Back at Bannermans tonight, we have two great acts: The Conny Bloom Band and The Warner E. Hodges Band. Up first is Electric Boys frontman Conny Bloom. You might recognize the rhythm section, as he has borrowed Jason Knight on bass and Shane Dixon on drums from Warner.
The band cranks through a fast-paced, enjoyable set. Conny Bloom, whether solo as tonight or with the Electric Boys, is a great singer and a fabulous guitarist. We are treated to originals from his solo career, including the rocker “Last Mistake,” the slower “Bury Me Standing,” and a very tasty version of the rocking “Ronnie Peterson”.
We delve into the Electric Boys’ repertoire with “Electrified,” and we get a rare outing of “Walk Like a Motherfucker” from the Silver Ginger 5. The short but enjoyable set ends with an interesting version of “Sabre Dance”, a song covered by many artists, including Conny tonight.
This was a good set of rock ‘n’ roll from a man who just loves being on stage, ably backed up by the boys from Warner’s band.
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Now it’s time for the main man, Warner E. Hodges, who delivers a mean blues-infused rock set. Stemming from his time with the likes of Jason & the Scorchers and Dan Baird & Homemade Sin, Warner is joined on stage by Jason and Shane, pulling a double shift tonight, plus guitar slinger Ben Marsden.
The band leads us through a charged set of rock ‘n’ roll standards from Warner’s own albums and some well-known covers, including “Fortunate Son” by CCR and “White Lies” from Jason & the Scorchers. The band opens with a triple bill of Scorchers songs: the upbeat, drum-tastic “Back in Town,” one of a couple from his Gunslinger album, “That Rock and Roll,” and “Ain’t That Far Away,” which always reminds me of a fast, upbeat Johnny Cash. It was a tremendous opening salvo.
We also hear a couple from his Just Feels Right album, with the bouncy, Georgia Satellites-infused title track “Just Feels Right” and the slower “Company Man.” A fabulous version of “White Lies” from Jason & the Scorchers showcases great guitar licks being traded tonight between Warner, Ben, and Conny, who joins the band for a few songs.
The band plays a stunning version of “Branded Man” by country legend Merle Haggard, fitting in perfectly with the faster-paced songs. Let’s not forget John Denver—yup, a rip-roaring upscale of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was simply stunning.
The setlist tonight was free and easy, just a bunch of mates having a good time and inviting friends up on stage to play a few tunes. If you’ve seen Warner play before, you know how it goes; if not, why not? Tonight was a fun-packed show of rock ‘n’ roll played by a man who is as comfortable in country mode as he is in pure rock ‘n’ roll mode. The crowd was bouncing and singing along, and the band was obviously having a great time. You need to get out there and support live music—catch Warner when he is in your area, as you will not be disappointed.
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Pics by Coops Gig Photography
