The Coal Porters

Hove’s spiritual home of Americana welcomed one of that genre’s pioneers: ex-Long Ryder Sid Griffin and his merry band of string players, including a stand-in fiddler. Playing selections from their excellent new album alongside old classics from bluegrass legends such as Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers, their musicianship and vocal interplay was a joy to behold. A mash up of The Old Crows and The Only Ones and a slow-paced cover of ‘Heroes’ provided surprise highlights but there was not a duff song in either well-paced set. The wonderful night ended with an unplugged sing-along amongst the delighted crowd.

The Palmeira, 12 October 2013

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