Part 1 - Swindon (15 Jan) to Haywards Heath (23 Jan)
Part 2 - Winchester (24 Jan) to Leek (31 Jan)
Part 3 - Hastings (1 Feb) to Birmingham (9 Feb)
Photos.
THE SWAN. LEEK, 31 JAN 2002
photo by Les Cotton
Our second gig of this Acoustic tour, in a medium size room run as a Folk Club, attached to the Swan pub in Leek, Staffs. After an 80 mile dash across country in horrendous weather, we arrived in Leek in time for a quick meal at the Tandoori round the corner, then back to the Swan, second row seats.
The lads took to the smallish stage around 8.30pm, cheered on by amongst others Dave from Nova Scotia, still here having had his flight home cancelled!! Quickfire between-songs quips continue...DC "Clapton showed me this riff...", DL "You should have listened then!" DC was most impressed when the bells on the town clock chimed loudly as they took the stage....The set followed the now standard pattern, excellent sound mix (in house equipment I think), marred only by occasional RF breakthrough from a foreign radio station (!). Hats off to Brian, lightning in-progress tuning during "You and I" as his Bass E string slipped drastically (2 second tune-up whilst still playing..)
The tightness and general togetherness of playing is now truly outstanding, these three are a super musical unit, both Daves sounding fantastic vocally. Standout tracks were "Ghosts" (an amazingly full sound for three acoustics, the hugeness only comes across live, DL in particular sounding enormous on the Washburn, drawing a genuine beam of approval from Dave C); "Flower and the Young Man", and of course, "Witchwood". Down By The Sea was very powerful too, both Daves hitting all the high notes without faltering. Set closer of Lay Down had stamping of feet and loud singing along throughout the capacity crowd, followed by "On My Way" as encore.
If you have yet to catch this tour, you are in for a treat.
photo by Les Cotton
GUILDHALL, GRANTHAM, 30 JAN 2002
Little things are rarely missed by songwriter Dave Cousins, a newspaper preview about Strawbs' acoustic tour had apparently described the band as having 30 decades in the music business, gave opportunity for an introduction to their concert at Grantham's Guildhall Arts Centre which took an almost full house on a trip through 'Strawb-Land', a journey through the band's remarkable 30 plus years history.
Stripped down to a three piece format, the acoustic Strawbs featured Dave Cousins, whose distinctive vocals have been a constant factor in the band's unique sound, accompanied by Dave Lambert whose electro-acoustic guitar sound blended superbly with Brian Willoughby's more acoustic guitar style.
The almost 'unplugged' format gave the group an excellent opportunity to perform songs which hadn't featured in their live shows before, and rework favourites of the band's electric sets, despite the relaxed approach to the concert the trio actually find the acoustic sets quite demanding, but rewarding!
Over the years Strawbs have built up a loyal band of fans, people who appreciate meaningful songs, strong melodies and fine musicianship, not surprisingly the comfortable concert hall was just about full by the time the show started!
For the opening song 'Benedictus' Cousins played an unusual electric dulcimer. The title song from Strawbs' 1971 album From The Witchwood followed, Witchwood being the name of a bungalow Cousins spotted in Weston Super Mare.
The stories behind the songs played gave a fascinating insight into the band's career, an early sortie into Europe resulted in the band arriving in Italy, whilst their instruments, tour equipment and roadies failed to materialise. Following this aberration, Cousins decided to travel with the tour entourage to ensure such problems did not occur again, during the journey through the alpine regions, they stopped near a bell tower by a beautiful lake, the scene inspired one of Strawbs' classic numbers 'Tears & Pavan'.
The three musicians first met around Richmond, in South London in the late 60's. This was an era when the White Bear Folk Club was the haunt of young people, when mini skirted girls added to the scenery in Richmond Park and children gathered tadpoles and tiddlers from the Minnehaha, a tributary of the Thames, these times inspired the song 'You and I When We Were Young.
