On January 6, Heinous Hounds who are Steve Lucas (g,v); Jerome Smith (b,v); Matt Dwyer (g,v) Dave (h,v) and drummer Ash Davies were on fire and during the first set the place was packed.

Matt; Jerome; Ash; Steve & Dave

The 4 vocalists take turns to sing. Dave’s first song was C’Est La Vie but the song that got me in the first long set was He’ll Have to Go sung that day by Steve with Dave’s mournful harmonica adding to the emotion. I don’t think I have heard that song since the Jim Reeve’s version was played again & again on the Listeners’ Request programmes on the ZB network in NZ back in the 60s.

Steve & Dave

The Hounds were at the Cherry again on January 27. At times they are known as the Heinous Hounds Blues Band and there are blues in the mix, alongside R&B and good ol’ rock’n’nroll. And boy, do they rock!! Their repertoire is extensive so at each gig they deliver different songs. On the 27th I was aware how much they watch other other to allow for a seamless delivery of great music. That afternoon there were lots of dancers including a bunch of greying gents who danced often & like us were clearly enjoying themselves.