May 9th - Henry Smith review

UK country at its best visited The Viking on Saturday in way of Mr Henry Smith and his Country Band.

Saturday fun at The Viking started with line dance instruction from Julie. This week’s dances included Bad Boy (Big Bad Handsome Man by Imelda May), Poker Face (Poker Face by Lady Ga Ga) and Whiter than White (A Whiter Shade of Pale by Annie Lennox).

Saturday Night saw the return of Henry Smith with Robbie, Clive, Neil and Dave making up his Country Band. Henry and the boys are very much at the top of the UK Country Band Tree. Playing songs from Henry’s new album, Laid Back, plus song from his older albums, Henry and the boys played three sets of the highest quality to a very full house. Henry has one of the most distinctive voices in UK Country and is backed by some of the most experienced country musicians in the UK. All 5 are extremely nice fellas too. Highlights included Hello Mr DJ, The Auctioneer, Rollin with the Flow and of course Laid Back and Low Key.

Look out for Henry’s new album and especially track 2 Fooling Myself, a duet with Billy Yates that is taking off around the world giving Henry some much deserved coverage and success.

Many thanks to those who came, saw, listened, danced and enjoyed. It was good to see the Bournemouth girls, The Blonde Waltons and their houseguests, Sue back from Oz and the girls and of course our regulars who make The Viking the place it is.

New UK country band next week, One Hand Tied together with Rosie Horne visit The Viking. Hope you can make it!