Roadhouse at The Buzz Club - Barnet

From playing to over 1000 at Skegness to a small crowd at the Buzz Club Gary Boner and Roadhouse demonstrated truly professional presentation. The band has been on the road for some 20 years and yet from the degree of warmth and enthusiasm that they generated they could just be starting out. But the low turnout requires explanation; internally the venue is very good, quality PA and lighting, and comfortable. Yet externally no one would know that there is anything happening. There were no indications whatsoever from the street that anything was taking place; in fact you cant see anything from the street so there is no hope of attracting passing trade. It is off the beaten track, and very dark outside. Thats tough when your band is from deepest South London and the venue is on North London Herts border. Local advertising must surely help? Lots of local people think that good live music no longer exists in this part of the world and they need to know, but how can they with no posters and no general advertising? That said Gary and the boys and girls gave us a great show. There were several Roadhouse favourites including a scorching Roadhouse Blues (maybe they should think about writing new lyrics and making this your own, it wasnt an original riff in the first place  Im sure they could pull out a winner!), there was a great fun version of Rock Me Baby with loads of classic licks and blues guitar face-pulling. There was also Mandy Gs usual winning version of House of the Rising Sun but it is always the original tunes that interest me most. Apart from favourites like Blues Highway tonight featured two songs from the forthcoming album  the title track DARK ANGEL and TOO TIRED TO PRAY both of them excellent.

They leave me with an interesting conundrum about the band. Garys lyrics are quite dark, dealing with such topics as, death, illness, lonely roads, voodoo and the devil. Yet the band delivers with a big smile loads of bounce and obviously enjoys every minute.

Other standouts included Preacher Man, which is always a cracking tune. For me, the very best tune of a top notch evening was Brooklyn Blues a super slowish groove this and it featured a welcome appearance by former Roadhouse favourite Anne Campbell.

Gary Boners Roadhouse is an object lesson to bands and bandleaders everywhere- whether the audience is 1500 or 25 they deliver, they entertain, and they do it with real style. Onwards and upwards, long may they roll.

Reviewed by Vicky Martin (Blues Matters, Issue 55 - June-July 2010) - added Sunday, 15 August 2010

Sea of Souls Review

Album Review  Roadhouse  Sea of Souls
Blues Matters Records

Roadhouse are a Rock Blues band  very much at the Rock end of the Blues Spectrum, but with three female vocalist and one male vocalist there is a softer edge to their rock, and much of their music has a blues underpinning. Gary Boner and Danny Gwilym add strong guitar solos to the ensemble whilst Bill Hobley and Roger Hunt anchor everything with bass and drums respectively. The three female vocalists are Mandie G, Suzie D and Kelly Marie Hobbs.

All of the songs are originals with the exception of House of the Rising Sun. The album starts with the title track Sea of Souls which, with its choral elements has the feel of a mini rock opera and is a good opening number. Lights on the water starts gently but builds up gradually through the song. The Answer has a similar structure but is more energetic at the end. Voodoo Dance is an up tempo rocker about the devil and all his works where the backing vocals counterbalance an insistent rhythm leading to a strong and vibrant guitar solo and then back to the choral ensemble. House of the Rising Sun is excellently sung by Kelly with an atmospheric and slightly more dramatic version of the Animals original. The Lying Game starts with a bluesy guitar intro and Suzies strong vocals, that at times remind me of Maggie Bell, and theres nothing wrong in that! For me this is one of the stand out tracks of the album. Dark River has a vocal opening gospel like in feel and is a homily about crossing the River Styx. It has a strong vocal component  counterbalanced with strong guitar work. Tumbling Down again features Kelly on vocals  a rip roaring song, with an equally strong slide guitar solo, featuring strident vocals and strong backing vocals. The Dark of the Sun is another rock tone poem with good vocal and guitar work. The final track is Preacher Man a story about a man who has lost his faith featuring all four vocalists on the chorus. Once it gets to the guitar solo the song gains momentum and maintains that to a strong climax.

This is a fitting finale to a highly charged album. Sea of Souls is a fine testimony to the current line up of Roadhouse. The ensemble sound is rich and full bodied, the songwriting is inventive with all the vocalists meshing well together and balancing well with the two guitarists. All in all this is a strong performance from a band at the rock end of the rock blues spectrum.
9/10
Bill Smith

Reviewed by Bill Smith (Blues In Britain, March/April 2010) - added Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Roadhouse At Skegness 2010

