Updated: 7 Oct 2008
Benedictus/Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
New World
Another Day
Midnight Sun
Oh How She Changed
The Call To Action
Ghosts
Josephine
Too Many Angels
Cold Steel
Witchwood
Autumn
Lay Down
The Hangman and the Papist
THE LOWRY STUDIO, SALFORD QUAYS, WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2008
It was truly a night for Angels at the Lowry this evening.
Probably most of you are aware that for the last 18 months I have been suffering from progressive liver failure, and had been waiting for a transplant. I had missed several tours, both electric and acoustic, and the Cropredy appearance (although Ali kindly phoned me on her mobile so I could at least hear Hero and Heroine). Happily I have now had my transplant and was finally well enough to attend another Strawbs night. We arrived early and ate at a very pleasant French restaurant in the same square (well "round") as the Lowry entrance.
The Lowry is an impressive theatre in an area of Salford which has undergone massive regeneration in recent years. The Strawbs played in the Studio which has 180 seats, most of which appeared full with an enthusiastic crowd.
The evening started with the accapella opening to "Hymn no 6" ("Benedictus") which ran smoothly into "Simple Visions". "Tears And Pavan", and "New World" followed. Then began a series of songs which built atmosphere starting with "Another Day" (which I don't recall having heard live before) featuring a gentle solo from DL metamorphosing into energetic strumming. Next was "Midnight Sun" opening with the three guitars gelling together perfectly leading to some superbly haunting ebow making this probably the most atmospheric number the acoustics perform IMHO. "Oh How She Changed" is a real tour de force live, although I fancy the version tonight was a little shorter than previous versions. Next, for me was the musical highlight of the evening: "The Call To Action". The three guitars and Chas' bass pedals created a fullness of sound I would not have thought possible, having the raw power of the full band version on The Broken Hearted Bride. DC's vocals conveyed the full anguish of the song. DL played superb guitar lines but due to sound problems his guitar sounded frankly 'tinny'. Tragically he was dogged by this for the rest of the night, with his higher more delicate playing being too quiet, eventually spreading to his power chords losing their full sound, although his playing was immaculate. DL was most affected but Chas and DC had problems also. Fortunately the sound problems, although noticeable, did not detract from the overall effect of the show.
After the interval, the Acoustics opened with a masterful rendition of "Ghosts", with Chas playing the "Church bell" riff with great aplomb. Then DC introduced "Josephine (For Better Or For Worse)" with the story of why it was written, before returning to BHB for "Too Many Angels". The supreme musicianship of the acoustics was next shown on "Cold Steel", with Chas playing the mandolin part flawlessly, DC weaving intricacies on Banjo, and DL contrasting his subtle and his powerful playing techniques. Then bass pedals eerily combined with the three other instruments and three voices to weave the "Witchwood". "Autumn" grew out of this atmosphere, to reach the warm glow of its climax. The final number of the second set was a rousing "Lay Down".
The band came out for an encore, when a Scottish voice demanded "The Hangman And The Papist", as they had travelled all the way down from Glasgow ("they" turned out to be Ken Sigley and Yvonne Orr *). DC looked thoughtful for a couple of seconds, consulted the others and then launched into an unrehearsed but flawless rendition. And then it was all over.
On a personal note, DC was kind enough to dedicate "Cold Steel" to "the Angel who helped me come through my brush with the grim reaper", my wife Lynne. On reflection, I would in retrospect like to dedicate it to some more Angels: the donor of my liver who had taken the time to consider organ donation, and the family of my donor who, at a time of great sadness, kindly allowed the transplant to proceed. Without this transplant I would not be alive today. If you are not already signed up to the donor scheme, please do think about it. You can make a real difference to several other people. Also please don't think that everyone needing a liver transplant needs it because of alcohol abuse as there are many many other reasons that people can end up with liver failure and cirrhosis. Finally may I thank the Strawbs for their music which kept me going when I was at my worst; and the Strawbs and members of Witchwood for their love and support for both Lynne and myself during my illness.
Pleased that Pete gote there first with the review as I can't really top his effort (and my missing pencil hampered my intentions of writing down the setlist). Though I did try to get in a half time report which proved too fiddly on mobile phone so I had to be content with communicating with Nigel, Lindsay & Les by text/phone.
An excellent venue, visited for the first time by Strawbs and myself. I chose Salford rather than Leicester as it was the city where I first saw them live (University in 1978) and it's nice to see how this previously run down area has regenerated. I wonder if they used the line "we'll see you again...in another 30 years" in those days!
Good to see Pete and family after a year af absence from concerts though I'm told he has driven the rest of the family mad with non-stop Strawbs music in the house. The Madeleys had a good chat with all members of the band afterwards.
Once again a good mix of new and old, "Another Day" was a pleasant surprise. Also I was pleased that "Hangman" was played as encore due to audience request.
Had Strawbs music on the CD, to and from venue and had chance to listen to DC solo stuff. I told him how much I enjoyed Duochrome and that a UK solo tour would be most welcome. Would even forgive the green socks with red shoes!!!
