If you’re a fan of Johnny Cash, then you’ll more than likely have heard At Folsom Prison or At San Quentin – the prison albums. In homage to these highly successful albums and to the Man in Black in general, the JP Mac Johnny Cash Tribute Show recently played 3 sold out shows at the newly renovated Crumlin Road Gaol.
Doors opened at 7pm, and for those who were there early there was a bar set up in the Inner Circle of the Gaol, providing a rather interesting atmosphere if you’ve never drank in a prison before…
There was a choice of either sitting in the normal rows of seats, a balcony area up stairs or a few tables to the side of the room, there was even a dance floor and another bar situated at the back of the room. Pretty good facilities for a prison!
To start the night off, the band came on and played a few country classics and then the man himself was introduced.Dressed all in black with just a guitar, JP kicked the show off with Folsom Prison Blues, moving onto A Boy Named Sue and then a few other country songs including Willie Nelson’s On The Road Again and some Kris Kristofferson.
JP sounds just like Johnny, in fact scarily so – from his haunting bass-baritone voice to the way he holds himself; hunched, introverted and modest.
It was clear however, that JP’s voice had had a pounding throughout the last few shows as he was swigging on honey and had to leave it up to his band at a few points. This just went to show his dedication and the sheer amount of effort that goes into a JP Mac show.
After the interval June Carter (JP’s sister, Caroline Parker) joined Johnny and the band onstage for Time’s A Wastin’ and a few other country staples. This was followed by a few solo performances of Crazy and Walkin’ After Midnight by Patsy Cline and then Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.
JP was back on his own for a fantastic rendition of Johnny’s cover of Nine Inch Nail’s Hurt – sure to give you shivers. Next up was San Quentin, Sam Hall and then a few more duets with Caroline, including Jackson and crowd favourite, Ring of Fire.
Overall, this was a fantastic night out for all and a real treat for any country music fan. From the setting, to the band, to the man himself, this show had everything you need for a good night out.
Luckily JP Mac and his band will be back at the Crum in June for a few more shows!
