Blood on Blood
22nd July – Rother Street Art House, Stratford
Steve Steinhaus, aka Stein, sings and narrates a tribute to Springsteen’s Nebraska, accompanied by Andy “The Bunndertaker” Bunn on guitar and harmonica, along with help from the congregation – stompin’, hollerin’, clappin’ ’n’ singing along when cajoled and mildly bullied by the big man. All given and received with a grin on our collective faces.
Nebraska has found fame following its eventual release and subsequent film adaptation, finding its way from a home-brewed tape recording to cult status after Springsteen’s rise to world stardom with Born In The USA. A short prelude unwrapped the background to those recordings, the state of the States back then, and a few songs to get us all on board – starting with Terry’s Song, through Johnny Bye-Bye, riding a Downbound Train, and driving home in a big-winged Pink Cadillac.
Coached in the use of the egg shakers (supplied), and instructed when stompin’ and clappin’ were de rigueur – at the threat of detentions all round – it was time for the complete Nebraska album to be performed continuously to completion. Fortunately, we responded quite well, though threats of a second take helped boost the response, not to mention the odd glass of wine or beer (both?) helping lubricate the wheels.
Andy on harp and guitar opened with Nebraska, a bit of a ‘hangdog’ song, delivered in style by Stein. Atlantic City passed the foot-stompin’ rhythm test, while a renegade Johnny 99 gets brought down by the Highway Patrolman, who bends the rules for his brother Frankie. Blood on Blood is a tough call. Tweak up the reverb for a pulsating Mr State Trooper – Andy’s playing a blinder, time for whoopin’ ’n’ stompin’. Phew, we’re through Side A, nobody has left the building, spirits are high and we’re all having a great time.
Stein reminisces, listening out for his father’s car, while Andy’s on slide for the accelerating drive of Used Car. A bluesy Open All Night hits the spot as we cartwheel towards the closing songs. It has been a wonderfully entertaining evening; we’ve all survived the prodding and provoking. Stein dedicates My Father’s House to his ageing father, as near to a hymn as you’re likely to hear this evening.
This had been a sort of rehearsal – we’re the guinea pigs for the planned roadshow. Maybe a bit ragged around the edges, but full of good humour and fun, which bodes well for when Blood On Blood hits the road. It may need a little buffing up, but skip any final polish – Nebraska grew out of those stripped-back, rootsy tape recordings, and tonight honoured those beginnings.
I’ve every Reason To Believe the show will be unmissable, and I hope to be there when that journey starts.
By: Graham Munn