Im absolutely thrilled at Roadhouses fantastic reception at the Skegness Festival. As you know, it was my first time at Skegness and I want to say that I felt it was amongst the very best performances that Ive witnessed from the band over the last five years. Having sat through three days of Rock & Blues of varying quality and at times mind numbing boredom, it was a real pleasure to watch a band that was not afraid to grab the audience by the balls and rock out. Telling Lies, was absolutely ferocious and the band were going full pelt, right out of the straps. Mandie, Suzie and Kelly were particularly fine throughout with the trademark, Roadhouse Stomp, dance moves well to the fore. Certainly both my wife and friend were kept entertained throughout the set. Such a shame that the band couldnt have performed for longer. Verdict: best band on the Centre (Blues) Stage by a country mile! Pretty much blew the majority of other bands on the bill that weekend into the weeds. This is what I crave from a live music experience, a good loud, tight Rock/Blues band and excitement with great songs and harmonies. Roadhouse were one of the few (only?) bands I saw that weekend to really work that large centre stage and involve the audience. I actually met some Tropic/Ruislip regulars after your set and they were blown away when I told them that RH would be playing at our local venue. How Uncle Stan, was able to follow that performance is beyond me (I left for the Reds bar for Martin Turners Wishbone Ash  one of my other favourite bands so didnt see Stan Webb). I missed the harmony guitars on, The Answer!


Darren Wisdom

Reviewed by Darrren Wisdom -Blues Rock Writer (- Various Review Sites, ) - added Saturday, 6 February 2010

Roadhouse at Colne 2009 (National R&B Festival)

Redemption. Seldom have I witnessed such a dramatic turnaround during a major music
festival programme that that which was achieved by Rock/Blues legends Roadhouse on the British Stage at The Great British Rock & Blues Festival at Colne.

Taking the stage at the capacity crowd slot of 9:00pm, the veteran Gary Boner led band (now in their 20th Anniversary year), proceeded over the next 93 minutes to demonstrate exactly why they have headlined at this prestigious, major British Blues festival for seven years consecutively.

Setting out the bands stall in no uncertain terms, Gary moved to the centre front of the stage and then started up the opening guitar riff of Telling Lies, the band adroitly picked up the gauntlet on this upbeat Blues/rocker.

The second song up was the no-nonsense, straight ahead rocker, Sea Of Souls (from the album of the same name). This was a classic Gary Boner penned tale of angst and desperation with guitarist Danny Gwilyms speedy solo crackling with life, harmonics fairly leaping off his guitars fretboard. Taking a change of pace for their third song, Blues Highway, exhibited a low down, bottom heavy guitar groove that the stalwart rhythm section of Bill Hobley (Bass) and Roger Hunt (Drums) made the very most of.

The Band then characteristically took their chance by choosing to premier a new song, Swamp Girl, a well-named slice of southern rock with a hell of a hypnotic riff. Gary then took the opportunity to introduce the first of Roadhouses vocal triumvirate, Kelly Marie Hobbs for the Bluesy shuffle, The Lying Game  a classic tale of infidelity and deceit. Next vocalist up was Roadhouse legend and powerhouse vocalist, Mandie G. to deliver her reading of that classic Animals standard, The House Of The Rising Sun. Mandie drew in the attentive audience with her sensuous, heartfelt vocal inflections and dramatic staging. Mandie truly wrought every ounce of passion and heartbreak from this classic account of experience and bitter regret with dramatic, soaring guitar solos from both Danny and Gary in support. The third and final part of the Roadhouse vocal trinity was personified by the gorgeous, smoky and immaculate Blues tones of vocalist Suzie D. for the Stateside FM radio play favourite, The Big Easy. Like her band mate Kelly Marie, Suzie is still in her early 20s with great potential and both are surely talents to watch for the future.

With the vocal showcases completed, the band wasted no time in summoning up the infectious African drum based rhythms of Voodoo Dance, a fast paced rocker that featured much dancing from Kelly, Mandie and Suzie coupled with Gary taking it upon himself at one point to jump onto the drum riser (no doubt promoting the healing of his cracked ribs in the process&)! After the audience response to their last frenetic song had subsided, Gary then stepped up to introduce the second (and final) cover of the bands set for the evening, the old Doors song and aptly titled, Roadhouse Blues. The band locked straight into this mid-paced boogie as if the song had been custom written for them. Mid way through the song, Gary seized the opportunity to play an extended guitar solo over the cooking band, giving his Stratocasters fretboard and tremolo arm and thorough workout!