Perhaps best remembered by most people for their song 'Part Of The Union', which hasn't been transposed into acoustic form, Strawbs' songs are both lyrically and musically powerful, none more so than 'The Hangman and The Papist' written by Cousins sometime after a visit to Belfast, where the band had an excellent time, yet in the weeks following many stories of the undercurrent of fear and violence emerged, and some 30 years later that country still lies in the whirlpool of terror where children are attacked on their way to school and postmen are killed whilst delivering letters. Against this bleak backdrop, the song which is perhaps Cousins' darkest work scythes its way into the heart, yet leaves that unanswerable question, will things ever change?
Not all songs performed during the evening's performance were written by Cousins, Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby also provide material for the acoustic show, Brian's offering 'Alice's Song' was written for his autistic niece, who when hearing that Strawbs were recording her song asked "Am I going to be famous?", ever the realist Brian said, "No!". Dave Cousins played the banjo for this song, and should ever this song deservedly reach a wider audience, perhaps one day Alice will be famous!
A New Year trip to Scotland and all the pubs in Fort William shut, a trip to Loch Shiel where a statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie stands inspired 'The Soldiers Tale', a song that shows Cousins' vocal abilities to full effect.
One of our favourite songs 'Ghosts' brought the first set to a close, another song inspired by Cousin's childhood memories about the fear of nightmares. This long song featured both Cousins and Lambert on vocals, and some intricate guitar work from Willoughby.
Appearing for the second half in different shirts, Cousins aptly attired in a blue shirt with strawberries on, the trio continued with 'A Glimpse Of Heaven' a song inspired by the beautiful village of Branscombe in Devon.
Like many in the audience, Dave Cousins could recall when the black avalanche of coal slurry blotted out many young lives in the Welsh village of Aberfan, 'Not All The Flowers Grow' is his touching tribute to the children and teachers who perished that day.
For 'Simple Visions', a song written following a day at Tatton Park, Cousins laid aside his acoustic guitar, allowing freedom of expression with his hands as well as words, Cousins is a visually impressive performer, even when sitting down as he and other members of the group do for this laid back acoustic show.
Introducing the Dave Lambert song 'Inside Your Hell Tonight' with a story of how he and Lambert saw Marlene Dietrich in a small New Orleans venue whilst on tour with the band in USA, and how that wonderful artist disappeared at intervals behind the black backdrop, Cousins left the stage allowing the spotlight to fall on Lambert & Willoughby solely, Lambert too is a fine vocalist.
A harrowing film about Sarajavo inspired the song 'There Will Come The Day', that expresses the hope that countries which have been torn asunder by war will one day be able to celebrate. Lambert's guitar playing on this song had an Eastern feel in places.
For the final song of the set Strawbs chose one of their best known songs, 'Lay Down' which was the band's first chart hit in 1972, Cousins thanked the audience for coming along and invited them to 'Sing along with Dave'.
We have noted on occasions people slipping away, whilst the crowd call for an encore, such was the rapt attention of the audience that no-one left at this point, the group duly returned, playing rather aptly 'On My Way' the first song the band ever recorded, back in 68, when Sandy Denny sung with the embryonic Strawberry Hill Boys who were to become one of Britain's most unique and enduring groups, Strawbs.
If you missed this excellent show, we understand that the trio will be appearing at several folk festivals over the coming months, including Otley in Yorkshire. There are also plans for the full band to tour later in the year.
There are some very perceptive people in Grantham, and I have to apologise for thinking badly of one of them last evening. I sat next to a couple who had obviously not seen the band for many years, and at half time heard the lady say - enjoying herself though she was - "Well, none of them are from the original line up are they?". "Madam", I thought (but in retrospect fortunately, did not say), "Get your facts straight".
Imagine my surprise after the show when in conversation with DC, I mentioned that I had first seen the band in 1973 and he revealed (no mention of said lady having been made) that he was not in the band at that time, but that his father was the singer in those days. Well, I stand corrected and will not make the same mistake again. However, now I understand why he seems so youthful, smooth of skin, and firm of fetlock . . . it's not him at all really, it's his boy!
