Kentucky Headhunters @ Niagara Fallsview Casino

Friday January 7, 2005

  The good sized crowd began to rise to the occasion as the house lights went down, giving a rousing welcome to a band that’s been long overdue in coming back to Ontario.  Flashing strobe effects allowed a disjointed view of the band taking their places and ‘suiting up’, while you could feel the anticipation growing.  “Kentucky Wildcat” proved why every good bar band wants to grow up to be The Kentucky Headhunters.  Doug took a minute to welcome the crowd before heading into “Back To Memphis”, a song with a big ending.  “Rag Top” was the next rockin’ tune, and it struck me during this song that while they did have a pretty good light show going, they didn’t need to rely on fancy backups like some do. 

   Good bands that have been together for a long time always deliver the goods, and Richard, Fred, Greg, Anthony and Doug proved no exception to the rule. 

   “Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine” was the next one, and it was mentioned to us that this Bill Monroe tune was recorded back in ’89 and was the song that got “this whole thing started”.  Quick jump into blues and back into rockin’, proving versatility is one thing they have an endless supply of.  They next reveal that they were so pleased to be back in Canada, and they were grateful that the crossing was smooth, with no problems. 

   “Songs From The Grass String Ranch” album of a few years ago spawned the next song, which was the first single and the first video.  The interestingly named “My Daddy Was A Milkman” was a song to get you going and was followed by the classic, “Oh, Lonesome Me”, which was given new life Headhunters style. 

   The next session was extraordinary.  We were treated to an incredibly long, dynamic drum solo by Fred, who gave it his all and more.  If you’ve never experienced something like this before you have to believe me, Fred could be a one-man show!  He went on at full speed for at least ten minutes!

   “We’re a sorry bunch”, was the group’s apology for not coming up more often, but they did say a warm thank you for making the next song such a success in Canada, while it was lost on the States.  “They didn’t get it”, was how Richard explained “The Ballad of Davy Crockett”.

   The next round was accompanied by quite a light display, highlighting “Spirit In The Sky”, for a quick gospel medley.  Back to “Spirit” for the closing of the gospel flavoured section.  If you’ve never heard a live version of “Spirit In The Sky” I urge you to remedy that in a hurry.  Not only is the musicianship incredible, but the vocals are astounding too. 

   One of the ‘must do’s’ for any club band is the hit “Dumas Walker”.  Anyone who frequents their local hot spot will know this song, as was demonstrated when the Headhunters had the crowd taking parts of the song for them.  How could you NOT sing it back to them?! 

   “Louisiana Coco” rocked us next, and we were told that the video for this one was shot at the Hogs & Heifers a few years back.  Paints a picture, doesn’t it?  Encore was asked for and granted next, extending a great show for a few more minutes.  As they all really do live in Kentucky and they really do love coming back to Canada, they mentioned that they had a great time in Edmonton a few years ago with Hank Jr., and it was there that ‘certain’ members of the group paid their first visit to a strip club.  “I ‘Love That Woman’ and I don’t know why” was the humorous ending that Richard announced with a big smile.

   You know, you hear of people being HUGE Headhunter fans, and there are those that don’t profess to be.  All I can ask is, WHY NOT?  These guys can do anything!  They can rock you out, they can take an old country song and really do it justice, they can put all of the passion and conviction into gospel and they’re honest, they’re funny and they really deserve the ‘legendary’ title in front of their name on the marquee.  All of the best are timeless; so too are The Kentucky Headhunters.  They understand what ‘united we stand’ means and thankfully, quality will never go out of style.  Take in the next show in your area; you’ll see exactly what I mean. 

   We’d like to extend a very special thanks to Niagara Fallsview Casino for the incredible hospitality, and for being the guiding light.  Thanks must go out to Webster & Associates for their never-ending pursuit of what’s best for their clients.  Edie, thanks for the wonderful opportunity.  And most importantly, thanks for a night we’ll never forget to The Kentucky Headhunters, for being so welcoming, so up front and for putting on such a great show.  Doug and Richard, thanks for your time and your insights, and for hanging out a lot longer than we were supposed to.  We hope the results do you justice.  Until we meet again, we’ll be counting the days.  God bless.

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi

Interview by Genn Walton

© 2005 Opry North/Whitepaw Productions

All Rights Reserved.

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