The scene was thus set for a key Roadhouse song, from their last album, Sea Of Souls  The Answer. An achingly beautiful and haunting Gary Boner written epic that built from a simple guitar arpeggio figure to a grandiose rock statement. This song is surely amongst the very finest that Gary has put his name to and Roadhouses full blooded interpretation on the big festival stage, with superb PA and lighting was a worthy spectacle. The final song of the bands set was their US FM radio hit, Voodoo Queen (from the Broken Land album). The Roadhouse vocal section of Kelly Marie Hobbs, Suzie D. and Mandie G. took turns in a vocal gymnastics competition worthy of the London 2012 Olympics, and to demonstrable audience appreciation. Long and loud applause from the capacity audience brought the band out to play an encore, the choice of which could only be one song, Preacher Man. A classic slice of Americana that was as
cinematic in scope as it was epic in scale with its recurrent themes of lost faith, longing and redemption (which is where we came in). All in all a stunning festival set and a triumphal return to Colne for Roadhouse, and if anyone came looking for the best in the Rock/Blues arena then they surely found it during those precious 93 minutes of pure spun gold that night.

Darren Wisdom

Reviewed by Darren Wisdom (Blues Matters Website, ) - added Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Roadhouse Rock On

Roadhouse set to rock on
2:44pm Tuesday 30th June 2009


Local roots rockers Roadhouse celebrate their 20th anniversary show at the Boom Boom Club/Sutton Utd FC on Sunday 5th July with special guests, their former guitarist Jules Fothergills Northsyde.

Promoting their best ever album Sea of Souls  which has remarkably become their fourth album to gain major FM radio air play in the US  Roadhouse celebrate their 20th year on the road.

Still led by the immensely talented song writer, guitarist and vocalist Gary Boner, Roadhouse are a riff driven anthemic rock band whose 9 album career spans southern rock and rock-blues.

The band who feature the unique 3 female front line vocals of Mandy Graham, Suzie Dingle and Kelly Joe Hobbs, also boast the formidable twin guitar line-up of Gary Boner and Danny Gwillym and have frequently been compared to artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Neil Young and Walter Trout.

Gary Boners songs such as Preacher Man and Voodoo Queen are up there with the best American anthemic rock songs ever written and the fact that the band are internationally air played from Croatia to California is testament to Boners song writing skills.

The days of guitar driven songs about dark desert highways never really disappeared. They just became part of the brilliant Gary Boner song writing tapestry, to be found on several Roadhouse albums such as Sea of Souls, No Place To Hide and Blues Highway, all of which just like the band live, are hugely recommended. www.getreadytorock.com Special guests are Jules and Lorna Fothergills Northsyde. Previously Raodhouses lead guitarist Jules went on to form Funkydory and now launches his brand new band.

DETAILS: Roadhouse + Northsyde play the Boom Boom Club on Sun 5th July.

Tickets are £8adv/£10 on door. Doors open 7pm Bookings/info Pete Feenstra 0208761 9078 www.boomboomlive.co.uk

Reviewed by Unknown (The Sutton Guardian, 2nd July 2009) - added Sunday, 5 July 2009

Major UK Rock Magazine Review

Roadhouse are clearly keen to make up for lost time. The London-based blues rockers now front three female vocalists and surprisingly, it works, with the singers taking it in turns on House Of The Rising Sun, The Lying Game and Tumbling Down to pitch for the kind of damaged souls who inhabit the small hours.



Everything within this band serves their songs, so when the guitar burns, or the cymbals crash, it means something -- it stokes the fire, builds the tension. Even more than before, Gary Boners lyrics capture the feel of the emotionally and materially desperate, adrift in their own land, revealing the plight of a man at times very close to the abyss, as he struggles with the task of eking out a living for his ragged (and totally copacetic) little band.


There are some people out there who, myself included, appreciate songs that reach further inside, due to the lyrics or sincerity of the singer's voice. If you understand, then youll need to discover this work of distinctive mournful majesty.

Colin Palmer

Reviewed by Colin Palmer (Rock N Reel (W.H.Smiths, Borders etc), Nov/December 2008 ) - added Wednesday, 24 December 2008

The Great British R&B Festival Colne 2008

Down to the Blues Matters stage again (British Stage), for Roadhouse and well worth the walk as this is another Band going from strength to strength. Three female singers with versatile vocal talents and bubbly dance moves, they performad songs from their back catalogue together with new material from their latest album. Some superb guitar playing from Gary and Danny and the whole Band had great fun.

Reviewed by Tony Winfield & Sue Hickling (Blues Matters, Nov - Jan 2009) - added Sunday, 14 December 2008

Another Great Uk Website Review

With waves of pulsating rhythms and a punchy powerful delivery, Sea of Souls steers Roadhouse towards the rocky side of the Blues, but being well anchored in the Blues they will undoubtedly increase their shoals of fans. A very satisfying album all round. Highly recommended.
Alan White, earlyblues.com

Reviewed by Alan White (www.earlyblues.com, Nov 08) - added Thursday, 6 November 2008

Top Music Review UK Web Site - By Top Promoter

Roadhouse Sea of Souls Blues matters BRMCD20082

Roadhouse is something of a unique band. A fiercely independent rock band with 7 solid albums behind them and a prodigious song writer in the shape of founder member, guitarist Gary Boner, this South London based outfit continue to churn out some of the most impressive Southern rock heard this side of the pond.
Working from a sold rock blues foundation, it is Boners Americana drenched imagery that gives the band their USP and eases them on the up escalator.

