Concert Review
Saltburn Community Hall Saturday 3rd October 2026
We Mavericks supported by
Jim & Sue McClaughlin with Phil Martin
Saltburn Folk Clubs' concerts take place in The Community Hall in the heart of Saltburn
Club regulars, Jim and Sue were joined by violinist, Phil Martin. The trio played a mixture of original songs and tunes along with some intriguing covers. Jim, Sue and Phil opened with ‘Ride On’ by Christy Moore, which was prefaced by an original tune of their own called ‘Melting Snow’. The collective sound of piano accordion, guitar and violin blended beautifully like a rising wave. One of Jim’s songs, ‘Map’ followed. I was really impressed with how Phil added to the sound. I really enjoyed that added texture. One of my favourites was a song of Jim’s, ‘The Wreck of the Akiba’, which retold the true story of a shipwreck from 1994. It was a shipwreck with a difference. The boat had been packed with drugs. It was a hilarious upbeat song with loads of play on words. Melted Slush was a lot of fun too with a driving rhythm that rocked along. ‘Riverbed’ by Canadian singer songwriter, Ron Sexsmith was a gentle melodic piece about longing for a peaceful life. The last song was based the poem ‘Mother Carey’ by Cicely Fox Smith. A stirring song of the female equivalent of Davy Jones. Sue’s swirling piano accordion added greatly to the uplifting sound. It was an excellent start to the evening.
We Mavericks are Australian based duo, Victoria Vigenser and Lindsay Martin. They were original, wild folk with a huge sense of fun. Their sound has been called “contemp-folk”, “alt-country” or simply “cinematic”. Victoria took the main vocals with Lindsay providing fine harmonies. Victoria’s guitar work went from the intricate finger picking to full throttled strumming. Lindsay played a country flavoured mandolin to a lively violin. Together they brought powerful songs and stories weaved together in a throughly entertaining manner.
We Mavericks opened with ‘Heart of Silver’, the title track from their latest album. WOW! Their sound is exquisite. Beautiful intricate melodies with a strong powerful rhythm. Both Lindsay and Victoria have a great sense of humour and engage the audience from the get-go. There was the feeling that the audience were on board from the beginning. Lindsay played an intricate sounding mandolin to Victoria’s wonderfully toned guitar.
‘Graveyard’ demonstrated more of the country feel. Victoria took the main vocal duties with Lindsay providing the well balanced harmonies. The duo were lively and engagingly inclusive. This came through a number entitled ‘Paper Darts’, quirky call and answer song. Victoria has a beautiful voice which soared over the violin and guitar accompaniment. The duo finished the first set with ‘Bonny Light Horseman’, a traditional song retold with bags of passion. It was an amazing first half.
Ian Davy built Victoria’s guitar, which was bought in Bungalow Bill’s Music Shop in Auckland, New Zealand.
‘Loose Screw’ was a song about the problems of young people going off the rails. Victoria’s stacatto guitar playing of the verses was an intriguing texture that contrasted with her voice. Through both sets, Lindsay’s mandolin and violin underlined the country feel.
The name, We Mavericks, came from Lindsay being considered a bit of an outsider working with young people and doing a bit of music. Victoria too, had been regarded as something of a maverick. As the name The Mavericks had been taken by a band some 30 years before, they became We Mavericks. Just not the really small mavericks that the Scots would mention!
‘Nottamun Town’ was a lively version of the traditional song popularised by Fairport Convention. Lindsay and Victoria said they liked the piece for its mad, off the wall lyrics. I really enjoyed ‘Beautiful Days’, a new song to be recorded for the next album in the new year. It was a captivating atmospheric piece about the feel of autumn. I loved the soaring voices over the guitar and violin. Great harmonies, great sound. The duo finished with a rip-roaring version of ‘House of the Rising Sun’. Victoria encouraged the audience to join in and it was a brilliant finish to the set.
It was a fabulous night, We Mavericks were exceptionally entertaining. The mix of humorous banter and absolutely brilliant music made for an extra special concert.
Mark Hadlett
3rd October 2026