Starting out the night was Dustin Bentall, playing a solid 30-minute set full of harmonica and fiddle heavy country songs. Following Bentall was Simone Felice, of the Felice Brothers. He on acoustic guitar was accompanied by a woman on fiddle and the two musicians played a pared down and somber set that didn't quite match the rowdy rootsy mood of the night.
And then came the Beauties. In a May 26 article for the Toronto Star, band member Creamer is quoted, "The fact is, we already know we're a good bar band. We've got that sh-t down." You're darn tootin' they do. They walked on stage and started right in on their relentlessly rock and twang filled set in front of a packed Horseshoe. They play because they love to play and it shows. Over the course of the next hour and a half they doled out a selection of covers and original tunes, including the highlight of the night, a sprawling, jamming, nine-minute version of M. Ward's "Sad Sad Song" to which the audience sang along. One song they did not play though, (and I was quite disappointed by this because I've heard they slay the heck out of it), is Hank Williams Jr.'s "Thanks A Lot." That minor and slightly selfish quibble aside, I've got nothing but praise for the Beauties. They've made the transition from barroom cover band to a roots rock staple, and Toronto is lucky to have them.
And then came the Beauties. In a May 26 article for the Toronto Star, band member Creamer is quoted, "The fact is, we already know we're a good bar band. We've got that sh-t down." You're darn tootin' they do. They walked on stage and started right in on their relentlessly rock and twang filled set in front of a packed Horseshoe. They play because they love to play and it shows. Over the course of the next hour and a half they doled out a selection of covers and original tunes, including the highlight of the night, a sprawling, jamming, nine-minute version of M. Ward's "Sad Sad Song" to which the audience sang along. One song they did not play though, (and I was quite disappointed by this because I've heard they slay the heck out of it), is Hank Williams Jr.'s "Thanks A Lot." That minor and slightly selfish quibble aside, I've got nothing but praise for the Beauties. They've made the transition from barroom cover band to a roots rock staple, and Toronto is lucky to have them.