And if Sea of Souls does in fact restate many of Boners previous themes of hope, love, despair, angst and redemption, they are all delivered via immensely enjoyable trips along the Devils Highway which may or may not be inhabited by either a Voodoo Queen or her counterpart the Preacher Man. Indeed the songs paint a picture of surviving life's never ending rocky road through the triumph of the human spirit over the lyrically elaborated aspects of the devil and despair. And its this life force that comes through loud and clear in the songs. Given the fact Gary Boners songs are that much better than anything else on offer at the moment; you are indeed carried along by his lyrics as much as the searing solos which both he and fellow guitarist Warren Gwilym fire off at the drop of a hat. So while The Eagles may offer the dark desert highway, Roadhouse deliver similar imagery laden narratives but with a twist.

Sea of Souls is also a well thought out, well produced rock album that when required subtly papers over the cracks of Boners passionate latter day Dylan croak. He doesnt so much rely on the triumvirate of Mandy G, Suzie D and Kelly Marie to reach the necessary vocal peaks as use the resulting harmonies to bring an extra dimension to his lyrics. And as the bands name suggests Roadhouse are a seriously road tested outfit with Bill Hobley & Roger Hunt providing a rock solid foundation for the twin guitar explorations.
The southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the early vocal styling of Jefferson Airplane and the introspective imagery of Neil Young are all to be found on songs like Lights on the Water, while the quite outstanding plea The Answer is one of Boners very best efforts, being a slow building rock ballad with nice guitar touches, a lovely vocal combination and a cute sense of dynamics. The latter is also evident on the introductory post Bo Diddley drum pattern and girlie vocals on the splendid Voodoo Dance and theres even a Steeleye Span style folksy style intro to Dark River which is ultimately subsumed by a characteristic Roadhouse riff.
And it is the latter guitar break that offers a key to the whole project. After seventeen years and eight or so albums, Roadhouse do indeed have their own trademark sound. In Gary Boner they have a song writer of rare talent and emotional feel while in Mandy G they have a Marlena Dietrich meets Lulu who can effortlessly shift from a sultry growl to a scream as she belts out her lines as on House of the Rising Sun and the riff driven Tumbling Down.

By the time of a reprise of one of their career highlights the southern rock influenced Preacher Man from the Dark Ride CD, you feel like youve been through a rocked up arrangement of a Raymond Chandler novel. And lets face it any album full of songs that can evoke such imagery on the back of some searing guitar work has got to be worth a second listen. Fiery rootsy rock never sounded so good.

**** (4/5)
Review by Pete Feenstra © www.getreadytorock.com

Reviewed by Pete Feenstra (www.getreadytorock.com, ) - added Sunday, 2 November 2008

First Retail Review of Sea of Souls

After several albums and line ups, Roadhouse are back with a new album. As always guitarist/vocalist Gary Boner with Rhythm section of Bill Hobley, bass and Roger Hunt drums hold it all together. Additionally, they now have three female vocalists and a new guitarist, Danny Gwilym.

Roadhouse have always been a Rock Band giving a nod to the blues and this CD is no exception with the new guitarist keeping it on the rock side. However, this does not mean that those into blues/rock won't enjoy it, as it's guitar rock which is definately blues influenced.

The opening a title track 'Sea of Souls' lays down the foundation of for the album with a glimpse of whats to come - catchy song showing off female backing vocals and some full on guitar. This is followed by 'Lights On The Water', a laid back affair with an atmospheric feel which then picks up into a Fleetwod Mac style vibe circa Tusk. 'The Answer' and 'Voodoo Dance' evoke 70's rock with Voodoo Dance starting with a Bo Diddley style drum pattern and then picking up into a straight rocker. The Lying Game' and 'Tumbling Down' show the bluesier side of the Band.and 'Derk River' opens with a folky/country style vocal.

The one cover on the CD is 'House of the Rising Sun' and Roadhouse produce a superb version with excellent raunchy female vocal and electrifying lead guitar rocking it up.

Throughout the album Gary Boner's guitar and vocal is a mainstay and augmented by sme fiery guitar work from Danny Gwilym. The female vocals, backing and lead are sounding better than ever and lay a big part in this albums sound.

This is probably the best Roadhouse CD to date and will no doubt be a hit with their ever increasing following and will definately earn them new friends.