Benedictus/Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
New World
Another Day
Midnight Sun
Oh How She Changed
The Call To Action
Ghosts
Josephine
Too Many Angels
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay Down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
MINSTER WM CLUB, ISLE OF SHEPPEY, MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2008
Having skilfully engineered it so that I had to pick something up from the London Companies House office, I was in a good position to get home about 5.30 and, after a quickish tournaround, leg it for the Acoustic Strawbs gig in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. After the inevitable parking experience on the approach to the Blackwall Tunnel, through the the tunnel and off onto the p[ermanent roadworks some folks know (and love ?) as the M2. Some fantastically gloomy clouds (Stormy Down ?), giving way to a huge moon with streamers of mist across it. It was dark by the time I came over the Sheppey bridge - new territory for me - and hit Minster, finding the Working Mens Club on my second pass through the town's one-way divided high street.
Bar prices in WMCs are great! Bought myself a pint and went over to join Geraldine and others of the Cousins party - including Vince Martin up from Deal to see the show.
Three bars, the main lounge bar, another bar and the concert room - a decent sized stage at one end and a bar at the other. Interesting room shape - the stage end has a huigh ceiling - the bar end has a low one, so there is a big flat reflecting surface chucking sound back from the speakers to the stage. A few little feedback episodes, mainly whilst announcers were announcing, suggested that it might be difficult to get a great sound balance in the room. I found a seat up near the front, near ex-Sgt Pilchards, the only other Witchwooder there. It was right in front of the speaker, but wanted a chance to try out my new mini-camera. In fact the sound wasn't too bad, a little muddy maybe - but I did suffer from being close to a speaker: there was a stereo mix so I got a lot of Chas and DC, but relatively little Lambert.
Focussing first on the four new songs in the set: "Another Day" has always been one of my favourite early Strawbs songs, one I've performed myself, and I've always thought it was a natural for the Acoustics set. Lambert picks up Hooper's vocal on the last two verses, and the cello intro and outro melodies, and the whole thing goes at quite a pace, Cousins more emotive on vocals than on the slightly more restrained original recording. Only its second outing of course, so it'll bed down some more and get a little tighter: it'll become - I think - an Acoustic Strawbs classic.
"The Call To Action" was something I was very much looking forward to. On the Spring tour, after Ian went home, DC performed it solo without some of the fiddle frills, particularly that particularly satisfying little flourish between verses. The build up of the guitars in this Acoustics version is very very impressive indeed, Lambert picking up the fiddle melody very successfully apart from a bit of hesitancy in those aforementioned flourishes, which are of course by definition are very exposed. Hope this is given the chance to grow and bed down too - it's a cracking song and Cousins was in particularly superb voice. A great end of first half number as well.
Second half saw what was for me the jewel in the crown of the new entrants - a perfectly rendered version of "Josephine", another early Strawbs favourite of mine and again, one I've always thought was perfect for the Acoustics. This was simply superb - I turned round and grinned at Sgt Pilchards and he was grinning too !
And lastly, another song from the new album, which I thought might head for the acoustic set - Cousins' beautiful "Too Many Angels" (with a hook that gets into your brain and stays there). I think this works extremely well for them, and I am looking forward to hearing it on a more balanced sound system (I got an awful lot of twelve string from the speaker at my left ear, and this is a quiet melodic song which needs more light and shade).
Of the "old" songs, some really stood out last night. A slightly different selection from the first gig of the tour - we got the "usual" (read "stunning") encore "We'll Meet Again Sometime" instead of "Hangman", and instead of "Witchwood" following "Cold Steel" we had a rousing version of "Shine On Silver Sun" ahead of it. "New World" was a great performance and "Oh How She Changed" had real strength and verve.
A great night out - a treat after a sh**ty day with a long dentist's appointment at midday. Home a bit late for a "school day" but what the hell - you're only under 50 once!
A quick note on last night's Acoustics gig at Minster either side of a visit to the dentist.
The gig was held in the Working Mens Club, another new venue for me, built in the grounds of the Minster itself - hence the town's name. I got there about 8.20 wondering if it had started as there weren't any start times on our website. Fortunately as I pulled into the car park I saw Chas walking into the club so knew I was okay. The place was pretty much packed by the time I got in and despite being told I'd probably have to stand I found a seat at a front table finishing just behind our very own webmeister . After hellos etc the compere welcomed all and the gig kicked off at 8.40.
It was the acapella intro to "Benedictus" and seguing straight into "Simple Visions" that indicated straight away that this would be another evening of consumate professionalism from the lads. DC picked up his guitar for "Tears", the intro by now a familiar story (at least to me and Dick). A powerful "New World" followed, a first for me, by "Another Day" (a first for the Acoustics - according to Dick!). The slower version of "Midnight Sun" followed, it's beginning to grow on me. Always preferred the H&H version.
