ETHAN JOHNS & THE BLACK EYED DOGS
Druidstone Hotel, Haverfordwest. Sat 8 June
Not sure Buzz has written about anything at this venue before, and statistically speaking our readers are not hugely likely to live in its immediate vicinity, but if you were minded to make a gig into an overnighter, this one might be a fine choice. The Druidstone Hotel sits on a cliff by the beach, with absurdly picturebook-pretty sea views; it’s not bad if you turn around, either, on account of being within Pembrokeshire National Park. They also do a bit of live music, and in early June Ethan Johns & The Black Eyed Dogs will trot out their languid, rolling Americana at the Druidstone.
Johns has been in the music business for around three decades, gravitating – first as performer, then as engineer – towards country-rockish material. His credits are extensive, breaking through in the early 00s with production on two of now-cancelled pest Ryan Adams’ LPs before overseeing the first few Kings Of Leon records. Tom Jones, Laura Marling and Paolo Nutini are among those who’ve since sought his touch.
Johns seems to have an affinity with Wales, most recently playing an acoustic set at breakfast time in Cardiff record shop Spillers, and will perform as part of a quintet with The Black Eyed Dogs. Their sound has a depth and romance which should suit slow dancing and sea air.
Tickets: £12.50. Info: 01437 781221 / www.druidstone.co.uk
words Noel Gardner