Chance and Susette Shiver in Concert 

Saturday August 25th, 2007


"George Burns and Gracie Allen gone country..."






REVIEW


Chance and Susette Shiver were the perfect act to kick off our 2007 - 2008 season, with a look back into the very beginnings of country music that included some fine picking and singing, with some old fashioned variety show comedy thrown into the mix.   Behind every song there is a story, and Chance is a born story teller, skillfully introducing each song and how it 'fit' into the saga of country music, and weaving annecdotes into his narrative  about seminal moments in the history of the genre.  When The Shivers switched to comedy (and they do it up right, costumes and all) they became the quintessimal 'bickering couple" and gave the audience a taste of what it was like in the old days of live radio, when comedy depended on wit, timing and chemistry.  Susette (an eminent scientist in real life) was the perfect Gracie Allen type sidekick, and the audience lapped it up. 

The comedy and stories provided the ideal framework for two solid sets of outstanding songs.  Susette excels on the autoharp and banjo, and Chance is a talented and confident guitarist.   Not only was there plenty of fine singing, but a considerable amount of yodeling that would've made Jimmie Rodgers proud!  The audience enjoyed singing along on well known songs like Carter Family standards such as  "Keep on the Sunny Side" and "My Home's across the Blue Ridge Mountains".  My personal favorites included "Going to the West" - hauntingly done, "Peach Picking Time in Georgia" and "Shady Grove".  It's an old chestnut, but The Shivers do it up right - fresh and powerful.  

Several members of the audience (this being Richmond, Virginia) had known members of the Carter Family, and during intermission they enjoyed sharing their memories with Chance and Susette.   They obviously love performing, and their enthusiasm and energy created a bond with the audience.   All in all it was a first rate evening of entertainment, and a fine beginning for Richmond Folk Music Society's 2007 - 2008 season.

Mary Smith,
Co-Director
Richmond Folk Music Society    

Visit The Shivers' website at http://www.theshivershow.com