"Oh How She Changed" was introduced with the now familiar story of Gus Dudgeon & Tony Visconti and was as excellent as ever and the first half closed with "The Call To Action" with DC linking this song with GNW and the troubles in the world that linked both. As to the song itself DL gamely tried the "Middle Eastern" link but couldn't quite bring it off. Obviously a lot easier to play on keys or fiddle. The lyrics came across more clearly and DC was going several shades of red singing "Do you hear the call" but never dropped a note. You'd think one or the other would go with all that effort but then I should know better with these guys.
It was interesting to note how well the audience responded to the band, applause got more enthusiastic as each song progressed and there was little or no talking. A good indicator of the grip on the audience the band had.
Second half began with "Ghosts", shame really. this is one song I really wish would be retired for a while but nevertheless it was played as well as ever (despite, I believe, a small slip up by Chas - if his facial expression was anything to go by) and well appreciated. Next came the highlight of the night for me, a reworking of "Josephine" which though so very familiar, sounded like a new song, with some lovely guitar work from DL. A real treat.
Next up another from BHB - "Too Many Angels". For a more gentle number this came across a "bit loud" and DC fluffed his lines the end of the 2nd verse. But, to coin a phrase, the band played on, DC recovered himself remembered his lines and you couldn't see the join.
Forgoing his guitar DC picked up banjo for "Shine On Silver Sun" and "Cold Steel" and switched back for "Autumn", another track that I've always felt doesn't translate as an acoustic number - I miss the keys and electric guitar. Still, very appropriate given the time of year. The second half finished with a rousing version of "Lay Down" and the guys left the stage to very enthusiastic applause from an audience that appeared more like a bingo crowd than folk and blues.
It took minimum persuasion from the compere for a return to stage and an encore of "We'll Meet Again Sometime" to finish off the night.
I don't know how many knew the band before the gig (I did overhear a conversation around POTU) but I doubt they did themselves any harm judging from the applause, whistles and calls for more. I only hope such apparent enthusiasm reflected in the CD/DVD sales!!
After a final drink at the bar with the webmeister it was back to home and by a quicker route than the one I took getting there. So whilst I wait for feeling to return to my lower left jaw I look forward to Leicester next, if Paul's back from his hols in time.
Benedictus/Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
New World
Another Day
Midnight Sun
Oh How She Changed
The Call To Action
Ghosts
Josephine
Too Many Angels
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay Down
Will You Go
We'll Meet Again Sometime
PRIVATE PARTY, INKFORD HOTEL, WYTHALL, 20 SEPTEMBER 2008
As ever the boys enjoyed their opportunity to play at Bob and Lou Richardson's annual September bash at the Inkford Hotel just south of Birmingham.
My car knows its way there automatically and for once, with my trusty travelling companion Lindsay in tow, I set off early to get there by about 6.00pm. Plenty of time for a few drinks with the Witchwooders in attendance (this show is also an opportunity to catch up with friends after the show without having to worry about getting home afterwards). Round our table we had Ali, Lindsay, Nigel, Pete and Calli, Les and Sue, Adie and, last but by no means least, the welcome return of the Madeleys.
NB Nice to see DC turning up at first in his Duochrome front cover outfit - very stylish! - though he changed his shirt to a "DC special" for the actual show.
Always some good "floor singers" at this "folk club" highlights for me were Bob doing a Roger Chapman song "Imbeciles" and the massed floor singers (donning hats for some reason ?) backing Lou on "Strange Day Over The Hill".
On to the main event, the set was nearly the same as that in Minster at the beginning of the week except of course that the sound system was being operated by our very own Paul not only does he have as deep an understanding of the Acoustics sound as anyone, he has held this gig down for years so he understands the acoustics of the Inkford's room, with its pillars and reflective surfaces. The sound was absolutely great, and as I hoped in my Minster review, hearing the new songs played at Inkford, all those Minster issues were resolved.
Such a convivial atmosphere brings out the best in the boys' performance. The show generally was really high energy and some really powerful versions of the songs came out "New World" was exceptionally marvellous, and all those songs with accapella elements "Benedictus", "Lay Down" and "We'll Meet Again Sometime" came out extremely well with the superior sound.
Of the new songs, "Another Day" was much clearer and further emphasised the boost they've given to the middle eight, which on record was a jaunty little mandolin backed diversion, but here kicks off with a good deal of oomph. "The Call To Action" had changed slightly whereas at Minster Lambert had been emulating the fiddle flourish in the stops, they now reverted to the DC solo style of playing it, just emphasising the stops, which worked well. Still as much a tour de force in its Acoustics garb as it was for the Electrics (it even works like gangbusters in its DC solo format as those who heard it in the US will attest). "Josephine" was again, just perfect. With hindsight, I'm wondering why it has taken them so long to bring this into the set, as it was always a natural. (I wish I could say you could have heard a pin drop during the song but sadly there were some very noisy people on the table behind us, shouting and talking all the way through even through their hosts' set, which didn't seem to me to be too bright it was possible to "tune them out" most of the time, but on the quiet songs they were quite intrusive.)
