BY MICHAEL CHOWNE
This was a night that epitomised what independent music, and particularly UK Country, is all about. One band giving it their all and being universally approved by a capacity crowd in an intimate venue in the heart of London – and all for just £16 a head!
Congratulations once again to TALENTBANQ for bringing us such a special night, this time hosted by James Gamble and ably assisted by SASSY. The star, and only, attraction was The Jackson Line who gave us two wonderful sets at the 40 seat 21Soho Below on Thursday 18th June 2026.
This is an Essex based band who have done the hard yards playing their Fleetwood Mac and Eagles inspired brand of country but made modern and relevant to UK country fans today. Keith Porter is the band’s consummate host, talking us through the evening with great professionalism and ensuring that the songs they sing are brought to life. Keith is also one of three lead singers, alongside Jamie Cook and Claire Williams, all very different voices bringing something distinct to the stage, and all providing wonderfully layered harmonies. Add to that Keith’s Cajon rhythms and the sublime acoustic giutar playing of Jamie and Jim Cross and something special emerges. Jim is the only non-singing band member, who eschews the limelight – literally last night! – but his and Jamie’s guitar licks are superb and they get to take centre stage during their fabulous solos. For me, though, the extra special moments occur when Claire takes the lead – what a voice!
This was a set of mostly original music, including songs from their ‘California’ EP – loved by the friendly Californians in the room! – along with some quality unreleased material and just a few covers from the likes of Maren Morris, Luke Combs, Vince Gill and The Eagles.
Some well thought out changes of tone and pace, from the almost irreverent fun of ‘Mandy’ and ‘Way Down To The Bottom’ to the most emotional moment with ‘The Day That I Held You’, beautifully written about Keith’s son.
Make no mistake this is a band who should be regularly playing much bigger stages – they deserve to receive the support of anybody loving well written country songs and are looking for that breakthrough to a wider audience. Get out and see them when you can!