Rhythm & Booze An online music webzine created by music lovers for music lovers.

Four Shires Festival at Droitwich 15th-17^thAug

An ambitious inaugural weekend festival materialised in Droitwich with a 3 day schedule with 44 sessions featuring with 39 different artists and bands listed. Included in the planned sessions were some interesting pairings, such as Abby Inez and Tina V, in fact Tina was popping up throughout the 3 days. I managed to catch most of Saturdays show, an impressive mix of local talent being showcased alongside the more experienced and full time musicians. The sound was excellent, the stages and facilities, impressive for for the first of what is hoped to be, a series of festivals over the 4 adjacent shires. Up and coming artists came from Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Shropshire and of course Worcestershire. They performed in the acoustic stage, between sets of the established bands on the main stage. There were few delays, the entertainment being almost seamless across the day. I managed to hear Aymee Weir, Alex Petrie, and Emi Mcdade perform opposite, Chicago Bytes from Kiddermister area, who gave us Springsteen, Stevie Ray and Rory Gallagher and the lovely roots blues of Damon T and Luke Philbrick from Gloucester. Plenty of slide, harp and Delta passion. Hannah Dallas and Sarah Warren fronted Haunted Souls, with such a powerful pair of vocalists how could you fail to enjoy the Americana country style of this superb band, complete with acoustic guitars, mandolin and fiddle.

Then a surprise package in Missing Sparrows in the acoustic stage, with their ‘unique sound of London Town meets Billie The kid’. I’m not sure about the description, but they certainly had some interesting lyrics, perhaps more Lilly Allen dates Gaz Brookfield. Either way, an impressive little set from from 14 year old Tallulah and 16 year old Niall from Worcester. An acoustic session from Damon T preceded Kidde’s Vault Of Eagles, a grunge rock band fronted by Mari on lead and Hetti on a bass that seemed far to big for her, with Scott sticking it to the drums. Some powerful stuff from this unusual line up, with a flavouring of Souxsie and The Banshees.

With barely time to draw breath, let alone sample a bit more of the excellent ale on tap, there is a short set from Abby Inez with her country pop style of self penned songs, mixed with a few covers. Its a short set as Jessica Rhodes prepares on the main stage. I have to say the Jessica Rhodes Band was outstanding, formed in 2013 between cousins Oli Luke and Jessica, they performed much of their own material, a lively cocktail of soul, pop, and a large dash of jazz, complete with ice, umbrella and cherry. They are the full package, with real stage presence, Jessica’s voice, with a slight Scots tinge, has a genuine quality, certainly a band to see again.

A switch to the acoustic stage brought us to Tina V, this pop balladeer, present all weekend, has been instrumental in encouraging some of the new wannabes to play at the festival. Closing with ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’, not a problem, the weather had held, the entertainment extensive, the bar was still open and Babajack were about to play the final set.

There is not much I can write about Babajack that I have not scribed before, the band is, for me, superb, they have tweaked up their stage performance (if you thought that possible) and they play truly wonderful roots blues music. By the time this goes to print, they could have collected more awards at the annual gathering at Colne. If Becky collects a third award, she will enter the ‘Hall Of Fame’. So suffice to say, if you have never seen or heard the band, find a CD or better, see them live.

Overall, the festival appeared to achieve everything it set out to do, a good set up, with twin stages, allowing virtually non stop music. A showcase for up and coming performers from the surrounding counties, mixed with fine, well seasoned, quality, bands. Plenty of music for all tastes. This ‘prototype’ festival lack only one thing, and that was foot fall. The reasons are many, but the bottom line is that it was not possible to pre-advertise the event widely and early enough. A great shame, given the efforts and resource put into making this happen. I am sure that any future event will address that problem, all else was fine, there are always minor tweaks and changes that can be made, but the structure as a whole seemed to work well. People and tickets sales are the lifeblood to any festival, I am confident that the organisers will make this work, they will then have a festival to be proud of.

Words & Photos Graham Munn