26/07/2025
Well last night’s Rye Variations was truly wondrous. I don’t know what it was - the song selections, some new artist combinations, the weather, the vibe at the lovely Queens Head, beer at £4 a pint? Whatever - all the performers raised the bar on their already Himalayan standards. Mick Elliott introduced a new song - a p***y paean to his pension ‘Everyday’s a bank holiday’, John Busbridge ‘s recent extensive gigging is paying dividends in that he’s developing some serious chops. It was great to have Denis Connolly back with his marvellous voice and lovely song about holes in shoes. We had a fantastic debut from Matt Dolphin - he really bought something different to proceedings and we very much hope he joins us again soon. Nic Hamilton conjured magic from his ridiculous pedal board (somebody has to drive it over in its own van, it needs 4 of us to lift it into position) and he somehow gets us feeling nostalgic for soviet era transport systems. Graham Finch sung beautiful songs about the dreadful state of the world. Ernest Graves performed some great songs from his back catalogue, and announced the launch of his new album ‘Mainstreeter’ which is a work of art. The incomparable Rebecca Stroud mesmerised us as usual and was then joined by the legendary Andy Guainiere to give us a preview of their gig tomorrow (27.07.25) at the Queens Head - which promises much.Ernie Blocksage and Ed Holden painted pictures of journeys from Australia to Hastings with great songs and some fine guitar work. But the revelation of the night (for me) was the pairing of Martin Stoggell and the aforementioned Mr Blocksage. A totally impromptu coming together with Martin on SG-powered poetry and Ernie on Cajon which created some truly transformative sonic energy. Martin and Ernie then closed the night out with a spirited rendering of the official Anthem of Hastings - ‘High Street’. The pub loved it. You might think, dear reader, that all of the above is a tad hyperbolic. But please join us at the next edition of Rye Variations and you will then appreciate the scale of the talent, creativity and entertainment that moves among us.
