COUSINS, WILLOUGHBY & LAMBERT- THE HOGARTH, TEDDINGTON, 10 Feb 2001

Contents

Breathing Fresh New Life Into Established Standards - Review by Dave Callow

Setlist

[DG: I was unlucky enough to have to be elsewhere on 10 Feb, but Dave Callow found his way there for what sounds like a superlative acoustic gig and has provided an excellent review - thanks Dave.]

THE HOGARTH, TEDDINGTON, 10 Feb 2001

BREATHING FRESH NEW LIFE INTO ESTABLISHED STANDARDS - Review by Dave Callow

Anyway, if you expect acoustic performances to be low-key soft performances, this would have surprised! It might have been a very informal concert at Dave's local pub but it was full of energy and dynamic! The lads gave us two sets generously comprising twenty-two songs in about two and a half hours.

Here is an account of exactly what happened in the order it occurred…

SET ONE

[Brian & Dave:] "You Never Needed Water"

We hardly sat down when Brian produced a spectacular acoustic intro! This is the level of expertise that lecturers show senior music students what they might one day hope to attain. Breathtaking stuff. A great overall rendition of this piece too.

[Brian & Dave:] "Ringing Down The Years".

Here the tempo seemed slightly slower than that on the CD. A fittingly unhurried and deliberate performance. It is difficult to avoid waxing lyrical about this because it was tremendously atmospheric. It left a vivid memory of beauty shining out, literally transforming the entire mood of the venue. Wonderful.

[Brian & Dave:] "Grace Darling"

Here guitarist roles were exchanged, Dave upfront, Brian providing coloration and embellishment. For those concerned that time passing will erode vocalist abilities, there is good news. I heard with my own ears - and was simply too close for anything to be disguised - it's great to report that Dave's vocals were very powerful. Very!

[Brian & Dave:] "We Can Make It Together"

This was two men sounding like far more than that. A very fulsome sound.

Then Brian and Dave came off the stage , with Dave introducing Dave L. as "the Legend of Hounslow"

[Dave L.] "Live Inside Your Hell Tonight"

Dave L. started out with a brand new song that was expressive, thoughtful, and poignant. Easily up to the required standard for either a Strawbs or solo release. It is inconceivable that this will not be performed at gigs, and it would be madness if it is not released soon. When you hear it you will know what I mean.

[Dave L.] "Framed"

Of course, the title track from his solo LP. Dynamic is the only word needed to describe the performance.

Brian then returned to the stage for one song as a part of a duo.

[Brian & Dave L.] "The Winter And The Summer"

Performed much like the CD, but the thing that was much clearer in this live version was the really tight integration between the two musicians. It was lovely to watch just for that, frankly, let alone the fine music.

Dave then returned to the stage to make it a trio for the rest of the night

[Brian, Dave & Dave L.] "Tears And Pavan"

Well, the last place I expected to receive spiritual uplift was in a pub. But that is what this performance gave. Likely to several others too, judging by the rapt attention.

[Brian, Dave & Dave L.] "Lay Down"

Dave L. leading the three guitars for this one, same tempo as the CD, very fulsome chords. A solid ending for the first set.

SET TWO

[Brian, Dave & Dave L.] played all songs together as a trio in the second set.

"A Glimpse Of Heaven"

A solid performance, up-tempo, with Dave C. playing the bridge section to the second part of this song. Rather than wistful looking back in memory, the performance gave rise to a mood of uplift, looking forward.

"Josephine, For Better or For Worse"

Performed much like the CD, with Brian leading on guitar, and soloing to finish.

"On My Way"

Dave C. announced this as the first song they ever recorded. Interesting to hear him sing the lead vocals, of course. All three really threw everything they had into their playing – especially the instrumental breaks.

"Out In The Cold"

Here Dave L. furnished the intro section. Guitars covered the bridge formerly recorded on synthesizer to…

"Round And Round"

Once again, Dave C.'s voice confirming it is solid, robust …. and sacrificing none of the expression present on the CDs.

"Witchwood"

Well, it might be a cliché, but it is nevertheless true and substantial. This rendition was breathing fresh new life into established standards. A video would have shown no different.

"Hero And Heroine"

Of course, this was mostly Dave C. on the verses, except for all three on the choruses.

"The River/Down By The Sea"

Lovely to see powerful performance under such perfect control. Dave L. let rip in the final section.

"Simple Visions"

Pretty much identical to the recorded version.

"Benedictus"

Dave C. jokingly mentioned he was having something of a rest, meaning that he was not playing guitar on this one. Here Dave L. lead with Brian providing power chords.

"Part Of The Union"

Though Dave C. has done the vocals live on this one so many times, it is always interesting to hear him without Hudson & Ford. Moreso in an acoustic setting. Inevitably it turned into something of an audience participation piece.

Here the second set ended, but the lads were persuaded to return for two more songs

"The Hangman And The Papist"

The sheer power of the vocals carried this well. The guitars were no slouch, but this a dramatic story, and the vocals fittingly did it justice.

"The Man Who Called Himself Jesus"

Remaining faithful to the recorded version, a great piece to end on.

All in all, a really great night out !

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