The Bronte Music Club is proudly sponsored by
Banbridge District Council in conjunction with FrontierPromotions
STEWBOSS and
BILL MALLONEE
BRONTË INTERPRETIVE CENTRE
RATHFRILAND, CO. DOWN
October 6, 2006
Some years ago, I read the account of an interview that Bill Mallonee had given shortly after the split from the Vigilantes of Love and he had just started to pursue his solo career. His ‘new’ music was somewhat removed from the roots-rock music genre of VoL but no less thought provoking. I recall in that interview he said that he “preferred the band thing” as performing solo is only good for about 45 minutes. Maybe for him - certainly not for his audience. The man is a largely undiscovered genius. In musical terms, I am a relatively recent convert to the Mallonee magic and am thankful to friends, who were already devotees of VoL and its driving force, for their spiritual guidance in his direction.
Accompanied on stage throughout by his new, and very lovely, wife, Muriah Rose, who also provided excellent background vocals and, given that they are only newly weds, some very close-up and personal harmonies, Mallonee performed eleven faultless numbers, each preceded by a thoughtful, personalized introduction. This, despite damage to his guitar, hastily repaired with duck tape, which prevented him from his usual stand up delivery and confined him to sit for the full expanse of his hour plus set. Neither damage nor his enforced posture could detract from either the quality of performance or crowd satisfaction. Deliveries of new, recent or standard tracks, ranging from November Ghost to the poignant Lucifer, a tribute to a young, former cocaine addict acquaintance, to my personal favourite, Solar System, a collaboration with Buddy Miller, and in my opinion, a song best savoured late at night in complete darkness with player set on ‘repeat’, were lapped up. If you haven’t yet seen this artist ‘live’, I recommend you remedy that when he is back your way, hopefully, in spring 2007.
Next on stage came Stewboss, a band with whom I was unfamiliar, but not any more. Playing a mostly acoustic set, the boys bore a marked similarity to and reminded me of an early Blue Rodeo. However, I sensed that, in deference to the venue, they were somewhat restrained and in constant struggle with their self-control against unleashing their normal, upbeat rock delivery. Self-control won out and they confined themselves to more appropriate tracks. However, I think we could have coped with their norm, for a few tracks anyway.
Looking very much at home, the boys were very relaxed on the small stage. and enjoyed a bit of witty repartee with the receptive crowd, as well as among themselves. The Brontë has a distinct advantage over many other venues with its intimacy and, as John Prine once said (though unfortunately not about the Brontё – perhaps one day!), its ‘regular crowd’.
Playing a cross-section of their back catalogue, including Fill Station, the Bob Harris favourite, and despite being a relatively new phenomenon, Gregg on vocals, Jano (drums), Luke (bass) and Frankie Lee (everything else) produced a performance of high quality, good enough to follow Bill Mallonee. The majority of tracks emanated from the early SWEET LULLABYE and the latest CD, TAKE YOUR PRETTY HANDS OFF MY HEART. Stewboss is a band well worth seeing again, but I suspect their style of music is possibly best suited to a larger venue where they can really let rip. However, you would travel some distance to meet a more down-to-earth, genuine set of boys, who are just enjoying playing music and bringing pleasure to others. The gig was once again sponsored by Banbridge District Council - Cathal McLaughlin