The very first Signature Brew Americana Showcase, curated by the good folk at Cumbrae Promotions, ( seemingly the masters of the afternoon gig) would take place at the Signature Brew brewery in Walthamstow E17 home of er East 17. Based on a trading estate seemingly packed with other breweries and eateries scattered among the DIY depots, on parking the car it seemed a slightly incongruous place for such an event to take place - but how wrong we were. On entering, we were met with a high ceiling venue, pews to the right of the stage and standing space to the left. Banners detailing past and future events hung down like medieval pageantry while the back drop and further to the right of the seating were giant stainless steel vats containing the very fine fermenting liquid that was on sale outside. With a high stage and the sound masterly controlled by a sympathetic sound engineer - it would prove to be an ideal setting.
Sandwiched between Robyn Red and Hannah White but lacking a colour in his surname was Steve O'Connor. This was a first time encounter for #TEAMw21 with Stevie, so we came in blind not knowing what to expect - a man sat behind a drum bearing his name, with a foot cymbal and acoustic guitar was certainly not in our thinking. Looking like he may have come from negotiations with the Sioux, Stevie soon set about making some noise, with the bass drum given a firm thwack and his guitar having a touch of a tribal twang to it. With a somewhat gravelly voice it was straight into "Banjo Burns With Flames". Stevie's face would contort as he sang as if trying to extract every last decibel passing his lips. It was certainly a sight to behold with Stevie at one point using his guitar to nudge another cymbal off to his right. This opener also found time for a call and response session with the crowd - it was easy to see why he had been a big hit at Buckle & Boots in previous years.
A move to a rich soulful country sound would come with "The Whiskey In Me", the guitar playing by comparison with the opener was muted which brought Steive's voice even more to the fore. The bass drum duly made it's appearance half way through, and then as the song paused for a second or two it turned into a "Take Me Home Country Roads" audience singalong - once again tapping the cymbal with his guitar to notify that the song was complete.
A forthcoming single called "Molly" would see the drum take a fearful beating, before things suddenly became very serious with a song called "Willow", dedicated to 7 year old Matthew, Stevie's sons, best friend who had passed. Understandably sung to a pin drop silent crowd, and with a real pained delivery - you could not help but be touched by this performance.
Admitting to being on the comeback trail he lightened the mood with a bit of outlaw country - which ended up segueing into "Cotton Eye Joe". Ever seeking to engage the audience Stevie had them clapping and singing along to "Waiting On Willie", a fast paced stomp referencing Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Stevie saved the best till last for what at first seemed an unlikely tribute to Amy Winehouse, before Stevie went on to explain how their paths had crossed, , "Guitars and Tattoos" mixed in elements from her life, image, and song lyrics to really do her justice and the once again silent crowd watched Stevie sing the line "Losing you was goddamn shame" with real pain in his voice.
It took a while to catch up with him but let's hope it not too far down the road before we cross paths again.
Full kudos to both Signature Brew & Cumbrae Promotions for putting on such a successful afternoon.
Hope to be back to for a pint of the Rhubarb cider if nothing else!!