Ramblin' Roots brings a fine array of artists to High Wycombe across a long weekend each April. These artists represent their status and niche with exceptional class and commitment. When the surprise announcement came that there would be a mini extension into a busy December of seasonal events, you could be sure the fare served up would be top notch and up to the usual standard. So instead of entering the dual rooms of the Bucks Student Union on a Friday for a full weekend slate of sets, it was a cosy gathering in the main room on a Saturday evening for three home-based acts to showcase how they transmit their music so well.
On a day where travel was severely hampered by Storm Darragh, it was a testament to commitment that artists travelled from the north, west and east of England alongside those of us ditching the Chiltern Line for the more reliable M40. Once settled it was a case of Annie Dressner, Steady Habits and Matt Owens and the Delusional Vanity Project taking the reins to duly entertain us from just before eight to the stroke of eleven.
Collaboration is a key tool bringing cost effective innovation to the grassroots. For the second half of Annie Dressner's opening set, she invited Matt Owens and Sean Duggan from Steady Habits to join her on guitar and vocals to glide through a sample of her well received 2024 album I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE EASIER. Rehearsals ranged from limited to non-existent though quality artists can quickly adapt. Annie herself appears in a very good place musically. Her unique and slightly quirky style is building an identity and cutting through to more fans on the roots and Americana circuit. There is a touch of indie cinematic sheen to her vocals, the type of low budget productions that accrue widespread acclaim and cult status. A New York background forms a scenic delivery extending into a volley of varying paced songs laced with an interesting perspective and melodies that ease into open ears. The next exciting phase is an invitation to open for Danny and the Champions of the World on an extensive tour next spring. New fans and increased merch sales a desired aim. At the same time a new album will start to take shape under the production control of Peter Bruntnell. All adding up to the good place assertion.
Upcoming albums proved a theme of the evening. Sean Duggan returned to the stage for the second set with guitarist Joe Coombs, drummer Jamie Dawson and bassist Cathy Ife joining forces to become Steady Habits. Like Annie Dressner, Sean is an American who has settled long term in the UK. To further the similarities, a new album is getting close to completion. This debut album is probably long overdue because it can prove frustrating for folks to really buy into the live performance without taking a meaningful slice of the music home. On the evidence of tonight, and a couple of other viewings including The Long Road Festival in 2023 and here at Ramblin' Root Revue earlier this year, the songs are strong and sounding stellar with immense personal emotion adding luscious layers. The band arrangements are straight out of the Americana playbook, adaptable for small and larger settings. 'Deviate' has the potential to become an identity anthem across multiple spectrums and a new song called 'After Light' (or something similar) is certainly in playlist territory for those choosing representative tracks. More to follow from Sean and his Steady Habits band, but for now a hugely enjoyable middle set at the Ramblin' Roots Revue Christmas Party.
The Christmas party moniker was a stretch. Put these three performances on in July and you wouldn't tell the difference, minus Annie Dressner's sparkling dress. Absolutely fine for us more motivated by what the three acts are best doing and leaving the frivolity elsewhere. Was headline act Matt Owens going to leave us with a seasonal treat? Tom Petty's 'You Wreck Me' sufficed.
Probably the biggest challenge of the day was Matt Owens and the Delusional Vanity Project making the precarious journey from Bath. The fact they successfully did was gratefully received by those organising Ramblin' Roots, and those attending. The result was a super slick hour and ten minute set of finely tuned rock and roll. The DVT are an exceptional outfit in full flow. James Jack on electric guitar and Geoff Widdowson on keys bring the shine, the rhythm combo of drums and bass build the substance. At the core, curating and channelling an innate talent is the irrepressible and hugely experienced Matt Owens. A veteran of a distinct stint on a different plane in the rump of acclaimed outfit Noah and the Whale, now fully embedded in the concept of organic grassroots development. From a three-strong recent album catalogue, he dictates the pace whether rocking out to 'Beer for the Horses' and shining a light in the sincere ballad 'Cargo for the Road'. The purpose and role of the DVT means full stage slots are at a premium. The upshot is each live appearance witnessed is a moment to capture. Full kudos to the the band for their endeavour and exceptional performance.
We all return to the Bucks Student Union in April for the next instalment of the Ramblin' Roots Revue. At time of writing, the line up is unknown, but trust with the organisers is locked in. Matching the quality and authenticity of this interim gathering would be a great starting point. Whatever lies in store for the future of this early December renewal, the memory of three acts and a sturdy audience battling the elements on a truly awful weather day keeps a strong bond intact.
