Rich Hope & His Blue Rich Rangers live at Green Auto 09/28/2024
Gallery: Rich Hope & His Blue Rich Rangers w/ Janky Bungag outside Green Auto.
Photos courtesy of Ty McLeod. See his incredible work on Instagram here.
*Full credits and list of performers at the end of the review.
The Green Auto:
Before I talk about the show, let me start by talking about what a special venue Green Auto is. I think it’s fair to say that Vancouver’s reputation of “No Fun City” is still popular these days. It’s unfortunate, but I understand why. As someone who left for 6 years to Germany and only moved back 2 years ago himself, even I have found myself lost at times, in search of finding an accessible tight knit community of likeminded individuals to belong to again in the city. One of the best things about the Green Auto is that you feel that sense of community with the people you meet. It’s a well-run establishment that passionately provides an inclusive and accessible space for the many musicians and artists that have played there.
Every time I am there, I feel like I am in a special place and time. Before the show, I met a lovely gentleman by the name of Tyler who was selling his own silk-screened goods at a booth he had set up for his business Three Raccoons. Turns out he is a fellow patron of Rich Hope’s Belmont Barbershop, and we talked about what a special space the Green Auto is as well. I met another talented local artist & photographer by the name of Ty McLeod. The lovely black & white photos you see at the top and bottom of this review are his. (Thanks again Ty for letting me use them!) Would I have met them outside of the East Vancouver creative mecca of Green Auto? Who knows.
It’s an iconic scene. Is this what it felt like to be at CBGB’s in the 70s? Probably. I can’t recommend it enough. Follow Green Auto here.
I have been pondering for a long time getting into doing reviews. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to pull the trigger to make this website until after I saw this show. I left feeling so inspired by the performances I saw and the people I met, that I knew I had to write about it.
Concerts at the Green Auto are like going to church and getting that sermon that speaks to your soul and just hits dead on. A musical baptism that changes you. There was your life before each show, and then there is after. Which in my case, leads to me going home feeling inspired to pick up the guitar to work on my art and write short reviews like this one.
Shoulder to Shoulder:
As the house country music stopped and the lights dimmed, I couldn’t help but look around the venue at the audience that had gathered: many dressed in their best country outfits for the occasion. Since I have moved back, I can’t help but notice country music shows becoming more and more popular affairs. I think it isn’t so much the genre itself, and more with those performing it today.
There are many local new and established acts these days who are such incredible performers, you just can’t help but get into it.
Even if it’s not your normal cup of tea, Barn burners like tonight will have everyone tapping their feet and dancing to the music.
As Janky says in one of his songs Kootenay Stars: “I blame it on that old time sound, Western music’s got me Stomping on the ground.”
The band themselves were dressed to the nines with denim on denim, plaid shirts and sharp looking cowboy hats. Rich Hope talked with the crowd and introduced the talented members of his Blue Rich Rangers that would be singing and playing with him on stage tonight:
On bass was Erik P.H. Nielsen, on the Keys: Darryl Havers, Drummer Leon Power and Scott Smith who played Lead Guitar, Seel Guitar and Harmonica. The band started off with a cover of the Waylon Jennings classic “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” and immediately the crowd cheered and started singing and dancing along. Song after song it was like that throughout the evening. The band was on top form with melodic solos from Scott and Darryl. If you have never seen him play live, Rich is the kind of Frontman you want for your band. A talented singer, guitarist, songwriter and all-around great performer. In between songs he has a good report with the audience, telling jokes and stories about the song they are playing. Throughout both sets, it was a mixture of covers and originals that were straight bangers.
During the first set Rich played one of my favorite songs of his, the classic Shoulder to Shoulder and had the crowd swaying to the music.
