On arriving at the closest picnic table to Montebello's stage, with my set of Robertson screwdriver, a delightful trio of siblings were quick to advise me that 'tonight, no screws in one's butt'. Obviously, Parks & Rec, maintenance had already corrected the problem. Fortunately, Brenda & Carol proved to be knowledgeable mavens of country & Western music. Useful as this writer's conversance with this particular musical genre earns less than an "A". Their observations almost deserve a byline credit.
The pre-curtain hour was staged by the' Mandevilles', a duo familiar to last night's audience given their myriad local opportunities, especially at this month's well-attended BBQ event.
The four members of 'Bucking Bronco's formed about two years ago in Cambridge, under guitarist Conor Gains whose vocal leads are just one of the stetson's he wears. Gains also leads in the composing and arranging of the group's litany. Unfortunately, some miking problems during the first set obliterated parts of his lyrics, and given the importance of poetry to this aspect of the musical style, certainly a disappointment. But this mishap didn't detract from Gains' creative phrasing; more Paul Simonesque that C/W.
Keyboardist Jay Stiles, a 9½ digited magician whose solos are incredibly progressive; are almost improvisational in their characteristics. His solo vocal was given an odd 70-beat treatment that was outstanding. Almost hidden backstage was percussionist Blake Manning II, who describes himself as a lonely man of mystery. Traditionally being a Jewish Zaidie (Grandpa), my first instinct was to bring up my two new lady friends. Nope, not part of this scribe's job description.
Completing the quartet, Darcy Yates whose bass work is effective and enhancing, is a strong contributor. to the group's musical image His overall impact of the quartet's composition 'We Go Way Back', a lyrically poetic work that resonated with the more mature audience members...especially this particular old-timer. His toque, checkered red work shirt and demeanor reminded me and my bench mates of those iconic Canadians "The McKenzie Bros', whose beer swilling and sentence-ending "eh"s have become part of our vernacular. The B-B's paean to Willie Nelson's 'On The Road Again' was especially meaningful to this ancient biker. When finally receiving my "M"- designated license, it was that song, and Roger Miller's 'King of The Road' that sang all the way home along the QEW!
Fortunately, the threatened rain storm held off, but indubitably minimized Bucking Broncos gathering. Too, bad, it was an event deserving of a full garden chair gathering.