Review: Worthenbury Blues & Roots Festival....

Jun 30 2009 ....Chester.... Chronicle....

WORTHENBURY BLUES AND ROOTS FESTIVAL/Worthenbury Village....

REVIEWS/by Lionel Ross & Grahame Rhodes....

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Ashamedly I must admit to not having heard of Rory Ellis before the festival . . . . wow, he was without doubt most people's star of the day! Coming across as a Melbourne hybrid of Johnny Cash, Steve Earle and Tom Russell, his rootsy tales of childhood, politics and more were just superb, with his strumming guitar and banjo work beautifully fleshed out by Alex Roberts more intricate guitar and lap slide - this guy having driven six hours from Poole to play the set! A reprise of "Work" saw some audience participation, with another treat being the lovely "Railway Parade", his deep, rich voice and story telling winning over the crowd……………………

At each of the previous Worthenbury festivals, there has been a surprise package that has stolen the show. This year’s event was no exception to that rule, as Australian singer/guitarist Rory Ellis proved with his two warmly-received appearances on the acoustic stage. Supplemented by the superb playing of Alex Roberts on lap slide guitar, the man from ....Geelong.... produced a stunning mix of powerful vocals, brilliant guitar and banjo playing and hilarious chat. His two sets featured many of the tracks from his most recent album, including the title song, “Two Feathers”, a compilation of high quality original songs, which draw heavily on his eventful life. A particular highlight was “No Love In This war”, while “Home Tonight” was inspired by his spending an eternity trying to find an appropriate exit from the Leicester ring road – an ordeal that has been universally endured. Lost in ..Leicester.., perhaps, but found by a host of admiring fans at Worthenbury.....

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