Hippies and Cowboys at the Tuesday Night Music club, Coulsdon

Hippies and Cowboys at the Tuesday Night Music Club, Coulsdon.

Review and Images by Ken Jackson

Another fabulous evening unfolded at the Tuesday Night Music Club this week, as the ever-supportive Coulsdon audience welcomed a brand new band to the TNMC stage. The visitors in question were Hippies and Cowboys who took time out of their UK tour to deliver what proved to be a truly magnificent night of live music. For most of the regulars, this was our first encounter with the band, but a few in the crowd had already been lucky enough to see them perform at another venue just days earlier. They were so captivated by that performance that they made sure not to miss the opportunity to see the group once more before their imminent return to the States.

Word had clearly spread fast that this was no ordinary band, and as a result, tickets for the night were snapped up quickly. That allowed host Richard Dunning to proudly announce yet another sold-out evening at the award-winning Tuesday Night Music Club, something that’s become almost a hallmark of the venue’s growing reputation for quality live acts.

Choosing to play one extended set rather than two shorter ones, Hippies and Cowboys filled their 90-minute performance with an impressive array of original material, complemented by just a couple of beautifully delivered covers.

Their energy never dipped for a second. This five-piece band are in constant motion and a joy to watch, though admittedly a challenge to photograph! Between the wide-brimmed hats, flowing hair, and full beards, they made for a dynamic yet elusive set of subjects behind the lens. Still, what a vibrant, joyful spectacle it was, both visually and musically.

With Ross and Martin Davey at the sound desk, the mix was spot on throughout, maintaining a powerful yet crystal-clear sound even at high volume. Every instrument shone, every harmony landed, and the crowd responded in kind, foot tapping, cheering, and soaking up every moment. By the time the final notes rang out, the room erupted into a well-deserved standing ovation, prompting a fabulous encore that rounded off the evening perfectly.

It was one of those special nights at the TNMC that will linger in the memory, the kind of performance that reminds everyone why live music is such a vital and uplifting experience.