With era appropriate clothing and quintessential cowboy hats, Trails and Rails performed a set straight out of the Old West. The only thing missing was train tracks.
With era appropriate clothing and quintessential cowboy hats, Trails and Rails performed a set straight out of the Old West. The only thing missing was train tracks.
This trio made clear that their genre is western. While most of their songs were covers, they brought their own splash of flair to each with amazing stage presence. It was clear that they were comfortable and that feeling was transferred to the audience. Predominantly a family crowd, spectators young and old were able to relate with the music. Before and after each song, a brief history lesson was given on the songs making the concert just as educational as it was enjoyable.
While band members Paula Strong and Walt Richards did most of the teaching, the more quiet of the three, Mike Craig showed serious star power when he switched out his double bass for a guitar and showcased his original song "Out on the Range."
That was not only the song with range. From quick-tongued auctioneer mimicking to train songs, the group showed great range singing a plethora of western styles.
Of the songs covered, the group’s strongest presentation was a medley of patriotic melodies. With five different songs ranging from "America, the Beautiful" to "God Bless America,” the performance sat well with a large amount of the audience who sang proudly along with each tune.
Their set was from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and the American themed medley encompassed the last few minutes of the hour. It would have been a strong enough finish, but they were cheered on for one last song and ended the evening with a beautiful instrumental rendition of "Bye Bye Blues," which Richards said was his inspiration to play the guitar. The song was short and sweet, a testament to the entirety of the performance.
Trails and Rails performance was the third installment of the "Sundays at Six" Summer Concert Series hosted at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa. These concerts are family oriented and free to the public. At only an hour long, their brevity is refreshing. The series will be breaking for Independence Day weekend, but will continue on July 13, 20 and 27 with country group Pine Creek Posse, 70's rock band Sonic Epidemic and Jazz West.
