String theory

I really like Gram Parsons and The Rolling Stones, so in theory I should like any band that's heavily influenced by the two, particularly if they have the talent to back it up. I do like The Deadstring Brothers quite a bit, but they incorporate the chapter and verse so well it may actually blunt some of my appreciation. They've switched a few members around since 2006, when they played Bluesfest as well.

Ringleader Kurt Maschke complimented Canada's friendly border staff. I don't think he was being sarcastic, either.



I couldn't identify Spencer Cullum last time around, but here he is again.



Masha Marjieh is definitely playing a bigger role in the band's sound.



E. Travis Harrett, looking just as he did last time.



Here are the new folks: "Willie Nix" on organ - I suspect it's actually Patrick Kenneally - and yes, this is my best photo of him and his mustard derby.



And Spencer's brother, Jeff. Not a very good snap of him either.



And now ... country rock action!









That Black Sabbath T-shirt is definitely Masha's fave.









They admitted on stage to being on a serious Willie Nelson kick of late; they covered Leon Russell's You Look Like The Devil and Uncloudy Day, both Nelson favourites, and Nelson sideman Mickey Raphael appears on their upcoming album, Silver Mountain.

• Show reminder: Orphan Choir, Brights, and Barrier play End Hits; The Bicycles, The Ghost Is Dancing, Five Blank Pages, and Kyrie Kristmanson play the i(heart)music festival at the Black Sheep Inn; Male Nurse performs at the Manx Pub; The Greg MacPherson Band, Horses, Andrew Vincent and The Pirates and The Ashton Starr play Babylon; Stereo Total, The Octopus Project and F!ghtF!ghtF!ght perform at Zaphod's.