Rock of Ages Radio Show

Another ‘full house’ at BJ’s for the return of this very popular combo who always deliver their own ’self penned’ unique infectuous musical offerings with genuine warmth and emotion. The Witnesses are also adept at performing an entertaining selection of quality ‘covers’ which could be classified as Country, Rock & Roll and Americana.

The front man is Gerry O’Gorman, the main songwriter & rhythm guitarist who also plays mandolin and harmonica, a naturally gifted entertainer & humourist who is immediately at home behind the mic, introducing each song with musical snippets and anecdotes which enables the audience to relate more directly to the song. An original song entitled “Rock & Roll Byron” is one of those songs with rock overtones which was one of the highlights of the first set and stands up well against some of the more familiar material like J J Cale’s “Call Me The Breeze”.

The band is supremely talented as proven with a remarkable rendition of Lowell Georges’ “Willin” sung with great feeling by bassman Dave Harries who is a deceptively versatile player. There are indications that the band have an almost tex mex cantina style of playing with Tom O’Gormans’ guitar breaks adding spice to what was becoming a heady mix of sometimes sentimental bitter sweet songs and good time rock & roll which gives the band so much contrast and depth within their performance.

“The Weight” a classic late 60’s song is one of the highlights of a night that contained so many memorable moments which included “Mr Tamborine Man” embelished to great effect with Gerry’s mandolin coming through a clear sound mix. The perfect choice of the songs which included unacompanied vocal harmonies with drummer Mike Harries playing bass, gave off a vibe which is a chemisty that can only be created when a band is really ‘on song’.

We were also treated to ‘hoe down’ versions of “Sweet Home Alabama” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” but it was the finale which included a brace of Dave Edmunds barnstorming ‘full on’ rock & roll evergreens segued with ‘Shakys’ “Marie Marie” that blew the lid right off!

If there is a magic formula for writing and performing engaging enjoyable songs the Witnesses have found their holy grail, many have undertaken this musical odyssey but only four have returned to become “The Witnesses”.