Review of

“The Rooters”

By: Gaby

At: The Red Lion, Bozeat

On: Saturday 08/04/06

As any Classic Rock fan knows it takes several elements to make a good rock covers band and this list includes such things as: a good and varied set, excellent musicianship, good crossover from one song to the next, tight performance and a good relationship with it’s audience amongst many more and based on this criteria “The Rooters” seem to have it all in place which made this particular evening such a treat.

Covering tracks from the likes of Hendrix, Motorhead and Lynyrd Skynyrd (check out their version of “Freebird” – it’s brill!) to ZZ Top and AC DC and this band rose to the occasion offering us a small but perfectly shaped package of Rock Music perfection.

This was one of those bands that I often refer to as being for Rock purists. Nothing here for those Rock Fan Wanabees but more of the all time classics for those of us who have grown up listening to and appreciating some of the all time great musicians and bands of our generation.

Skilfully they blasted out one classic after the other from a Coventry based Rock Foursome that most certainly know their stuff – it comes across by the bucketful in the bliss upon their faces, delighting the small but well appreciative audience.

Completing the line up was Dave on bass who I thought was absolutely great. A real bass players bass player who levelled out their songs with a thumping bass line that never once over shadowed or dominated the songs but rather rumbled along giving just enough kick to stir you in your seats and make you sit up and take notice. To boot, I also thought he has an excellent voice which perfectly complimented those tracks requiring a more growling and snarling tone to them.

Then there was Neil and John our 2 axemen of the night who most definitely crafted a fine web of ear pleasing sounds from their highly accomplished and talented string work. Like two master craftsman at work we were mesmerised as they so effortlessly guided us through the music which still has the power to make those short and stubby hairs stand up on the backs of our necks.

John on lead vocals gave one hell of a fine vocal performance having a melodic voice that is both highly adaptable and rock solid and unlike many such cover bands was not a voice one grew tired or bored with.

Finally bringing up the rear was Mo on drums who used his fine drum kit to excellent effect banging out the beats to some really good timing that paid such good dividends in holding the band’s set together so very tight.

I thought the sound this evening was particurly good, with a well mixed set that was set just right for the size venue and not too over the top and in your face that would leave you reeling for days as you stumble out of such a small venue.

So there you have it, one great evening made especially good by one top band that I would most certainly recommend to friends and go and see again.

Thanks chaps, it was a pleasure.