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Britain’s
western swing band The Swing Commanders had a highly successful
tour of Texas during June. Garnering rave reviews along the way, a
few of the comments that have made their way back to me have been
nothing but glowing…..RED HOT!!!
The tour started on 13th June with an interview
on the TV news and magazine show Great Day San Antonio on "KENS
5" (a CBS television affiliate). Tuesday 17th June saw
the band at the oldest continually running dancehall in Texas,
the legendary Gruene Hall, built in 1878. Just a handful of
the artists that have played  Gruene
Hall are George Strait & Ace in the Hole, Jerry Jeff Walker,
Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely and Hal Ketchum. Sharing the stage with
Two Tons of Steel at Gruene Hall, the audience made it clear
which band they preferred - and that was in Two Tons of Steel's
home venue! In all, the band played seven gigs, plus an interview
at Austin radio KOOP-FM with Rod Moag and Ted Branson. The Swing
Commanders finished their tour at The Legends Of Western Swing
Festival, Wichita Falls on Saturday 21 June (the first British
band to play at the Legends festival).
Just a few of the messages received:
Doug and Betty Carter, Albuquerque
“We loved the Swing Commanders. They received standing ovations
almost after every song. Sometimes, before the song was completed.
We bought the CD and listened to it all the way to Oklahoma
City.”
Barbara Martin, Western Swing Monthly
“They knocked everyone out! What a show. They trade off instruments,
dance, sing in 3 part harmony, have more energy that a road
runner. WOW! Manhattan Transfer meets David Bowie and Bob Wills!
Polished and so talented! Three men and three women - and to
 top
it off, the girls wore hot pants! Whew! They tore the roof off!
And nice people too - they stayed and watched other acts and
visited with the crowd.”
Monte & Anita Wise, Kerrville Texas
“You were GREAT. We have never nor seen such fantastic talent in
one group ANYWHERE and we have been to many events in the US and
on other continents. You were so much better than any other group
at the festival.”
Ernie & Sami Harris, Granbury Texas
“We thoroughly enjoyed your performance at the Legends of Western
Swing festival last week in Wichita Falls, Texas. You were the
highlight of the festival and we hope to see you there year
after year.”
The Swing Commanders would like to
acknowledge Babette and Andres Delgado from San Antone who have
been hugely instrumental in borrowing equipment for the band,
arranging several gigs, accommodation etc; as did the band Two
Tons Of Steel, also offering their support. The Swing Commanders
are extremely grateful for all their help with this first short
tour.
Talks have already taken place for the Swing
Commanders to return to Texas. All the venues they played this
year are very keen to have them back again. The most enthusiastic
support from the Texans was to sponsor their return to Wichita
Falls next year. Other offers are for the Swing Commanders to
perform at Bob Wills Day, Turkey, Texas plus interest from two TV
stations. All the logistics of these offers have to be looked into
further, but at this early stage it seems likely that The Swing
Commanders will return to Texas. If you missed them first time
around, watch for them in a town near you…hopefully next year!!!
Graham Lees June 2008 |
