As always with a festival that succeeds in its mission, familiar names mingle with new faces. The mix of homegrown, continental and transatlantic artists was what you are likely to get before the outdoor festival season kicks in. These small boutique festivals thrive on adaption and collaboration. The sad regretful absence of one third of Sunday headliners Bennett Wilson Poole threw up a challenge that we all knew was going to be met. Bennett Wilson Bennett Kenny swept up two definitive contemporary albums in their inimitable style and shone a light on their class with surely a nod from Tony Poole's sick bed. The knock on effect of this absence saw Michele Stodart hastily assemble an on-site ensemble to fill the gap of Poole's other band Starry Eyed and Laughing. This led to Keiron Marshall and Holly Carter surely being the hardest working musicians in High Wycombe this post-Easter weekend. Reigning AMA UK Instrumentalist of the Year Holly Carter probably edged it with a solo set of singer-songwriter material putting her firmly in the spotlight as well as trademark pedal steel parts for Hannah White and Don Gallardo.
 |
| Don Gallardo and band |
The warmest welcome from many over the weekend was for the return to the UK of the much loved Don Gallardo and Travis Stock. 40 minutes wasn't long enough especially when UK guitar maestro Jim Maving weaves his magic. It was so good to hear 'Carousel', 'North Dakota Blues' and 'Banks of the Mississippi' on home soil again.
Stalwart status is what you class Police Dog Hogan and Robert Vincent on the scene that continues to support their music. Both eased effortlessly into the headline slots on Friday and Saturday respectively. You know a good time is in order when Police Dog Hogan hit their stride, and joining in on the vociferous chorusses creates a sense of tight knit community. Robert Vincent continues to blossom as a top billed performer. A crack band is now the given. Not difficult when you enlist the services of CJ Hillman and Matt Owens.
 |
| Bennett Wilson (and not) Poole |
Ex Noah and the Whale member, but now a resourceful practical advocate of UK Americana music, Matt Owens got a late invite to open the main stage on Saturday. Why waste time when you can get the full guitar pistons firing from midday in a full band containing a surprise but familiar face in Geoff Widdowson on keys, who many know as Free Jazz Geoff from the Champions of the World.
Matt Owens got one of the three AMA UK slots. The other two went to more conventional emerging artists in the increasingly impressive and engaging St.Catherine's Child and the promise of Lucy Grubb, who will surely develop if she continues to rub shoulders with others in events like this. Past, present and future is a key ingredient to Ramblin' Roots.
 |
| Matt Owens |
Americans without a band carved out a festival niche. Jerry Joseph prowls and preaches for good while building on his stark UK introduction a couple of years ago. Kevin Michael Duggan wears the angst of his songs on the exterior rallying fans who will him on.
 |
| Jenny Don't and the Spurs |
Brits without a band came in all codes and creed. Midlands favourite Katy Rose Bennett headed like others down the M40 to play a rousing set that synched with the vibes of the Whiskey Saloon. Dean Owens came a little further from Scotland but never misses an opportunity to pitch his wares in whatever format is available and practical. Jesca Hoop was the bravest booking of the weekend. Ramblin' Roots may not be her usual habitat, but an appreciative open minded crowd gave her soft and appealing arty style a courteous listen. I'll go a bit a further and state that by twiddling your antenna and tuning into the zone of a compelling artist refreshes the mind and brings a sense of calm to a bustling environment. Hats off to the organisers for this scoop.
A small continental contingent gathered in High Wycombe to soak up the atmosphere of a well organised and friendly event. To demonstrate the small world, the name Ole Kirkeng didn't resonate until it was pointed out he played bass in Courtney Marie Andrews band last month. My defence is the baseball cap. Further back I found out he opened for Molly Tuttle in the Kitchen Garden a few years ago. Thank god somebody reviewed that gig!
 |
| Lee Bains and the Glory Fires |
Sometimes you hear comments worthy of a mention. After faintly leaning towards the Handsome Family to describe Louis Brennan, a John Grant association seemed a better fit. Either way a casual drop-in eased into a riveting set that caught the ear at the time and later settled in the memory bank.
The danger of being exposed to so much music is you tend to overlook what came first. To correct this travesty it was an absolute delight to finally hear the Siren Soul Orchestra back Pete Gow. The songs from his Leo album had the perfect accompaniment, and when you have that magic in your midst why not toss in 'Be My Baby' to induce a singalong and a tear. Emotional music is always going to be in the air when Hannah White hits the stage. In a throwback to her fabulous post-lockdown gig in Birmingham, she once again pulled the right strings, though this time in full band complement. It's been a whirlwind two years for this South London-based artist and 'Car Crash' quietened a Friday night packed Whiskey Saloon.
 |
| Hannah White |