Photo by Dick Greener - more photos from Dick
Alas the end it came to soon, but after "Lay Down" came its abrupt ending, a nice surprise "Will You Go", which has had outings here before, always popular, particularly as a good number of Bob & Lou's friends are folk club habituιs. So, really great harmonies from the audience, and the Acoustics really gave it welly themselves. A real crowd-pleaser, followed up by their usual encore "We'll Meet Again Sometime".
Bob and Lou usually have another surprise up their sleeve to follow the boys (and tonight's gig took some following!),; this year and Elvis impersonator, with a pretty good Vegas drawl given his West Midlands origins. Before he did a couple of songs from the Elvis canon, first up with a hilarious Elvis style "Part Of The Union", captured in video on Ali's phone and up on You Tube at
Photo by Dick Greener - more photos from Dick
It's always a pleasure and a privilege to be invited to these events (thanks Bob, thanks Lou) and this time I think we were lucky enough to catch probably one of the best ever Acoustics shows I've seen DC was certainly very very pleased indeed with the show afterwards, as were the audience.
The Witchwooders were fairly happy too shunted from the bar to the residents lounge, we mostly (except for those with medical certificates) stayed up till 4am ! Ouch!
Firstly a huge thanks to Bob and Lou for inviting us. They put in such a lot of hard work for this event, and it really is very much appreciated.
Secondly, it was fantastic to finally meet Pete and Lynne. Feel like we've known them for years, and yet we haven't actually run into them before. Happy to report that Pete seems to be in very good health.
Thirdly, apologies that I didn't take much in the way of photographs. We got there nice and early, and joined the already packed Witchwood table. Adie joined us later but had a pretty poor view of the band, and as his camera, and skill in the art of snapping is so much better than mine (judging by those briliant pictures he got at Bilston), we swapped places. Should be some excellent pictures on Strawbsweb later from Dick [sadly not!], Ali et al, anyway.
Excellent set from the boys, with a brand new introduction from DC for "Autumn", (concerning the perils of living near the sea, seagulls, and the effect that they have on your car), and yet another new song added to the setlist.
On Broken Hearted Bride, I think the violin works fantastically on "Action Replay", but paradoxically, I found it a bit intrusive on "The Call To Action". Wasn't convinced that it would work with DL playing the theme either, and it seems like the band agreed. They've completely dropped the riff from the song now, and so instead, there's a dramatic pause. In my humble opinion, this works far better, and the song really hits you in the solar plexus.
As usual Bob and Lou laid on a wonderful evening. The Strawbs felt sufficiently at home to be accompanied by their distaff side, which led to a family atmosphere, but perhaps curtailed post gig carousing! It was great to see so many Witchwooders in attendance.
The one event I will report was "Autumn". Although there is a Witchwood embargo on DC's song intro's, I think the following will be allowable. There is a family joke in the Madeley Household that when anything to do with autumn (the season), I launch into DC's introduction to "Autumn" (the song): "at this time of the year, there is a faint chill in the air, the leaves turn from green to yellow to red and finally brown. You know it is Autumn". So having come to the slot for "Autumn" in the set, the first few words ran to course, I prepared to mentally join in. Suddenly autumn's image was gone, to be replaced by a 5 minute tirade about Seagull shit. It transpires that there is a global conspiracy by seagulls to target DC's car. Perhaps DC didn't convey the very serious nature of this conspiracy as there was much laughter by all at this point. Then back to the usual introduction for "Autumn", and DL played the opening section with his usual flair and a high degree of concentration. Thankfully this degree of concentration was up to a sudden challenge: DC and Chas had continued to smirk like naughty schoolboys, and when DL was playing the "seagull bit", DC looked up and proceeded to wipe imagined seagull shit from his eye with much laughter from himself and Chas. Fortunately the two reprobates managed to calm down and control themselves before the next section of "Autumn"!
I said I would only report 1 event, so I will merely hint in passing about morris dancing in the Cousins bedroom whilst wearing a pixie hat.
Once again thanks to Bob and Louise.
It was definitely a highlight of the evening to see Lynne and Pete at Bob and Lou's party, not to mention the added bonus of Pete's occasional flashing. I don't think any of us had ever seen one quite like that before - I certainly hadn't.
However, as others have already enthused, a superb set from Acoustic Strawbs was the true pinnacle of the evening. I found the intro to "Midnight Sun" most amusing and the song itself was a complete stunner as usual. As Pete mentioned, Dave C's "seagulls" spiel was another source of great amusement, particularly as I am well-acquainted with the subject matter, living by the Thames estuary.
First viewings/listenings for me of "Another Day", "Josephine", "The Call To Action" and "Too Many Angels", all of which I thought worked extremely well and can't wait to witness again. "Too many highlights" in fact. Unfortunately there were a largish handful of revellers who obviously didn't appreciate the musical works-of-art they were missing, but a few dirty looks aimed in their direction seemed to have some effect. (Or maybe Pete flashed again and I didn't notice.) Hopefully their kerfuffle didn't spoil anything for the band members - it didn't seem to, judging by the brilliant performances.
