They call it Americana now. The music inspired by American folklore and revolutionaries alike. Every song has a story behind it. Well, "Americana" is getting a lot of attention in Scotland and Jason Ringenberg is heavily responsible. So, on a strangely warm Wednesday night, Jason and the Scorchers took up a residence in Glasgow's ABC2.
But not before The Wynntown Marshals took to the stage. Now, Scottish Americana purists may remember certain members of this band as being part of another band called The Sundowns. If you missed them, don't worry - just go see the Wynntown Marshals. Singer Keith Benzie looked and sounded suitably lovelorn as he led his band through a half-hour set of heartsick country-rock. They played slow songs, they played fast songs. They played them well. And just for good measure, a few Sundowns songs were thrown in. So far as Americana in Scotland goes, these young men are surely in amongst the best. Certainly, if the crowd reaction is anything to go by, these guys are due to be headlining shows of their own very soon.
Now, Jason Ringenberg has been around the block a few times, but seems as passionate as ever about his music. Scots fans hungry for some searing cow-punk were not left unsatisfied. From the opening licks of "Absolutely Sweet Marie", it was evident that the band meant business. "Shotgun Blues" allowed Jason to launch into the first of many frenzied harmonica blasts.
The inherent danger in playing this sort of music in a packed Glasgow hall is that Glaswegians are renowned for their over enthusiasm, shall we say. However, it should be noted that any clod-hopping or sundry tomfoolery was kept to a minimum. None more surprised at that than myself.
Hell, even the band managed to slow down at times. Songs such as "Going Under" were no less interesting and acted as a nice break from the madcap rock 'n' roll. The crowd were hearing what they had waited so long to hear. This was proper rock 'n' roll. The spectacular guitar playing of Warner E. Hodges was a treat in itself. Though no band member can be faulted for their playing, Hodges' leads added spark to an already electrifying performance.
As is always the case with bands who boast true followings, requests were continually called for. "Broken Whisky Glass" was well worth the wait, but arguably the biggest cheer of the night went to "White Lies", which came during the first encore. Ringenberg's enthusiasm saw him hop across the bar in a reckless show of affinity with a thrilled audience. The band decided to bow out with a frantic rendition of "Great Balls of Fire". Save for the venue erupting in flames I don't think there could've been a more appropriate way end the evening.
This year is set to be a big year for Americana in Scotland and those at this show will no doubt be heartened by what they saw. Ringenberg noted the similarities between Southern Americans and the people of Scotland, and this can be heard in the music. Jason Ringenberg is an oft-overlooked hero of American music, as tonight showed. Ringenberg will be back in Scotland soon, and you'd be foolish to miss him.