An Evening With The SomeBuddies At The Wheatsheaf Hotel – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Fri Feb 27 Fool’s Errand ex-pats Ben Ford-Davies, Dave Hudson and Ria Loof form sensational trio The SomeBuddies; a collective of professional, well-known and loved Adelaide musicians who tonight captivated the full room at The Wheatsheaf Hotel with their eclectic selection of covers, tweaked with their captivating arrangements. Ford-Davies, now on a career path focussed on his original material, was in his smiley element with his long-term colleagues, thumping out some damn fine rhythm on his guitar and accompanied by Ria Loof with her own percussive tools and ukulele. Hudson intermittently treated us to his bass runs and a lot of hand clapping, but it was the seamless and faultless three-part harmonies that really got under everyone’s skin, and in a good way. One punter succinctly stated to her drinking buddies ‘there is nothing quite like the art of the human voice’ and, in this instance, you cannot help but agree. Ford-Davies has a voice that you could listen to all day; his years of performing shine through as does Ria – the epitome of professionalism. They threw out such gems as Helplessly Hoping by Crosby Stills And Nash, a dash of James Taylor’s You Can Close Your Eyes, and then some wonderfully left-of-centre choices from Crowded House with Four Seasons In One Day, Cold Chisel’s Janelle and The Eagles’ Seven Bridges Road. Personally thrilling was the last few thrown in for good measure, Fleetwood Mac and of course The Beatles. It is always beautiful to see musicians relishing in their craft the joy and magic that can happen when in such an environment. It was as though they handpicked their lifelong favourite songs, which happily resonated with the crowd who got up and had their own party. Such joy, such ease, and such good musical choices. It was hard to find anything to fault, except for the fact that the night came to an end. Sian Williams An Evening with The SomeBuddies continues at the The Wheatsheaf Hotel from 8pm until Sat Feb 28. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 261 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. Tickets are also available at the door.