The Kentucky Headhunters heat up the Gilley’s Durant/Choctaw stage

Doug Phelps — See the twinkle?

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Sporting the looks and licks that have become their signatures during the past 44 years, The Kentucky Headhunters show no signs of wavering energy, talent, or boredom. This band, which began practicing their rock in what is now called the “Practice House” right in the middle of bluegrass country. Brothers Richard (acoustic guitar0 and Fred Young(drums)  and lead guitarist Greg Martin have remained active through the 4.4 decades, with several other musicians coming and going. Now,  the bass job is carried by Doug Phelps, who was a member for a while, stepped out, then returned in 1996. He’s also been responsible for the lead vocals since he returned.

The Kentucky Headhunters played a solid two-hour set, and during about eight minutes of that, Fred Young took a drum solo with momentum that could have equalled that of the battle of the Alamo or San Jacinto. Slow, rhythmic rhythms that restful felt like a lull in the battle, then bursts as if several canons all were shot at once.

Not to disappoint at all, the band performed many of their 200 charted hits, including “Dumas Walker,” “Rave On,” ‘Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine,” and “Spirit In The Sky.” They also mixed in a few songs off their newest (No. 11) CD “Dixie Lullaby.” In all, the audience got a glimpse of their every style,.

Then, when the show was over, the guys didn’t even get to make it over to their merch table because of the line of fans wanting autotgraphs, pictures, and simple handshakes. During the 30-minutes, or so, this foursome never lost their smiles, never showed any signs of “Oh my goodness… do I have to do this some more?” Instead, they looked as if they were having just as much fun as the fans.

Oh, and that signature look?Caveman chic? Hippier than hippie?  Doesn’t matter — it was the friendly twinkles and straightforward looks in their eyes that cast the hook In the fans’ hearts!

Thanks, Gilley’s Durant/Choctaw. And as a reminder, there is never a cover charge for the music at Gilley’s Durant/Choctaw or at its Parrot Bar, both of which have live music every Friday and Saturday and occasionally, like this past Thursday, a great show at Gilley’s then also. Watch the Live Music Calendar to see who else is coming up, and that includes The Great Divide in November!

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