After a tumultuous few weeks and months of updated protocols, new legislation and unclear messaging from central government, it's a genuine delight to see that the Watford Pump House team have managed to rally together through all the pandemic pandemonium and keep Watford Fringe Festival 2020 on the road! This is my first review, and as such I think it's only right I begin by taking a moment to thank the Pump House and Fringe Festival teams, as well as all their volunteers and supporters, for making the seemingly impossible possible and keeping the fringe alive this year. It has, I'm sure, required a huge effort to ensure all safety requirements have been adhered to and multiple online platforms generated to allow us to come together as a town and celebrate creativity in this way. On behalf of the entire Watford creative community, THANK YOU!
A Country Way Of Life is a great example of why it's so important the Watford Fringe Festival has been able to go ahead. Country music evangelist Jonny Brick seduced the small but entranced audience on Facebook Live with a collection of delightful melodies from Dolly, Willie, Garth and even Lionel Richie, played with confidence and charm.
There is a real difference between playing to a live audience and playing online. As more and more performances move online by necessity, I imagine small details which help create the right atmosphere will become more important. Dressed in a black Beatles Abbey Road T-shirt and a baseball cap, I did wonder if a more thoughtful costume choice and choice of background might have helped transport the audience into the world Charlie so eloquently described. Fortunately his bright, upbeat personality and cheerful anecdotes proved sufficient to draw you in.
Charlie is the perfect guide for someone new to the genre, brimming with enthusiasm and imparting knowledge in a lively and accessible way. Often this happened in the middle of songs as his eagerness to share insights bubbled over the melody. I personally preferred the side notes before and after each tune, as his playing and singing was strong enough to be really enjoyed without interjection. The great thing about an online show is it allows a type of interactivity that might be challenging in a conventional performance space. I typed a question about the difference between Country and Western music styles into the comments and Charlie was kind enough to respond to my question instantly, which was a delight.
Overall, a joyful hour of accomplished Country and Western music from a passionate, affable and knowledgeable fan of the genre. For those who missed out today, there's Part Two tomorrow so do tune in: highly recommended!
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