Bob the birthday boy and Lou certainly deserve every morsel of praise and thanks they receive for their efforts, with a tasty buffet, some seriously good raffle prizes, and a huge amount of planning obviously having gone into making the evening what it was.
I should also mention the supporting acts which warmed everyone up nicely for the main course. I particularly enjoyed Bob's rendition of "Imbeciles" - I hadn't heard it before, knowing virtually nothing about Roger Chapman who apparently wrote it. ("Chappo" found out first-hand that I knew virtually nothing about him, including what he looks like, in July - we were at a mutual friend's wedding, got chatting about bands at the reception, and I asked him who he played with. Woops!)
Moving swiftly on, just as on that particular occasion, Elvis ain't dead - we know because he rounded off the organised entertainment of the party with a performance which defied belief!! His "Part of the Union" has to be one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen in my life. Well done to Bob and Lou for causing an outbreak of mass hysteria with that one!
After a quick photo-shoot complete with Les's new-found friend (a fluffy hedgehog) and Ali's teddy - both raffle prizes adorned with strawberries, of course - the Witchwood crowd were ushered along to a very comfortable residents'lounge where we plonked ourselves on cosy armchairs and sofas, to be joined by almost all and sundry for a good long chat into the early hours, with Lynne the victor in the dirty stop-out stakes I believe. 4.45??
Benedictus/Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
New World
Another Day
Midnight Sun
Oh How She Changed
The Call To Action
Ghosts
Josephine
Too Many Angels
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay Down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
THE MUSICIAN, LEICESTER, WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2008
What a great little venue The Musician in Leicester is. I had heard good things about it and the quality of bands that play there before, but had never been. Great beer, a good atmosphere and a pretty good sound system I thought. Not to mention the opportunity to watch the band from a settee (sadly fully occupied)!
We were a little early (the venue doesn't open until 8.00) and nipped round the corner to a pub to find Dave C, Chas and Neil having a loosener, which we left them to as they looked as if they were talking business. Back at the Musician the performances were fabulous. I hadn't heard "Another Day", or "Josephine For Better Or For Worse", or "Too Many Angels" performed live before, and of those "Josephine" really stood out for me, especially now I know the story behind it. The talk was good too, with Dave having a fair old rant about the American government's stance on Iraq and the effects of their actions on the lives and homes of ordinary people like us out there, when introducing "The Call To Action". Well said that man.
Getting back to the Musician, it was a good crowd too. The first time I've been to a gig for a while where someone in the audience didn't seriously get on my t*ts for some reason or another. Grumpy old man? Moi? Anyway, a great night, and much appreciated on every level.
Benedictus
Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
New World
Another Day
Midnight Sun
Oh How She Changed
The Call To Action
Ghosts
Josephine
Too Many Angels
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay Down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
CRAMPHORN THEATRE, CHELMSFORD, SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2008
The Cramphorn Theatre in Chelmsford was completely sold out last night, and that was despite the fact that the theatre was hard to find. As DC said, he had to drive round and round the town so many times looking for the theatre that he felt like a corkscrew.
It is a lovely little theatre, with a completely black backdrop to the stage, with the theatre walls being illuminated by the reflections from the guitars. Very atmospheric.
They opened with "Benedictus", but stopped halfway through as DL was having trouble with his lead. A quick fiddle with the connector sorted the problem, and after a quick adjustment of Chas' monitor, the sound was perfect. Strangely, "Benedictus" was followed by "Simple Visions", but as a completely separate track rather than merged together. Don't think I've ever heard them pause after "Benedictus" before.
Dave then introduced "Tears And Pavan" as "two" songs from Bursting at the Seams. I guess this is in keeping with the track listing on Lay Down with the Strawbs, but to me this will always be one track, not two.
There were a couple of times during the show when DC's voice gave out, not surprising really the amount he puts in to some of the songs like "The Call To Action". Quite possibly though he is suffering from a bit of a cold. He recovered well though, and I doubt if anyone who hadn't seen them live before would have noticed.
As with the other shows on this Acoustic tour the set list featured "Another Day" and "Josephine", both of which were stunning. Chas does a fabulous job of replacing Claire Deniz's cello on "Another Day", and Dave Lambert's guitar work on "Josephine" is beautiful.
The highlight, though, for me, had to be "Too Many Angels". All told though, as expected, this was another fantastic evening. They are truly magical. It doesn't matter how much stress you are suffering from, as soon as they start to play you can feel the stress just flowing away.
After "Lay Down", they left whilst the audience bayed for an encore. There was a long wait and we were all beginning to worry that ths time they might not actually return. To great applause they eventually returned. DC explained that the reason he had got held up was that there were two young girls in the dressing room. "His memory's still good then", quipped some member of the audience.
The only downer of the evening really was that the bar had closed by the end of the performance. Not too great a problem for me as I was driving, but there were many people there who would have liked to have a beer with the band afterwards.
