Ron Sayer Jr. (Page 5 of 5)

Well, my copy of Hard To Please came through yesterday, and its had some playing. What can I say? A superbly crafted album as you'd expect, Wayne on drums has certainly got his "groove" on, Ron's playing is lithe and dextrous and Charlotte's voice soars as her keys fill what little gap there is.

It's too easy a shot to think "oh, married couple - doing a Tedeschi/Trucks" but this is miles away; the key here is the restraint in the performances, giving it a characteristically "British" feel. Charlotte has a powerful, soul voice, comparable to many other female singers we talk about, but on Hard To Please, she keeps it just off the edge of over-cooking as some many are prone to do. Likewise, Ron's vocals are never straining to keep up with Charlotte's, but a perfect response and again, his playing balances authority with understatement. Combine this "cool" with their undoubted song writing abilities, and you've got a slow burning gem of an album.

Has it really been almost 2 years since I last caught Ron & Charlotte playing up in these parts? Can’t believe it, but still, thanks to the team at Sedgefield R’n'B Club, that was remedied and acquaintences renewed. Ron’s got his original band back together, Will Overton on bass and Paul Wooden on drums, and what a solid, tight unit they make behind the keys and superb voice of “the missus” Charlotte and, of course, “professor” Ron’s fantastic guitar. Rea;;y good set, mixing the old and the new, cover and original, boogie and ballad: I’m Tore Down, Don’t Make Me Stay, Manana, Right All The Time, My Mother-in-law, Mr Weatherman, Piece of me, Hard To Please and to close, a “Fire” medely that really was, incendiary.
They do a really, really good job in striking a balance within the band, Ron has a good voice and a fluid, ranging guitar technique, but then Charlotte has a tremendous voice and good on keys, either could carry the band, but it’s the blending of the two, where the magic happens. A truely rare treat that deserves to come round a bit more often.

I love this band.

Recently got hold of their live album, At The Little Theatre; really good snap-shot of Ron & Charlotte giving it their all. Ron's Blues guitar & Charlotte's Soulful voice are a mix not to be missed. Sure of a great night.