A Night of Blues Rock Bliss: The Rambling Preachers Album Launch Live in Milton Keynes
Friday night saw a trip to Milton Keynes to catch the Rambling Preachers, completely new to myself, but I did know the two fantastic supports, Robert J Hunter and Demi Mariner. They both played excellent opening sets, and it was a real surprise to see Demi's 45-minute support set with a full band. Both opening sets were epic; Robert J Hunter, who had recently moved not far around the corner, showcased that incredible vocal. What a first opener.
Then came Demi Mariner; there's no secret I'm a fan of her music. Another spot-on full band set showcasing that stunning album and a few new songs. Then a little cover of REM, which was a mainstay of their touring set last year, produced an incredible singalong section, and one more to end.
It's now around 9:30, time for the headline act, the Rambling Preachers. When I said I've gone in completely, I meant it. I listened to about 30 seconds on Spotify of the new album and wanted to save the rest to experience live. As in everything, I'm always all-in. The quest to find new artists and see them live before checking out their catalog.
First up, it's “Mind Your Own Way.” After the good, the bad, and the ugly intro music set the tone for the launch set, and wow, what a distinctive voice by the lead singer. Straight into the rock-on sound, and the crowd is in high energy. The room is at capacity; I'm sure it's not far off sold out. They certainly have a following locally and wide. There's a guy next to me who has come all the way from Salisbury for this; what an incredible opener. The band is so spot on.
“Keep On” was the first album track of the night, another full-on rock track with some electric guitar solo parts that are just so powerful. "Jealously," the second track off the album, came next; the guitar riff and band on the opening of the track were just outstanding, leading to a breakdown to let the vocals take center stage three-quarters of the way through the track; then there's an incredible solo from their guitarist.
“Green Manalishi,” an incredible cover by the band, shout out to the crowd and thanks for coming. "We're a band from Milton Keynes!" with loud cheers.
“Keep Doing You” came next, another one off the album; it was a single with eclectic guitar to start. This one, you could definitely see some of the crowd knew the words, some perfect vocal shining moments that were just so powerful, marking his presence on stage.
No time gap between songs; it's straight on to “Hard Times,” this one, a real blues-sounding track with an outstanding solo section towards the end, shredding on that guitar.
“Name in Vain” was next up; some serious Lindsay Ell/John Mayer/full-on blues riffing vibes to start, with that raw vocal from the lead singer and just a little instrumentation. Vocal perfection; everything working so well together, yet more outstanding blues instrumentation to end.
Time for a switch-up and the rest of the band to leave for one song. “Cover Me Up” came next, just an acoustic solo track that really showcased the lead singer's vocals, as if they weren’t already blowing me away.
“Wish You Well” came next, a slightly rockier track to start, leading to yet more outstanding riffs and vocal brilliance.
"It's warm in here," from the lead singer; the crowd shouting, "You're on fire!"
Next, “Better Than Me,” here's one you might know; the crowd certainly did. Another track off the album.
Just a few tracks left, and it's “Candles”; the lyrics and the proper rock blues vibe I'm getting; this one has quite a few full-on vibing out hard.
“Jester,” the penultimate track-ish, but just before, he thanks everyone for coming. There are cheers, "Oggy oggy oggy, oi oi," shout out to Jason and and for lighting and sound. This is a song he wrote for my wife; probably my favorite of the night; blues riffs and the lyrics, "I am the jester and I fell for the queen," what a line, and that line to end the song led to a mass singalong.
One more song, “Tide to the Whipping Post”; most of you will probably know this song, and they pulled it off with utter perfection.
Loud cheers of more lead to the final track of the set, the first track from the album and what a statement song that's why it's first on the album and last on the live set, “Desperate Ways”; it just showcases the band so well! Little intros of the band members before the end and yet more electric guitar perfection to end.
What an incredible hour and ten-ish catching them live for the first time; it's clear they have a huge following in Milton Keynes. To have this many at a debut album launch; the lead singer's vocals are just stunning. Think Chris Stapleton meets AC/DC and a real raw sound in his tone. The guitarist is just outstanding, playing blues or rock; he can certainly shred, and the drummer and bass player spot on as expected, adding their little harmonies to make some magic. At times, I expect them to go on to achieve huge things off the back of the album. If you're into any form of blues rock, be sure to check this album out, and the live performance is just a whole another level; they have honed their craft and produced a stunning album, and the UK needs to hear it live.
Set List from The Rambling Preachers Live in Milton Keynes: 1. Mind Your Own Way 2. Keep On 3. Jealously 4. Green Manalishi (Cover) 5. Keep Doing You 6. Hard Times 7. Name in Vain 8. Cover Me Up 9. Wish You Well 10. Better Than Me 11. Candles 12. Jester 13. Tide to the Whipping Post (Cover) 14. Separate Ways (Encore) - Date: 29 March 2024
all words and photos DC Brown Live