Photo by Dick Greener - more photos from Dick
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the concert and all of the songs chosen for the set. "New World" always raises the hair (or what's left of it) on the back of my neck and I was moved by "Autumn", which I first heard in the late 70's, at one of life's challenging times...
Benedictus/Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
New World
Another Day
Midnight Sun
Oh How She Changed
The Call To Action
Ghosts
Josephine
Too Many Angels
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel Autumn
Lay Down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
QUAY THEATRE, SUDBURY, THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER 2008
Another trip back to this lovely little theatre deep in the Suffolk countryside and the town itself gives off its own charm, with a curly whirly chimney greeting your entrance and homage to the home and statue of artist Gainsborough who was born once in the town - in something like 1727 - although, to the best of my knowledge, I never met him, even on my previous trip.
All very interesting I know, but the real interest was inside the theatre where the Acoustic line up were plying their own trade of skilled musicians. As darkness fell a lone fisherman was seen to be packing his bags in the theatre car park from the dark and brooding river - probably why the theatre next to it, is called the Quay, situated on the banks as it is.
These relatively few Autumn Acoustic gigs have allowed just a few opportunities to see how the set is list is developing yes there are some well tried and trusted numbers but also a few new delights which have added those new delights and interest.
One of my first ever favourites "Another Day" is included - so nice to see this appear in a back to the future sort of moment - love the arrangement and the part introduced by DL in place of the cello.
This is a good listening theatre and the sound very good, but given the number of shows I have seen, many numbers stood still stood out as exceptional renditions. "Autumn", and "Josephine" were together in this category, the latter, with a totally superb but an almost minimalist bass line from Chas.
DC sang with real passion on "New World" and "The Call To Action" tonight this was the best version in acoustic format I personally have heard.
"We'll Meet Again" was again a fantastic finish, but picking out just these few highlights are really doing the whole night a disservice as its was terrific frrm beginning to end leading to overheard comments on the way to the "Gents" after the show, of "what a superb night", "that was brilliant" and for those inside once I got there (and unheard by the ladies amongst us) "what a show" - I'm assuming of course it was actually the show they were talking about.
Steve Young made it down from Norwich and Lindsay up from Southend, so Witchwood was represented and now we are all waiting for next May (OK there is still loads of stuff before then) when DC announced on stage amongst other new things that the Electric line-up would be out again in the UK next May with the three of them and Rod. - And whisper it quietly, an as yet unnamed but mysterious keyboard player although I'm sure John's previous fantastic contributions will still be remembered. Guess the key is to watch this space, but no doubt guessing games and speculation will take place aplenty over the coming months.
Just to report another absolutely superb Acoustic Strawbs gig at the Quay Theatre, Sudbury, last night. Everything sounded spot on, apart from a little light DC cough early on during "Benedictus" (allegedly his wife's "fault" for passing on her own cold!). That tiny splutter aside, the sound, lighting, ambience etc. were all perfect and the Quay's audience highly appreciative, and quite rightly so.
The concert was well-attended, though not completely sold out as Chelmsford was last Saturday. (I didn't get time to write a review for that, but report that it was yet another superb performance although unfortunately I arrived late with a few friends, and we missed the first couple of songs). However, no such devastating tragedies befell Judy and me and we arrived in good time at this lovely little theatre, which is tucked away down a country lane.
I gave Judy her early Christmas present (The Broken Hearted Bride) on our journey up through the Essex wilds, partly in the hope that it would spare me from non-stop Nickelback (her fave band - isn't it unbearable when people are obsessed with one particular band and keep on playing their CDs???) TBHB did the trick and Judy was so impressed by Chas's "Everybody Knows" and Dave Lambert's "You Know As Well As I" that she stormed Neil at the merchandise desk to buy Lambert Cronk's "Touch the Earth". I know she won't be disappointed with her purchase, and neither will I be if it spares me from more Nickelback on our next journey together. (I like their music but detest the vocals - each to their own!)
Anyway, the Quay Theatre has friendly staff, a comfortable upstairs bar which stays open late after the show, and an all-round warm and welcoming atmosphere - I remembered that to be the case from my first visit there a couple of years ago, and was pleased to find it still so. Other Witchwooders present and correct were Nigel and Steve Young - it was lovely to meet up again, first time since seeing the electrics in Norwich earlier this year.
I'm not known for my reliability in remembering setlists so probably safest to assume it was the same as the other gigs on this tour unless any other reliable witnesses come forward with evidence to the contrary. I'm also not going to try and pick out any particular songs as the truth is that the entire set was absolutely A1. Having said that I will just mention how great it was to hear "Too Many Angels" again - I completely missed it at Chelmsford (as well as missing the start of the gig - not a good night!) due to some poor guy collapsing right behind where I was sitting. A few of us (including Nurse Neil) made sure he was alright, and thankfully he did seem to be after some fresh air and a glass of water, but unfortunately we missed "Too Many Angels" in the process. Never mind, Sudbury made up for it and just like the other three new additions to the set, the song works superbly in this acoustic format and is a delight to behold.