Available from BluesCD Store.com at £11.99

Reviewed by Unknown (Blues CD Store Bluesletter, 408) - added Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Major UK Review

ROADHOUSE

****

Sea Of Souls

(BLUESMATTERS)



Roadhouse are clearly keen to make up for lost time. The London-based blues rockers now front three female vocalists and surprisingly, it works, with the singers taking it in turns on House Of The Rising Sun, The Lying Game and Tumbling Down to pitch for the kind of damaged souls who inhabit the small hours.



Everything within this band serves their songs, so when the guitar burns, or the cymbals crash, it means something -- it stokes the fire, builds the tension. Even more than before, Gary Boners lyrics capture the feel of the emotionally and materially desperate, adrift in their own land, revealing the plight of a man at times very close to the abyss, as he struggles with the task of eking out a living for his ragged (and totally copacetic) little band.



There are some people out there who, myself included, appreciate songs that reach further inside, due to the lyrics or sincerity of the singer's voice. If you understand, then youll need to discover this work of distinctive mournful majesty.

Colin Palmer

Reviewed by Colin Palmer (Roak & Reel Magazine - buy in WHSMITHS ETC, 12) - added Wednesday, 24 September 2008

1st Belgian Review

Sea Of Souls is the 10th album of the British band Roadhouse in their 17 years of existence. The band was founded in 1991 by Gary Boner (guitar/vocals), Bill Hobley (bass) and Roger Hunt (drums). These three are still playing in the band. Female singers Mandie G. and Suzie D. joined the band late 2005 and new are Danny Gwilym (guitar) and Kelly Marie Hobbs on vocals. To be honest, as rather traditional blues lover, I had to get used to this CD. I really needed a different mindset to judge this record in the right way. After listening to it a couple of times I reached the conclusion that we are dealing with a quite unique band, which is different from any other band I know. It a sort of classic rock band with (caused by the three female singers) sometimes a touch of Gothic and sometimes a touch of Gaelic sound. Two guitar players, one an old school rock guitar player, the other with a more modern sound. A dangerous, yet successful combination. Instrumental and vocally they do a good job and also they also deliver a number of good songs. Nine originals, the only cover House Of The Rising Sun is fitting in well with the other songs, it is played were well, although in my opinion a bit redundant and covered too often. I prefer the originals like Sea Of Souls, a good up tempo opener, the beautiful and melodic Lights On The Water, the bluesy The Lying Game, Tumbling Down, a songs that starts as a classic blues/roots tune, transforming into a modern rocking song, and Preacher Man, a remake of a previously recorded original, which closes the CD in style. No record for the more conservative blues fan, but a very good rock CD.

Reviewed by Ton Kok (Bobje Blues - Top Belgian Music Review Site, August 24th) - added Saturday, 23 August 2008

Top Music Review UK Web Site

Roadhouse - CD - Sea Of Souls

Wow, I liked the last, 'Broken Land', album that came my way but, somehow and I'm not actually sure why, I like this one much better. A change has come, a new direction, a whole new feel - and, an impressive feat it is too!

New lead guitarist, now three female 'voices, a slight move towards rock, new material, new....!! Hey, it's really cool! Roadhouse seem to have been given a whole new lease of life, a kick up the arse, an injection of something that motivates and focuses the attention. 'Sea Of Souls' may not be 'true blue' in the old Roadhouse 'tradition', it may have more rock leanings but, I tell you what, 'Sea Of Souls' bloody well works! Very tasty stuff this!!

I'm trying not to dis the last Roadhouse line-up coz that wouldn't be fair, the comparison wouldn't be exactly 'apples with apples'; the last, recording, line-up was just great, it got the job done and done extremely well. But, here we have a slightly different beast, a new monster being unleashed; 'Sea Of Souls' is 'kin' excellent, it's superbly crafted and magnificently executed - the mutt's nuts! The female vocals work bloody well; either solo, or as backing, or in choral formation - they're beautifully proportioned and superbly delivered. The new lead guitarist is given just the right amount of 'free-reign' to show off his prowess without going totally over-board - as just one ingredient of the final recipe the guitar shapes the whole but doesn't over-power any other component parts. Roadhouse should be congratulated on this amazing transformation; Roadhouse are still bluesy enough to satisfy the stalwart blues fans but they should now be able to pull in more rock-heads and give them what they want too. It's a great mix and a fantastic end product.

To say that I'm impressed by 'Sea Of Souls' by Roadhouse would be an under-statement; this is a crackin' album and, for me, Roadhouse have changed for the better. Stunning musicianship, stunning songs, stunning album - actually it's well, stunning I suppose!!!

Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)

Reviewed by Pete Brown (www.toxicpete.co.uk, August 24th) - added Friday, 15 August 2008

Review of Sea of Souls CD Launch Gig- The Boom Boom Club - Sutton FC - 6/7/08

Roadhouse South London CD Launch - The Boom Boom Club - Sutton FC - 6/7/08


After their barnstorming North London CD launch gig on the Friday, expectations were running sky high for the veteran Gary Boner led Blues/Rock outfit for their South London CD launch show at what is very much a heartland of support for band and Promoters (Pete Feenstra & George McFall) alike. Fair to say that a lot was riding on this showcase gig and Roadhouse were not about to disappoint their ultra loyal fans.

Support for the evening was provided by Roadhouse legend and world class guitarist Drew Barron, backed by a capable rhythm section of Frank Dymore on drums and Pete on bass. Guitarist Tim O'Sullivan also joined the band for the final couple of songs. Drews virtuoso jazz/blues lines are always so reminiscent of UK jazz/rock fusioner Allan Holdsworth and the band left the stage to warm applause after having delivered a coolly measured opening set.

Kicking off with Sea Of Souls Roadhouse displayed surefooted form and locked straight into the rocky mid-paced groove on this, the opening track from their new album of the same title. A delicate high hat figure from drummer Roger Hunt counted in the second song, the atmospheric Lights On The Water, a long, spacious, winding song that builds beautifully from a slow, haunting intro and reels in the listener setting them up for a killer trademark Gary Boner chorus hook. Next up was Help Me, and old Sonny Boy Williamson number featuring all three Roadhouse female vocalists (looking absolutely stunning dressed in black) and the first of only two covers in the bands set. The familiar churning blues guitar riff of No Place To Hide, an upbeat straight ahead rocker with slide guitar punctuating another signature Gary Boner riff to demonstrable audience appreciation. The scene was thus set for Slip Away (also from the album No Place To Hide), a pure Gary Boner song this, with its recurrent themes of loss, pain, death and longing. Despite Garys predilection towards dark themes as a writer, Roadhouse gigs are always joyous, uplifting affairs and so it proved with the next song The Lying Game, featuring the gorgeous, pure blues inflected tones of vocalist Suzie D. At just 21, her assured vocal belied her youth to deliver this tale of infidelity and deceit with panache.

Next was Roadhouses reading of that timeless Animals song, House Of The Rising Sun. Roadhouse legend, Mandie G., delivered a sensuous, searing, soaring vocal that held the audience in its thrall. Guitarist Danny Gwilym added fuel to the fire with a measured swooping solo that matched and complemented Mandies heartfelt vocal perfectly. Possessed of a powerful voice, Mandie made the song her own, the slow tempo allowing her the space to build up to a crushing crescendo that was enough to strip paint off the club walls.

Following Mandie Gs tour de force might have been daunting for new Roadhouse recruit, Kelly Marie Hobbs, but she stepped up to the plate in fine style to deliver a polished vocal performance for the radio play favourite The Big Easy (from the Broken Land album). At only 24, its surely still early days for her yet but she has great potential and is a talent to watch for the future.

The band then returned to the Sea Of Souls album for Voodoo Dance, an upbeat, and drum heavy number. For this song the band were augmented on stage by Frank Dymore on percussion. Telling Lies followed, and then The Answer, a beautifully haunting, melancholy ballad that is perhaps the standout track on the new album. Once again the familiar Boner themes of existential searching, yearning and the human condition are explored in this powerful song that shifts up-tempo mid way through to a melodic guitar solo section. I must say that Gary has improved immeasurably as a guitarist over the past few years, leaning into solos with great conviction.

The room was then filled with doom laden guitar arpgeggios, heralding what is always the main event of any Roadhouse gig, Preacher Man. This slow, wind swept piece of Americana is what the band are all about, and in a more just world would form a soundtrack to the greatest spaghetti western never made and is a perfect example of Garys cinematic song writing style. Audience appreciation was clearly (and loudly!) articulated at this point and it was clear that the band werent going to be allowed to go anywhere without first playing an encore, luckily Gary was on hand to lead the band into a rousing White Water, from the Broken Land album, propelled along by Bill Hobleys ultra solid bass playing.

At the end of the evening with thoughts of the last train home to North London fast approaching, I thanked the band and friends (honourable mention here goes to Robin Bibi) and made my way home in a state of elevation... Why can't every Sunday evening be like that?

