REVIEWS

Peter Donegan and the Lonnie Donegan Band The Landmark, Ilfracombe Review: Philip Dalling

BEING the bearer of a famous name can be a big minus when you are trying to make your name in the music business, as a string of hopeful offspring from Frank Sinatra Junior to Julian Lennon have found to their cost.

His approach is a clever one. When he has the audience in place he not only keeps them content with his own individual interpretations of Donegan showstoppers, but also wins deep respect for his self-penned contemporary material.

There was no sense of simply dwelling in the past, rather a strong feeling that this was enhancing a great musical tradition. The feeling, which The Landmark audience clearly sensed and applauded, won Peter more than one richly-deserved standing ovation, not the least for his own very personal version of the classic Rock Island Line.

As much as I enjoyed hearing the old Donegan material, and as much as Peter clearly enjoys playing his father's hits, I felt his stature almost visibly grew when he sang his own compositions and some rawer blues standards.

His work goes to show that you can share the spotlight without being overshadowed and appreciate, rather than imitate

The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford;

It’s easy to see why Peter Donegan is such a talent.

Peter Donegan has inherited his father’s charm and ability to deliver a fantastic live show.
Peter’s voice is likened to his father’s on songs such as ‘Rock Island Line’, ‘Putting On The Style’, ‘Pick A Bale Of Cotton’, to name just a few but, equally, Peter settles well into the country rock and blues numbers which form a big part of his show.

Peter’s passion for music shows and, yes, sometimes there’s a glimpse of Lonnie for all to see, but Peter Donegan stands in nobody’s shadow.

Re Americana Festival Newark 12th july 2009 Review from the (Country Music People Mag) By David Allan

As Chris and Bev Jackson look back on yet another successful, superbly organised Americana Festival, they're already making plans
for the next one as well as finalising their bold new venture which will take their concept of classic cars, exciting stage acts and a great feel good factor to Florida next year.

Hopefully some British artists will make the Sunshine State line up. I'd like to suggest that one of the undoubted stars of Americana 2009, the excellent Peter Donegan - blending his dad Lonnie style with a fresh one all his own- could be a huge hit Stateside.

Lonnie Donegan Band (featuring Peter Donegan) – Viking Club, Selsey 12.04.09

The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Viking Club in Selsey is how kitsch it all is. If you didn’t know better you’d think you were in a roadhouse in Texas and all that was missing were the brawls and broken glass. Well, there may well have been some broken glass (but I didn’t see any) and whilst some of the audience were wearing cowboy shirts they were more civilised and it was obvious they were here to witness the son of a legend…and I don’t use that term lightly. Re-creating that raunchy country-rock ‘feel’ Peter Donegan proves a more than capable front man utilising guitar, banjo, and piano aided by Lonnie’s original band members. Starting with “Jack20O’ Diamonds” in a whirlwind delivery of licks that would make your fingers smart lead guitarist Paul Henry shone like the proverbial beacon joined by Eddie Masters on bass and Chris Hunt’s drums. Scarcely pausing for breath we were treated to many standards including “Battle Of New Orleans”, “Tom Dooley” and of course “My Old Man’s A Dustman”… all classics and all revered by a more than eager crowd. The hits came fast and furious and Peter’s own compositions nestled comfortably within the set which, before long sadly was all over. Personally I can’t wait to see the band again and preferably sooner than later. www.peterdonegan.com

PETE FYFE

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE VIKING

Peter Donegan,& the Lonnie Donegan Band. I had a rare treat this evening an evening of English Folk/Country rock /Skiffle at the Viking. Since the passing of Lonnie Donegan his band has remained true to its roots with an amazing addition. Paul Henry Lead Guitar, Chris Hunt Drums, Sticky Wicket Percussion, Eddie Masters Bass, Peter Donegan Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Mandolin, Lead Vocals. Peter Donegan a true talent in his own right. They obviously pay homage to the great late Lonnie airing songs that he laid down into to archives of history, throughout two sets The Lonnie Donegan band with Peter Donegan as the lead singer has so much soul it was a privilege to hear him sing his style is his very own; His passion for the music shows, and yes sometimes a glimpse of Lonnie is there for all to see but this man Peter Donegan stands in no body’s shadow. His talent shines through especially when you listen to him sing blues, WOW.

Jacqui Peacock

Click here to visit www.lonniedoneganinc.com - the official Lonnie Donegan web site