I have seen Acoustic Strawbs perform many times now and have never been remotely disappointed - but I think Thursday night was really special - even by their high standards.
Maybe it was the setting - maybe the fact that I was in the company of a beautiful young woman - maybe, as DC pointed out, because it was the first really cold night of the year - but this was a truly magical gig. I felt awestruck to witness three men who have truly taken ownership of their art and there was a warmth in their performances which I've never quite witnessed before in all my years of going to Strawbs gigs.
Highlights? Well, the whole show was superb so this is a difficult one.
It was great to hear the two Dragonfly songs again. Like revisiting a favourite haunt of childhood and DC's narrated intro was spot on! I didn't think the Cousins/Conrad version of "The Call To Action" would ever be overshadowed, but the version played on that night was cracking! DL's guitar work simply unbeatable (what a brilliant guitar player that man is!) I could almost see the Crusaders appearing before my eyes! "Autumn" was simply a tour de force and displayed the remarkable talent for shifting colours of music and ambience that is the legendary landmark of Strawbs music. "New World" brought the same lump in my throat and tears to my eyes as it did when I first heard the song on the Olld Grey Whistle Test 36 years ago! If I had a pound for every time I've heard that song I'd be a wealthy man now - but it never fails to move me.
I was chatting to my cousin's husband a few weeks ago and the talk got round to music and I told him about my long devotion to the work of Strawbs. He's just a few years older than me and he said 'Oh yeah--weren't they the ones who did that Union song!' It saddens me a bit that the world at large seems indifferent to the remarkable renaissance of Strawbs over the last ten years or so, and particularly of Dave Cousins as the one of the most gifted songwriters of his generation - the solo albums, the Wakeman and Conrad projects, Acoustic Strawbs and the two great albums by the class of '74. I have yet to read a review of The Broken-Hearted Bride in the music press.
Strawbs have never done aloofness or indifference to fans particularly well (bless 'em) and all three chatted away happily to myself and my girlfriend, who is a new convert, for ages after the show. Final image: Chas chatting to us outside after about the b+b they were staying in and hoping the bar would still be open! Very familiar tones yelling from a car "Charlie get in now!" and Dave Lambert strolling down the road bidding us a cheery good night some twenty minutes later. True Rock 'n' roll! True Gentlemen! May God bless and keep them always!
Benedictus/Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
New World
Another Day
Midnight Sun
Oh How She Changed
The Call To Action
Ghosts
Josephine
Too Many Angels
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay Down
The Hangman And The Papist
UNICORN THEATRE, ABINGDON, FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 2008
To start with the venue was fastinating. The Unicorn, is situated in what was once part of Abingdon Abbey, set up orginally for various local AM Dram groups, a lovely lady called Pam organises regular music gigs which pull in a largely local audience....and she was thrilled to finally get Acoustic Strawbs there. When I rang for a ticket and asked her about the venue, mentioning my historical interests she invited me up early for a look round, even organising me parking adjacent to theatre!!!
Got there about 5.30pm, AS were doing their sound checks, Pam came out to greet me and gave me a resident's parking ticket, she then showed me round the building, one end of which is used for functions like weddings, in the upper part of the stable block....this was used in the abbey's time as the guest accommodation (warmer over the horses!!)
Along the wall of a long open plan room were a varied selection of mediaeval fireplaces, reflecting the status of the once seperate bedchambers that the wing contained. The beautiful beamed roof towered above, on one of the roof trusses the lathe and plaster partition remained complete with its original wall painting. There were next two chambers (one now the bar for the evening) which were once the 'checker' where the tithes (taxes) to the church/abbey were calculated and recorded. Then another with the remains of a most impressive fireplace, the chimney containing a beacon chamber (I'll explain shortly). The door then opened on to the theatre, passing the remains of an old stair to nowhere - you were on a gallery with just two rows of seats and the lighting deck. The main seating was reached down a steep wooden staircase, and along a (tudor) brick gantry. You then stepped down a few stone stairs into the well banked main seating, only 8 seats across, and 8/9 rows the whole theatre seated only 90 folks. The stage looked like it could have been in the Globe.
The room which was the theatre had been a bakery and possibly a granary; before it was filled with folks it was quite chilly.
As I enjoyed my tour round, several of us were standing on the gallery as AS launched into "Benedictus", WOW it sounded superb.
I then slipped off to the very nice pub on the corner (recommended by Pam) "The Broad Face" (!?) for a drink and a bite for supper. It started to fill with folks bound for the gig, then Pam arrived to collect the sandwiches for the band, two large platters, so I gave her a hand to take them up the road to the Unicorn...which meant i was allowed in to the theatre early. Grabbed a centre front seat and soaked up the ambience of the building. Next to turn up was Pam's 87 year old mum who got her regular seat....and drink served to her by the bargirl (Pam's sister....) - a real family affair the Unicorn.
