I missed seeing the Fender Benders in action. I suppose with Mark & Wayne no longer with the band on a full time basis, one expects the band's music to also evolve over time. If memory didn't fail me, I think Wayne brings a touch of "Elvis" to the band's repertoire whilst Mark improvises with "swingy" tunes.
But hell, no - it was bit like the Fender Benders of old last night at the Westerport Hotel, Hasting. James & the boys gave the punters what they were looking for all night - hard edged, uncompromising rockin' music - good listening for enjoyment and/or dancing. I reckon the band plays a different but very energising form of fire brand rockin' & rollin' and rockabilly tunes, with attitude thrown in as well. In some ways, the Fender Benders are like a standalone band, one of its kind and in my view quite distinct from your normal R&R or rockabilly bands. And I love their sound! And last night as an added bonus, Itchy Fingers' "Is Dom Is Good" also provided some of the more swingy "Rhythm & Blues".
Was a good night indeed. And the dancing showcased a distinct contrast between the traditional R&R style danced by young Allie and her partner from Topcats/Alleycats and the swingy Lindy Hop (Hollywood) style danced by another young couple from the Frankston-Mornington based Ministry of Swing dance school.
BTW, it's an easy travel to the Westernport Hotel along the Monash Freeway and then straight along the Western Port Highway. Good size dance floor too and free water! Do make your there one day if you haven't done so already. The Westernport Hotel rockin' the Peninsula area every Saturday night ...........
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