Blue Bayou pair are making a comeback

They were a popular booking on the music scene in the 70s and 80s but stopped performing when family commitments and the difficulty of getting band members together proved too much.

“Hardly anyone can afford to pay a band these days,” said Rod Sargent who will be going solo, with some guest support from wife Carol, in Blue Bayou’s first gig at the Cooden Beach Tavern next Friday evening (March 4).

A 40th anniversary album Somewhere Between brought out about a year ago to mark the beginning of Blue Bayou sparked a renewed enthusiasm to perform.

They have invested in a state of the art sound system which importantly is also portable and Carol’s sitting room has been turned into a music room.

Since Rod had a hip replacement operation last September which forced him to take a break from the family turf and farming business, he has had plenty of time to practise and learn new songs.

He said: “I’m going to play guitar on a few, but I have always wanted to work the stage and entertain, a bit like ‘An Audience with....’ on TV.”

“I love singing ballads such as Don’t Close Your Eyes and If Tomorrow Never Comes but I am having to do a crash course in fast numbers.”

An accident seven years ago has left Carol still struggling to get the finger movement in her hand to play the violin again but she is making progress with the guitar.

They are both hoping that some familiar faces will come along to support them on the night, along with some new ones who will get an introduction into the entertainment country style of Blue Bayou.

PICTURED: Rod and Carol Sargent