Gradually the audience filtered in down the seat stairs clutching drinks - most of the audience were locals who support and enjoy the groups Pam books. Three other Witchwooders arrive Nigel and Kevin and Jo.
The set list was the same as Sudbury, and sounded fantastic; the acoustics of the venue were great, and DC, DL and CC were all in good form, the audience appreciating every song. I must say the set now features most of my top favourites: "Autumn", "Tears And Pavan", "Oh How She Changed", "Midnight Sun", "Cold Steel", "Too Many Angels" (one of my favourites on BHB), "Benedictus" and especially "Another Day", a wonderful addition to the set. "The Call To Action" worked well as an AS number, wasn't sure I was going to like it with only guitars. It was interesting to hear the background to "Josephine For Better Or Worse".
The encore for this gig was "The Hangman And The Papist" to reflect a local story DC told of the Abingdon jail, and the youngest victim of the hangman's noose there, an 8 year old boy.
It would have been approriate to have included "Burning for You".... the abbey chinmey includes, an opening for a lit beacon, with the stone slats arranged so that the wind could not extinguish it... apprentlly this is very rare thing...
The concert ended all too soon but to rapturous applause, then Pam went on stage to thank the band etc...and to announce that there was a major fire in the town (the local chinese take away) and the police had closed a main road, so people heading south would need an alternative route. Luckily I was parked the right side of the closure and didn't need to detour, but DL would have to.
Got two CDs - in particular Duochrome - got it and other new sleevenotes signed. Said goodbye to Nigel and the band, and drove home to warm up - wish I'd worn a puffer jacket as most of the audience had, or better still my mediaeval cloak. All in all a great night, music wise, soundwise, welcoming venue too in an interesting location.
Apparently band already booked to go back next year, so I recommend it as a good venue.
Only one problem - long wait to Xmas party......
Ha right call this my end of term report on the rather short Autumn Acoustics little jaunt across the country. Brilliant, terrific, are two adjectives to describe the performances and whilst tonight the rest of the set remained the same, the encore was the pre-show request of "The Hangman And The Papist". In this ethereal venue, within the granary of an ancient abbey it was perhaps an appropriate and complimentary score to finish with.
I think tonight, I see a pattern hit them hard in the first set and a gentler version in the second and how it worked wonders as the audience the venue officially held at 92, but I reckon there were more than a hundred in attendance as the show kicked off packed out to the gunnels creating an atmosphere all of its own.
There was even a "Good old Boy" in attendance and before any one gets too excited ahead of the Christmas party, I should perhaps say that Good Old Boy was one of the brand of barrels of beer on sale at the temporary bar tables which had been erected just for the night.
First off the venue what a cracking place to play so atmospheric with a terrific PA. I remember thinking during the first set has this ever been better? OK so step outside the well furbished auditorium and it was freezing cold, but inside with overhead heaters we were all comfortable and warm and even more reason to stay inside and get excited.
The long barn of ancient timbers, brought history to life and as DC quipped at the start of the show "a 15th century venue, for a band of 15th century musicians" amongst giggles, which left everyone in harmony and inquisitive for the charm of the long barn, ancient beams and musicians on stage.
The tales were told, the scenes were set and if I were a "Juliet" I would have been hanging from the imposing gallery window from the facade of the backdrop of the behind stage prop, declaring my love for all things below which of course were the Strawbs on stage and playing their hearts out and doing everyone proud.
They played like demons, they played like angels, they played from memories upon their travels and of course they played each song as if their very life depended on their performances. At appropriate moments the audience sang along and at other times sat in contemplation of the tales of sadness and reflection.
The interval approached the bar sold out of some beer (what's new?) but soon the band were back on stage and it's always been a puzzle how Chas manages to wash and press his shirt and put it back on in pristine condition during a 20 minute interval and yet DL decides to go the whole hog and change everything in sight, except may be his trousers. Still the perfection shone through once again and after the tales of death and destruction, the second half turned into more of a dreamy world state until the introduction to the encore about the boy that set a sombre reflective mood for "The Hangman And The Papist which was superbly done.
The audience were charmed, the audience taken along, the journeys were sometimes short and yet there were also times when, they were sometimes, long. "Autumn" very quickly turned to winter as someone opened a door to enhance the effect and the freezing blast of air from outside complimented nicely the lightshow accompanying the show, creating a vision of Autumn turning in to a Winter long and all that afterglow.
But rather interestingly as the cold chill swept the audience during that song, there was an apparition of a man?? in a white shirt in the gap in the stage curtain, what he was doing there, no one knows, but he hung around a bit, then just seemed to part as quickly as he had appeared. Did he come in, from out in the cold, or was it just another sort of Ghost flitting in and out and taking in the magical music.
Oh how everyone wished the show would go on, but despite the rather unexpected treat of the choice of encore that was it it was all done, despite the audience remaining firmly seated and shouting for yet more
If ever you get chance, visit this venue, it's compelling - the history, the ambience and without doubt with the Strawbs tonight they certainly had playing second to none.