Carroll, Perry, Reeves & Cash

The Hope & Anchor, Islington, 19.12.19

Carroll, Perry, Reeves & Cash are not a firm of accountants but a highly effective showcase for JC Carroll’s evocative songs. Playing unbilled as support to JCs main band The Members their five song set was brief but left the crowd wanting more. JC was on acoustic guitar and vocals, John Perry on lead guitar, Tony Reeves on double bass and Nick Cash on drums. An extensive pedigree here: John Perry made his reputation with the Only Ones, Nick Cash has played with The Lines and Fad Gadget whilst Tony Reeves’ CV is extensive, ranging from Davy Graham to Colosseum and Curved Air. So Many Shades Of Blue, In the Beginning and Caveman TV all highlighted Perry’s elegant, understated lead parts, totally distinctive and equal parts Peter Green and Hank Marvin. Reeves dextrous double-bass managed to both drive the songs and provide a melodic counterpoint to the guitars whilst Cash’s brushwork unobtrusively held the songs together. The interplay of Carroll and Perry worked well until the closing Golborne Road when Carrol switched to electric and the parts were less well defined. All this and a “surf cabaret” version of Delilah. More please.

Merchandise; None

Review written for Record Collector magazine