Darren Wisdom

Reviewed by Darren Wisdom (Blues Matters, TBC) - added Thursday, 31 July 2008

Maverick Country Blues Magazine Review

Roadhouse
Sea Of Souls
BluesMatters BRMCD20082
****
Finest yet from rootsy rockers

Roots-rockers Roadhouse have undergone countless line-up changes, with more lead guitarists than the Yardbirds. But, while that would leave many bands on their knees, they feed off the energy, each newcomer (or several) bringing a new feel to each new album. And there have been a number of records, all with an underlying unity thanks to frontman/singer/guitarist Gary Boner and his desperate, hard-rocking songs which regularly become six-minute cinematic epics.
The line-up here is as good as any the London band have ever had. Still at the back are the rock-solid rhythm section of bassist Bill Hobley and drummer Roger Hunt. But, needless to say, theres another new lead guitarist. This time its Danny Gwilym who steers things in a rockier direction than the bluesy former incumbent Drew Barron. And while the band have always had a girl singer they now have three, regular Roadhouse member Mandie G joined by Suzie D and Kelly Marie Hobbs. The result is unusual. One moment theyre lead vocalists, the next a backing choir, the next voices which dart in and out of Boners own vocals.
Roadhouse music veers between rock, blues and country-roots with astonishing speed, Boners own guitar giving a country jangle to dark material which conjures up a bleak American landscape full of rivers and deserts, preachers and redemption. The expansive numbers are here, more than ever. There are new numbers  Lights On The Water, The Dark Of The Sun, and the catchy Voodoo Dance with its thumping drums, speed guitar solo and girly harmonies  while the band revisit their signature song, Preacher Man, closing the album with an hypnotic six-minute blast. Thats not to say there arent shorter songs too  the title track and the bubbly Tumbling Down  while a long-time live favourite, House Of The Rising Sun, emerges with smouldering, Joplinesque vocals from Mandie G.
Powerful and intelligent, rootsy music that crosses all the borders.
ND
www.roadhousegb.co.uk
www.bluesmatters

Reviewed by Nick Dalton (Maverick, TBC) - added Thursday, 24 July 2008

Croatian Review of Sea of Souls

Najnoviji album Sea of Souls izvrsnog blues/rock banda Roadhouse iz Engleske ugledao je svijetlo dana, pod ravnanjem diskografske kue BM! Records.
Velikom anga~iranoau i ~eljom za promocijom osobno Gary Bonera, osniva a benda Roadhouse, imam jedinstvenu prigodu i veliko zadovoljstvoi predstaviti Vam gore spomenuti album.

Svi Vi koji pratite emisiju Rock  Oko imali ste se prigode ve susresti sa ovim izvrsnim bandom, preko njihovih proalih albuma No Place To Hide, Roadhouse & Friends - Live i Broken Land, ve samo ta tri albuma garantiraju nam zaista osobit glazbeni u~itak.

Svojim najnovijim albumom Roadhouse samo su potvrdili svoju kvalitetu i renomirani status koji su upravo tom svojom kvalitetom izgradili. Od 1991. pa do danas Roadhouse nastupali su sa zaista velikim i poznatim imenima kada je u pitanju bluz glazba i to: Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones), Eric Bell (Thin Lizzy), Paul Jones (Manfredd Mann/The Blues Band), Otis Grand, 9 Below Zero, The Pirates, Stan Webb's Chicken Shack, Walter Trout, a mo~da nije poznato, ali nastupali su i sa legendarnim The Yardbirdsima.

Album Sea of Souls donosi nam zaista atraktivnu playlistu odnosno izbor skladbi, pa stoga ovdje ~elim istaknuti koje skladbe su me se najviae dojmile, a to su: naslovna Sea Of Souls, Voodoo Dance, njihova obrada poznate House of the Rising Sun, pored toga svakako treba istaknuti nadahnute pjesme: The Lying Game, Dark River, Tumbilg Down i razigranu i vrlo efektnu temu Preacher Man.

Gary Boner je glazbenik ( vokal, solo i ritam gitara) koji predvodi ovaj izvrsni band a uz njega tu su joa i:
Danny Gwilym - solo i ritam gitara
Bill Hobley  bas gitara
Roger Hunt  bubnjevi
Mandie C  vokali
Suzie D  vokali
Kelly Marie Hobbs - vokali

Roadhouse su joa jedanput opravdali povjerenje i svoju neosporivu kvalitetu. Album Sea Of Souls vrsto stoji na temeljima najbolje tradicije rock n' bluesa. a kombinacija ova dva stila uz istaknute back vokale oduvijek su bile ono ato krasi bend Roadhouse.

Gary Boner nije dozvolio bilo kakva iznenaenja, ve je uporabio provjerenu formulu: efektna solo gitara i opori vokal, vrsti ritam, fascinantni back vokali, a sve to je rezultiralo albumom, koji svojim kompletnim ugoajem moraju zadovoljiti ama baa svakoga. Kao i svaki iskusni glazbenik Gary Boner igra na 'zicera', jer si ne ~eli dopustiti nikakav propust. On jednostavno tra~i da glazbe bude u prvom planu, da sve bude podreeno njoj. Moram istaknuti da me je uvijek veselio njegov jedinstveni i nadasve specifi an glazbeni izri aj. Kako ga god mi nazivali on je jednako poseban, efektan i raritetan.

