Will Kimbrough- great show at the Fur Peace Ranch

Will Kimbrough, who I had never seen perform, but who I was already a fan- etched himself fully into my "must see" category last night, with a great performance at the Fur Peace Ranch over in Ohio. Opening act was Pete Huttlinger, who was primarily an instrumentalist; though he sang a nice John Denver song as a closer, and did a great job. He apparently was one of the instructors this week at the Ranch, and put on a great guitar playing show.

Will, starting out on two songs solo, then brought out a drummer and bass player, to make up his Trio, that performed most of the night, with one other interlude of solo work. The variety to his work is impressive; some great guitar work, particularly the slide guitar stuff; some hard driving, heavy rock kinda stuff, blended in with some soft reflective songs, and then some political/ social commentary wry songs thrown in. He's an intriguing fellow with some obviously good stories and connections to many admired folks in the Americana music vein. Played a number of songs off "Americanitis." Played some songs off "Daddy at the Women's Club."
(I want to delve into the history of the song a little further after this post, but) I guess Horseshoe Lake is co-written between Todd Snider and Will; he did a great version of it, followed immediately by "Betty was black, Willie was white" (the Tommy Womack song done by the Biscuits and Todd Snider on various albums). He rotated among an acoustic guitar and two electrics, giving an impressive display of his guitar playing; his song writing; his singing, his story telling. The bass and drums guys were spirited participants who also showed their versatility.
This was an appreciative audience, I was curious how many would have known of him, but if they didn't know him they were quickly won over to enjoy and respect his craft.
I will follow his concert schedule closely- he is one to see if anywhere close, and to see repeatedly, to get a fuller picture of his breadth of music and performance.