Relaxed And Easy Style Of Show

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30868, 29 September 1965, Page 18

Relaxed And Easy Style Of Show

“This will be a show with everything casual, free and easy.” jaid the compere, Neil Collins, introducing the Joe Brown stage show. “Country Music Comes To Town,” in the Theatre Royal last evening. That was exactly what it turned out to be. Everything from the relaxed easy singing to the straw-strewn stage and casual costumes of jeans and shirts, helped sustain a warm friendly atmosphere throughout the show. The performers. John Hore ra “ter Gerry Merito. and Paul Walden, while each offering something different, were received with equal wannth by the audience, which became increasingly enthusiastic as the evening progressed.

John Hore, perhaps basing his performance on the title of one of his songs, “Act Naturally.” had great appeal with his quiet unassuming apnroach.

In “Second-hand Heart,” i and the soon-to-be-released , “My World.” he exploited the Ifine1 fine range of h>s voice without any hint of strain, and “English Country Garden," was also pleasing, if suffering a little from inflexibility. j Peter Posa, with his bril-1 liant guitar style, was as wel-l

come as he has been in previous visits to Christchurch, and showed that he has other talents besides the guitar, by joining with John Hore to sing one number.

Gerry Merito, in his first major tour since the Howard Morrison Quartet disbanded early this year, showed himself quite capable as a solo performer, and provided the comic life that the show needed.

Paul Walden provided the final touch. His pleasant baritone voice, and wide versatility gave him a prominent and indispensable part in the show. Neil Collins as compere, and John Hore’s recording band. The Easy Riders, both provided competent and unaffected backing.