Joe Brown, Palace Theatre, Redditch
WHO knows when Joe Brown achieved National Treasure status but treasure he is and he delivered an evening of pure entertainment here in his second night at the Palace.
Last in Redditch four years ago – another two night stint – he was back as part of his 60th anniversary tour which has been selling out the length and breadth of the country.
The Palace was no different and the packed audience were treated to songs from his skiffle days, his 1962 No1 ‘Picture of You’ right up to his present day collaborations with the great Roger Cook ‘over there’ in Nashville.
Interspersed with anecdotes galore, some old, some new, but all delivered in his own lovable style, they were lapped up by the fans.
We even forgave him some pretty ropey violin playing after he confessed that new band member and virtuoso fiddle player Tom Leary had been teaching him the instrument.
Applauded to the rooftops for giving it a go, he got the laughs in too with a ‘thank goodness that’s over’.
It was all part of an eclectic show that also saw him on mandolin, guitar, squeeze box and of course ukulele for a rendition of ‘Tickle My Heart’ (written with Cook).
There was rock ’n’ roll, bluegrass, cajun, reels and jigs and just some great songs and tunes.
There could only be one number for the encore though and it was duly delivered, Joe Brown centre stage on soprano ukulele playing ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’ – it brought cheers and whoops and a thoroughly deserved standing ovation.
Ross Crawford