After a few songs, it was time for the first guest: The talented Bob Sumner, whom Rich told the crowd was just back from touring his new album “Some Place To Rest Easy” in the states. I had never heard his music before, but once he started into his song “Motel Room” with the band, I became a fan right away. As he sang, I observed one girl and her boyfriend discuss how impressed they with their phones out, proceeding to follow him Instagram. One of the highlights of the night for me was when they played a cover of Eric Clapton’s version of
“Tulsa Time” with Bob. It was a great song choice for both the Band and for Bob and Rich as singers, and it was magic.
East Vancouver’s very own Mercy Walker sang like a bird. Her beautiful rendition of John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” had the audience left spellbound. Some singers just leave you mesmerized in the moment like that, and you know what you are hearing is pure art. The entire evening was lightning in bottle, and if I could capture it and sell it to you I would. Janky Bungag joined the band for a few songs and did his patented cover of Alan Jackson’s 90’s hit "Chattahoochee". I’ve seen Janky play this song before, and I have to be honest, it’s his performance of it that won me over to liking the song. He nails it every time, and I love the way he dances on stage during the guitar solos for it. Him and the Rangers also did Ol’ Merle Haggard justice covering “Mama Tried”.
The crowd wanted to hear more after the second set and before the band could start to lay down their instruments and leave the stage, the crowd started cheering and clapping “One more song!”. The band quickly returned and played a few more songs to bring the house down. It was a Country & Western music night for sure, but there was definitely some Rock and Roll throughout the evening. I distinctly remember Rich and the Band taking turns soloing on “The Ballad of Black Eyed Suzy”. I for one, was proud to be in attendance, and I am looking forward to the eventual release of this show to Green Auto’s Youtube Channel.
Reelin’ & Rockin!
Before I leave my verdict below, the following reels are courtesy of Lazy J behind the "Saddle Up! with Lazy J" Instagram.
He hosts a radio show celebrating the outlaws and outcasts of country music Monthly on the 2nd Sunday from 1-3 pm PT on bsidedotradio. Go give him a listen! He really did a great job of capturing some of the best moments of this show!
If you dear reader, also have reels or photos you would like to submit from the show, please let me know! I am happy to give full credit or can give anonymous attribution.
Richards Review:
Five Stars ★★★★★
Honestly, what more can you ask from a concert as a music fan? An extraordinary performance of great music by a cast of All-star musicians at a great venue for a fair price. I’ve been to plenty of shows over the years as I was born here, and that was one of the best experiences as a concertgoer that I’ve had in this city. The atmosphere itself was incredible. In the second set, there was a well-dressed couple that was dancing together. People in the back were standing and dancing on top of their chairs, with people looking in from outside to get a better view.
The crowd was singing along and hungry for more with an encore. This is one of the few shows in my life I’ve been to where I would be happy if Rich and The Band had decided to pull a Springsteen and play all night.
I spoke with Rich between sets, and he told me that this band used to play on a regular basis for many years, and it’s easy to see why.
What a blast! If these guys were a regular staple at a monthly venue like Green Auto, I know exactly where I would be taking my dates to impress them. If you ask me, they should start their own version of the Grand Ole Opry and have guest stars every show. I for one, can’t wait for Rich Hope and his Blue Rich Rangers to ride once again.
In these times where the cost of living is high, people are careful where they invest not just their money, but also their time. And if you were lucky enough to invest your last Saturday night as I did, then your return was high. I was paid large dividends in entertainment and inspiration, and you can take that to the Bank. I made a little Spotify playlist below you can listen to with music from some of the performers (where available) and some of the songs they covered. I hope you like it.
Thanks for reading friends, I’ll see you at the next one.
- Wyman
One Janky Bungag and yours truly.
Credits:
In no particular order:
Photography: All photos courtesy of Ty McLeod. See his incredible work on Instagram here.
Rich Hope & His Blue Rich Rangers:
Rich Hope
Scott Smith
Erik P.H. Nielsen
Darryl Havers
Leon Power
Special Guests:
Bob Sumner
Janky Bungag
Mercy Walker
Other Mentions:
Belmont Barbershop,
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