SOL Party 2025, Saturday

We arrived in time to see Treacherous Cretins on the main stage and were treated to fine versions of Frank Zappa numbers including some of my favourites: I'm the Slime, a Willie the Pimp, Stinkfoot, Montana... 

Then it was a switch to the garden stage for the B.I.G. UKE Band, a lively bunch of ukelele players. On the main stage we had no idea what to expect from "Alan Clayson and Dick Taylor with the Psych Unit" but they played a cracking set of blues, R&B and sixties rock culminating in a fun medley with a rousing 'Gloria'. Taylor is the veteran Pretty Things guitarist and front man Clayson has been in several bands, notably Clayson and the Argonauts. Then it was time for our meal - an excellent veggie chilli from the catering tent.

Barry Melton played a laid back electric set with his band on the main stage. Sadly his mobility was poor; he observed that the might not make it back to SOL next year. So it was very special to hear him sing and tell stories (including his various historical drug busts). I also spoke to him earlier and he remembered coming to Melton Mobray to play a poorly attended pub gig many, many years ago - he was still playing some lead guitar then. (Now Stephane takes this role in his band.)

Next it was back to the garden stage for Mary Jane, an electric folk band fronted by two women  who came out of the blocks like sprinters and who reminded me of the Fairports (indeed they played Matty Groves later on). A really enjoyable high-energy set but then it was time to return to the main stage for the headliners, Big Sky Orchestra.

BSO are the consummate West Coast jam band. I've seen them play at the Playing on the Farm event and tonight they didn't disappoint. They played mostly their own compositions with some Dead tunes (Tennessee Jed, Unbroken Chain, a tender acoustic Bird Song, Uptown Toodeloo) mixed in. The songs (and inspired jams) were boosted by back-up singer Hannah who didn't stop moving all night. (Oh to have that much energy again!) The opening bars of Trucking, midway through their second set propelled me to join the dancers in front of the stage and there I stayed till the final number.

So that was the end to a great weekend. Many thanks to Tim, John, and everyone else who helped make this happen.

(For Thursday and Friday bands see here)