The Western Distributors @ Miss Peaches-Kicking Off July
1 July 2018
The Western Distributors
Miss Peaches, Newtown
1 July 2018
Live music is best and I do not think there is anything better than live music on a Sunday afternoon/evening. Some of my fondest body memories revolved around music in this setting, from Paul Kelly at the Hopetoun to Bluegrass Sundays at bars around the New York Area where I spent my early days to many, many more.
Getting a chance to hear a few sets from The Western Distributors with a small but appreciative dancing audience was tremendously happy making. With a new album of honky tonk, rockabilly and country recently released (March) it was a great chance to hear those songs up close and personal like.
Cathy Wearne and Andy Travers are the main ingredients of this cocktail of fun. Joined by Ned Wu on drums, Jamie Sampson on bass, Guy Donnelan on guitar, John Kaldor on pedal steel and Clare O’Meara on fiddle and accordion they filled the room with a bouncing joy that you usually only get from a little bundle of joy…or maybe a puppy.
If you had heard their former band The Happening Thang, who were around in the late 80, this band is an extension of that style of music. “Drop Me Off” is direct from the wheelhouse of that former thang and Miss Cathy (as she was once known) delivers her vocals with a verve and delight that is infectious. The blend of her voice with Andy’s is sweet and the decades have not diminished their talents at all.
“You Got Me” is a wonderful honky tonk tune, “Between The Suns” is an attractive song with some fabulous Australian imagery, and “Love Got In The Way” are the Distributors visiting a neighbourhood they love sound-wise.
Contagious fun and dancing, some great picking and playing by the whole band and the fiddle/accordion of O’Meara really adds to the groove. With songs from Ernest Tubbs, Hank Williams and Bob Wills in the set-list, I was hoping for some twin fiddle heaven when George Washingmachine was invited to the stage, but he was not in possession of his fiddle so we only got to hear him join in on one song with O’Meara’s instrument.
Sunday music with The Western Distributors was a fabulous way to end the weekend and although I truly don’t want to go to work today, I smile listening to their tunes while commuting on that long train ride from Stanmore. If you need a pick-me-up, go get yourself some Western Distributors.
(Note: Videos average quality….pardon me!)