Blues Highway, all add to the Roadhouse sound. Rich, hot and powerful.

Reviewed by Nick Dalton (Maverick Country/Country Rock Magazine, Feb 2003) - added Sunday, 21 November 2004

Roadhouse - The Rayners, Harrow: 20.11.2002

Variety. If you never quite know what's coming next, not only does it keep you interested throughout a live gig, it can elevate a good night into a better one. It certainly did this evening.

Now, I've seen Roadhouse more than once and consequently know some of their songs, but it's all about delivery and tonight they really rocked the punters' socks off, compared to a slightly country blues feel of previous gigs. This time around, they upped the pace of their set, whilst maintaining the light and shade that's one of their trademarks.

"Blues Highway", the title track of their latest cd, kicked off in a moody vein before opening out with some marvellous guitar playing, particularly from Jules Fothergill and terrific harmonies from Anne Campbell, all complimenting Gary Boner's growling vocals. Vibrant blues-rock that would grace a stadium, let alone the back room of a pub near Harrow, followed in the form of "Telling Lies", which got the feet moving early doors, particularly notable for the clean drumming of Roger Hunt at the back.

Their own spin on the Sonny Boy Williamson / Ralph Bass classic "Help Me" featured Anne moving up to lead vocals that varied from husky to soulful and back as the song progressed, before another track from the new cd, "Voodoo Queen" conjured up a trip to New Orleans, courtesy of Gary's funky guitar.

The rhythm section then excelled, with a thunderous Bo Diddley beat leading into a version of "Not Fade Away" that drew rapturous applause from the audience and left them quite breathless, especially from the guitar duelling par excellence between Gary and Jules. The pace dropped, but only slightly, to cruising mode for "Backstreets", during which the Gary's lead vocals and Anne's harmonies left the lyrics stuck firmly in the memory.

The closing number, "Whiskey Man" included an intro from Bill Hobley, whose bass playing had been a feature throughout, as a perfect foil for the upfront lead guitar and vocals that draw the eye, together with a chorus that was pure sweet blues.

And all this was from the band as a five-piece. Their Roadhouse Club gigs and regular jam sessions can include almost twice that number on occasions, so cut along to one if they appear near you.

Reviewed by Darrell Parsons (Blues In Britain, Nov 2002) - added Sunday, 21 November 2004

Roadhouse - The Running Horse, Nottingham: 3.9.2004

After 3 consecutive nights of big crowd-drawing acts, perhaps it wasn't too surprising that a band new to the Runner would play to a scattering of people. But what we lacked in numbers we made up for in our enthusiastic response to one of the most hard-driving, compelling performances of an already memorable year. Roadhouse have a knack of producing the sort of catchy material you'd like blaring out of your car stereo when cruising down the open highway - and I ain't talking M25 here! It's no surprise that they've had American airplay for the likes of "Tellin' Lies", with its hypnotic riff and explosive dramatic tension. Jules Fothergill really went for every solo, producing gorgeous flights of notes in the creative manner of Jerry Garcia at his bluesiest, ably complemented by Gary Boner's impressive guitar work. Vocals are shared by Gary and two fabulous backing singers, Lorna Reilly and Anne Campbell, whose passionate contributions brought a rich multi-layered quality in the manner of Jefferson Airpane but much more soulful. Bassist Bill Hobley and drummer Roger Hunt provide the perfect rolling rhythms. This UK band has the collective dynamic of a good US outfit, providing bags of space for individual expression. Anthemic numbers like "Voodoo Queen", "Preacher Man" and "Backstreets" would go down a storm with a big Friday or Saturday night crowd ... maybe next time ...?

Reviewed by Dave Kingsbury (The Running Horse Website, 09/04) - added Monday, 25 October 2004

Roadhouse - Blues On The Boat, Peterborough: 3.11.2003

This was my first visit to Charters Bar, home of Blues on the Boat. It won't be my last though - it must be heaven for anyone who loves good music and real ales. To top that there's a Thai restaurant upstairs and everything comes with friendly banter from the staff. In honesty the food and drink were a bonus. My motive for being there was Roadhouse (well, coupled with my football team, Brighton, playing in Peterborough that afternoon!). I am a relatively new convert to the band, but have to admit to being totally hooked. They veer towards the rocky side of the Blues, but are clearly Blues based and play in a punchy style with musicianship of the highest quality.

The vocals are led by Gary Boner gruff tones, complemented by the twin talents of Anne Campbell and Lorna Reilly. These lovely ladies could each hold down lead vocalist duties and occasionally do so, with great panache. Their supporting harmonies give Roadhouse it's unique style, however.

Gary is a fine guitarist, but in addition Jules Fothergill displays amazing talent whether on lead or rhythm guitar. His playing is so fluid and seemingly natural - a star in the making surely? The band are brilliantly supported by Roger Hunt on drums and Bill Hobley on bass. As always the rhythm section go largely un-noticed, but provide a solid platform for the artistry of the front line.

Here we were treated to a generous mix of covers of songs by many Blues legends and all were well received. Highlights were Help Me, Rock Me Baby, Roadhouse Blues and Black Magic Woman. The latter had Jules Fothergill in Santana mode and his respect for the great man was further exemplified when he took vocal duties for a wonderful version of Oye Como Va later in the evening. The set also included a selection of Roadhouse "greatest hits" such as Backstreets, Tellin Lies and Voodoo Queen. The title track of their last CD Blues Highway (a classic to my humble ears) kicked the evening off and we were also given a taste of the next CD (on BM!) No Place To Hide. As well as the title track we heard Slip Away, I Couldn't Get To Sleep and Brooklyn Blues. All excellent. If this selection is typical the CD should be a major release for the band. The night finished with Preacher Man, subtly blended with a little Free Bird, and the audience departed reluctantly, but happy. In the unlikely event of my ever going to heaven I would like to think that this gig will be repeated every night - it was that good!!

Reviewed by Alan Harvey (Blues Matters!, 11/03) - added Monday, 25 October 2004