Brighthelmstone Promotions have been putting on this little festival since 2017. It takes place in the picturesque village of Hassocks, just north of Brighton. The venue is, strangely enough, a village pub, The Hassocks, handily situated next to the rail station. Since its inception the 300-capacity hall has undergone several facelifts, the latest of which, a backdrop curtain, has transformed the hall into a real-easy-on-the-eye music venue.
The first band to grace the stage is Tapes For Diane, a female duo formerly known as Lucas & King, under which name they won the Fender Undiscovered Artist Of The Year award in 2018. They play a fine set, full of lovely crafted songs that had me thinking I was in a small Nashville venue. At times Bo Lucas’ voice was reminiscent of Amy Speace and Margo Cilker. The third song in, ‘Dancing To No Music‘ a sultry blues song, evocative of Lucinda Williams and carried along with the sumptuous guitar picking of Heighlay King, and their cover of Cher’s ‘Bang Bang’ were two of the many highlights. A fine start to the day.
Next up was a new-to-me singer-songwriter, New Orleans-based, Chris Acker. The first thought that passed through my mind was – John Prine. A natural storyteller, his songs were full of humour, with more than a few historical references. Highlights of a great set were ‘Toast First’ and ‘Good Kid’. The second containing the wonderful couplet – “You were a good kid, but what are you good for?” Acker was joined on stage for a couple of songs by Dylan Earl, a duo made in americana heaven.
The next act on stage were the ever-popular and well-travelled Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou. Sharing a single microphone, they provided a concert full of exquisite melodic harmonies. At times I was reminded of The Everly Brothers, at others of CSN&Y. There were so many great songs it would be difficult to choose the best but the closing ‘Cheap Wine’ and the exquisite ‘Should Have Gone Dancing’ were stand-outs. Having played at this particular festival several times, the following act, Aga Connolly needs no introduction. Without doubt the UK’s outstanding purveyor of Tex-Mex inspired music, he gives the audience a tour-de-force of the genre. Mainly playing tracks from his latest album, “Siempre”, Ags is on top of his game. Highlights include the superb ‘I Saw James Hand’ and the wonderful ‘Slow Burner.’ He has the audience in the palm of his hand as he sings strong song after strong song. Ags just keeps getting better and better and for me he feels like a pair of comfortable slippers.
If you prefer stronger country-tinged stuff, then the next act is for you. Dylan Earl gives a superb performance full of world-weary songs, taken mainly for his highly acclaimed latest album, “I Saw The Arkansas”. He had the audience enthralled and his between-song storytelling made for a very enjoyable 50 minutes. He reminded me at times of Jim Croce and at other times of B J Barham of American Aquarium fame.
The last performers on stage were Campbell & Jensen. An intriguing duo made up of Ashley Campbell, daughter of the late, great Glen Campbell, and Thor Jensen a virtuoso guitarist who together put on a show of wonderful harmonies and fabulous musicianship. Jensen’s guitar playing had me in raptures. Alongside Campbell’s crystal clear singing they provided the audience with a dazzling Festival finale. Highlights of an outstanding set were ‘Hard Not To Smile’, ‘Goodbye Cowboy’ and ‘You’re Still On My Mind’.
Kudos to James Walker for producing this wonderful little festival. I know first-hand how much hard work he and his wife Amy put in to ensuring that it continues to be a highlight of the summer Americana calendar
And thanks to James Walker for the pics.
