Deadedz, Rhostio Coffee Shop, Cardiff, 30 June 2023

 

By a stroke of luck this new (to me) band was playing at the Rhostio on the one night we were stopping over in Cardiff on the way home from Gower. On this occasion it was a 6-piece - three guitars, no keys.

I didn't know what to expect - probably just an antidote to the earnest JazzTime at the college earlier - but was treated to an excellent evening of music from six very competent musicians, at least 2 of whom would fit straight into any Dead-related jamband I can think of. I've tried without success to find the names of these musicians but here goes. (*Band now listed below following a comment - thanks!)

We got a majority of cover numbers as opposed to Hunter/Garcia/Barlow/Weir originals, but that was OK; a good mix of danceable and thoughtful songs, each sung with enthusiasm and passion by the three vocalists. It was great to hear a female voice in the mix (and she patiently waited on stage during the moments when she had little to do). (The Space section was mercifully short but still a very long 4 minutes!) 

I was interested to see how three guitarists would work together.The leader (Mr Tommy Margarita) was dominant, and fairly so, with excellent contributions from Mr Red Shirt. The other guitar player mostly played rhythm and also provided back-up vocals. Unfortunately I had trouble hearing him -even during what was the highlight of the evening, the Playing jam, when all three were tossing runs and notes into the ether. Great bass, by the way. The Other One was the other treat of the evening.

South Wales is a 3-hour drive for me so I don't expect to see Deadedz again in the near future, but you never know... I hope they go from strength to strength.

A big 'thank you' to the band and venue if you get to see this. 

Set list:

Set 1: Deal, Mamma Tried, Me and My Uncle, El Paso, Me and Bobby McGee, Playin’ in the Band, Beat It On Down The Line

Set 2: He’s Gone>Truckin’>Space>The Other One>GDTRFB (tease)>Sing Me Back Home, US Blues, I Know You Rider

Band: 

Led by Mr.Magarita (Don Sweeney)
Dr. Bob Croydon (rhythm guitar) 
Steven (Redshirt) Mitchell ( guitar)
Joe (Lesh) Hoskins (bass)
Lucie (Donna) Flowers
Bob (Kreutzman) Hopkins ( bashing things)