Gig Review - Nashville Sounds In The Round take-over at Buckle and Boots Country Festival

You asked, they delivered!

Birmingham's premier country songwriter night 'Nashville Sounds In The Round' hosted by the British country music duo Gasoline & Matches (aka Sally and Steve) was transported from its usual home at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall to the Paddock Stage to launch the festival.

Like all writer’s rounds, this is an opportunity to hear about the stories behind the songs and often an opportunity to showcase new artists.  On Thursday afternoon, 12:30pm to 2:00pm to be precise, Gasoline & Matches were joined on stage by their guests: Namywa, Kylie Price and James Berryman.

Namywa, a fellow Brummie is an international recording artist but this was her debut country festival performance. Supported by her dad in the audience, she showed off a powerful voice and some great earrings.  If she was nervous in this new setting, it never showed. Her soulful voice absolutely filled the Paddock Stage

Kelly Price is from New Zealand and loved the setting of Whitebottom Farm/Etherow County Park but nothing gave her roots away more than when she referred to “Stevo”.  Loved her stories that she was crazy but still got her man, and actually she is still crazy – that’s very country. Check her out at Kylie Price website .  Whilst she will freely (and frequently) admit that her songs are a little downbeat, her storytelling is fantastic in both her songwriting and conversation, and her personality shines.

James Berryman isn’t new to the round having played back in September and spotted as a one to watch. Believe it or not he has 17 years of experience.  A writer’s round leaves the artists with nowhere to hide – but with James he is not only a talented singer songwriter, but he could probably double as a comedian! Maybe next time we just have an impressions show with James and Steve!

A very large crowd, which actually felt like it was everyone who had arrived on site, was attracted to the Paddock stage, why wouldn’t anyone want to sit in the sun (or shade) and listen to great music?  Sat in front of the stage or stood at the back by the bar, sound quality was amazing.

The high energy that Gasoline & Matches put into any performance is difficult to contain and so they are often spotted adding harmonies and playing along with their guests.  This is only a taste of their ability and I hope everyone stuck around to see their headline performance with their full band.

What a takeover, setting everyone up for a festival that you need to buckle into but hopefully it may have convinced a few of you to make the journey down to see their next ‘In the Round’ on Thursday 1^st June with a truly international line up.

B:Music website

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