Remembering John Denver

By Cardy & Coke

Cardy & Coke, with Steve Cherelle

Cardy & Coke (Wes Cardy & Jan Mellon), with special guest Steve Cherelle, have for some time been presenting their Remembering John Denver tribute show at venues in the south east of England. They have now produced two CDs containing the music from their shows, recorded live at various theatres during 2008 and 2009. Even with most of the talking edited out the CDs are each almost 80 minutes long so very good value at £12 each (plus £1 p&p within the UK).

After a brief introduction the show opens, as did John's 70s shows, with The Music is You, followed by Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to my Morning). The audience are invited to sing along as the show continues with a good selection of songs from throughout John's career; from I Wish I knew How it Would Feel to be Free, from his first album Rhymes & Reasons, up to Jenny Dreamed of Trains and Last Hobo from his last album, All Aboard.

Wes and Steve contribute most lead vocals with some beautiful harmonies from Jan, who takes the lead on songs such as For Baby (For Bobbie), Leaving, on a Jet Plane and Boy From the Country. Jan also contributes some nice mandolin, notably on Country Girl in Paris on the 'part one' CD. I was pleased to see the inclusion on 'part one' of Ed McCurdy's peace song Last Night I had the Strangest Dream, which John sang in concert but never recorded, and conversely on 'part two' Love Is Everywhere, which was recorded by John on the Windsong album and which I always thought would be a great concert song, but never heard John perform it live.

As well all the John Denver songs we know and love, the second CD includes tribute songs written by each of the three performers. Jan's Remembering John is upbeat, whereas Wes and Steve have each contributed a slower song incorporating some of John's song titles. Steve's Song for John recounts his memories of John and his music, including finally getting to meet him after a show in 1997. Wes's I'm Coming Back Home is a country song with images of flying and a tale of a man returning home to his 'sweet lady'.

The show continues with more songs from John's repertoire, including a haunting version of Casey's Last Ride, with some lovely harmonies from Jan, before ending with Calypso and an encore of This Old Guitar and Songs Of - the latter with a very special guest singer.

If the Remembering John Denver show comes to your area be sure to go along, and meanwhile contact Jan on 01787 312578 or visit Cardy & Coke's MySpace pages at www.myspace.com/cardycoke to find further information and to order the CDs.

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