The Gravelly Hillbillies

The Ride A Cock Horse Folk Club, Banbury ~ 31st July 2002

The Gravelly Hillbillies ~ (L-R) Richard Heath, Gary Edwards, Tony Edwards

On July 31st, The Gravelly Hillbillies (Named after The Gravelly Hill area of Birmingham, West Midlands) played at the Ride A Cock Horse Folk Club in Banbury - The last night before the club closed until September. The band are made up of Tony Edwards on Bass Guitar, Gary Edwards (Yes, they are brothers!) on guitar and Richard Heath on Mandolin, washboard and Kazoo! Still buzzing from their appearance at the Brinklow Folk Festival, I took the opportunity to see them again in Banbury. They kicked the night off with their version of, 'May The Circle' from their album, 'The Gravelly Hillbillies - Mad As Yer Hat'. The guys play a selection of songs that they have penned themselves and also some great cover versions in their own 'skiffle/(Gravelly) Hillbillie' style! Songs included, 'Rock Island Line', 'Tom Dooley', 'Pick a Bale Of Cotton' and even The Rolling Stones song, 'Factory Girl'! Highlights for me included a Skiffle take on Dr. Hook's, 'Everybody's Making It Big, But Me' and Lonnie Donnegan's, 'Putting on The Style'. It was audience participation time with this song when Richard handed out Kazoos to members of the audience to play along! That was quite amusing to watch and listen to!;-) I also enjoyed hearing some of their own material, including, 'Blue Turns To Grey' (From their latest album), which was written by Tony Edwards, but is sung by Richard Heath. There was a break in the middle of the show where some members of the audience took to the stage to do a floor spot. 'The Gravellys' then continued with their set. Like me, the audience didn't want them to stop and they did 3 final numbers, which included 'Walking The Dog' and a briliant version of the short, but sweet, 'Car Car'! Definitely try and see this band if you can - Even if it's just to see Richard Heath's crazy washboard playing! A fabulous, fun night out! My foot has just about stopped tapping!;-)