PREPORUKA:
Album Sea Of Souls osobitog banda Roadhouse svakako preporu am nabaviti ,a to mo~ete u initi, kao i o svemu saznati viae na:
Bluesmatters.com
Roadhousegb.co.uk



Popis pjesama:

01. Sea Of Souls
02. Lights On The Water
03. The Answer
04. Voodoo Dance
05. House Of The Rising Sun
06. The Lying Game
07. Dark River
08. Tumbilg Down
09. The Dark Of The Sun
10. Preacher Man

(BM! Records

Reviewed by Mladen Lon ar - Mike, Ponedjeljak, 14 Srpanj 2008 (Soundgarden.com (Croatian Music/Review Site, 14th Sepetember 2008) - added Friday, 18 July 2008

First Review Of - Sea of Souls

Like Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship axis, key writer and leader of UK band Roadhouse Gary Boner consistently manages to assemble multi-talented lineups of male and female performers. As soon as one hotshot guitar player or stylish chanteuse bids adieu (maybe to return in later years as has Mandie G) Boner comes up with another star for their own stint in the lineup. With longtime bassist and drummer partnership Bill and Roger underpinning the widescreen sound this group attains, Gary is able to effect changes and retain the bands cohesion and it is fair to say, personality. Roadhouse gigs tend to be driven but good natured gatherings and the material allows for the odd rise and fall or mood of the night detours.
However while Kantner mines the intergalactic psych/folkrock vein so favoured by this site, the Roadhouse canon is darker, swampier, dustier. Its a film noir ambience much of the time but with boogie and mellow excursions. With Boner the songs themes are not likely to be My youre attractive, lets have a dance together but more No one will find out if we get rid of the body I blame his early obsession with films like Chinatown and tv detective series. Now, you may be thinking, does this mean we get to hear miserable Nick Cave type doomdirges and the answer is not at all, because the three female vocalists bring so much colour to the proceedings, individually or as a chorale ; they also offset Garys growling singing style to create something fresh. I would say that aside from the odd flash of early Delaney & Bonnie, Roadhouses overall sound is pretty much their own. This plus the spring in the step of the dual lead guitars mean that the songs burst along rather than plod. New axeman Danny has in the past sat in with the group on shows hence he fits in very easily on this first outing for the current lineup.
With classy artwork from Vaughan Oliver a friend of the group and sought after designer, Sea of Souls represents what Boner feels to be his best works so far. Usually songs are broken in at live shows before recording so I have heard some of these tunes in their nascent form ahead of these studio recorded editions. Lights On The Water has a tapped cymbal intro and floating chorusd guitar weave that could easily open a dark movie ; The Answer echoes the great Marshall Tucker Band with Danny using the volume control to bring violin like notes into the sound, what a sweet chorale the ladies achieve here ! So atmospheric ; Voodoo Dance is a 6/8 stomp nodding to New Orleans but driving rock to please most headbangers ; Dark River has a gospel feel but with the trademark Roadhouse rhythm section punch, lyric on a hellfire preacher theme. To achieve variety the group features Mandie G on a version of House Of The Rising Sun which amazingly they manage to pull off ( let Suzie loose on Dont Bring Me Down, Gary! ). The guitar interplay on Dark River is stunning, by the way.
Roadhouse  a big notion, but a realised notion

Pete Sargeant www.fairhearing.co.uk

Reviewed by Pete Sargeant (Fair Hearing Music Review Website, 5/6/08) - added Saturday, 5 July 2008

Skegness Blues Rock Festival 2008

Following Reviews of Dr Feelgood, Maggie Bell, John Otway and Wilco Johnson:

Roadhouse were performing a laid back acoustic set in more comfortable surroundings. We have seen Roadhouse numerous times, bu this was the first time unplugged. A change of line up since last year, With Danny Gwillym replacing Drew on lead guitar, and a third female singer, Kelly Hobbs, has been added. The unplugged format suited them, giving the girls more chance to display their diverse vocal styles.

Main Stage Show:
Roadhouse followed with a terrific blast of both old and new numbers. Danny demonstrating what a superb knack they have of recruiting talented guitrists, giving one of the best axe performances of the weekend. They continued with the 3 girl format, who enjoyed themselves during instumental breaks, dancing round the stage.....

Reviewed by Tony Winfield & Sue Hickling (Blues Matters, May/June 08) - added Saturday, 14 June 2008

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