Talking of boys, I took mine along too (and my girl). They are 16 and 12, and I think that the freshness of the songs and the relevance of the material shone through in their enjoyment of the show. My son is doing Northern Ireland at GCSE, and was fascinated by "The Hangman And The Papist", and my daughter has covered the Aberfan tragedy, and liked "Not All The Flowers Grow". They also loved "Witchwood" and "Ghosts", old favourites even among ones so young. (Interestingly they said they couldn't imagine any of the songs being played loud, which says a lot for the performance I think). My daughter was also particularly proud that her 1970s imitation spangly loons were admired by a genuine 1970s rock legend - Dave Lambert, you have a new admirer!
I thought that this was a magnificent performance, with this year's more gentle approach bringing out the real beauty and sensitivity in many of the songs. All very emotional I must say. The two Daves were in fine voice, and as my girlfriend (who has always accepted that she was born at least a decade too late on the music front) said, they complemented each other brilliantly. It was really nice to see DL and Brian playing so delicately together this year (but some more axe-jousting will be just great next year Chaps!). My only minor point of criticism was that Brian could have done with a teeny bit more volume here and there to bring out the best in the arrangements.
Highlights for me were "Simple Visions", which allowed DC some theatrics having deposited the guitar for a moment, and "Live Inside Your Hell Tonight", a brilliant song which has gone straight in at number one on my Personal Play List. My girlfriend loved "The Winter And The Summer" too. The new guitar tweaks at the end of "Down By The Sea" were excellent, and I think these would work really well in the Max Volume version.
After the show, we were able to chat to DL, and to DC. Even at 43 I was almost overwhelmed. My girlfriend said I had every appearance of a boy in a sweet shop with a £50 note, and to be honest that's exactly how I felt (although there was more than £50 in my pocket!). It was a real honour.
I got my Baroque & Roll autographed, and - a first I believe - endorsed with some original Willoughy artwork (a flower, and a young man). It's a great album - you should buy it. The changed format gives a different perspective to many of the old songs, and the new ones are just great. PS. DC says there's new material and a new project on the way . . . keep your fingers crossed, it sounds exciting!
Just got back from the Grantham Concert after a 180 mile round trip, but it was all very, very worth while. A small setting like the Guildhall was very intimate and it was just as though the three guys were playing just for me in my living room! The music was tremendous, the songs they had picked for this tour went well for the acoustic side of things. A very enjoyable night.
In the bar afterwards, Dave L. stated that the group planned two further tours this year. Was I dreaming this bit and had the events of the night sent me delirious or what? Honestly that is what I heard and came from Dave's own lips.
TRINITY THEATRE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, 29 JAN 2002
An exemplary visual setting for Strawbs music at the Trinity Theatre - a deconsecrated church in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, obviously a hive of local folk/roots activity to judge from the folk club flyers in the bar (which include an Acoustic Strawbs gig in nearby East Grinstead later in the year).
Raked seating in the high vaulted mainb body of the former church ensured excellent visibility all round. A comfortable stage with black cloths on three sides and the usual three stools and table for drinks, dulcimers and Dave Lambert's bewildering collection of guitar picks (which begs the question of where Brian puts his: suggestions - clean ones only please - on a virtual postcard ;-).
One criticism of the venue as a whole was that the auditorium was blisteringly hot, actually uncomfortably so, and (possibly to compensate) there was a noisy fan (mechanical not flesh and blood kind) clattering away in the roof, which was pretty audible during some of the quieter passages. Coupled with that, the mix occasionally left a bit to be desired: Dave C was audible in his louder moments, but from time to time it was apparently a strain to pick out the words when he sings in quiet, gentle mode if you weren't familiar with them, particularly where the instrumentation was complex in the background.
Highlights of the evening were a note-perfect rendition of "Tears And Pavan", the sweet tone of the banjo on "Alice's Song" (which just gets better and better - a colleague of mine seeing Strawbs for the first time commented that the song had made a particular impression), Dave Lambert in especially good voice on "Winter And The Summer". Dave Cousins' Marlene Dietrich impersonation comes on apace (I won't spoil the surprise) and the closing stages of the concert continue to develop in power and attack. My colleagues (hi David, Wendy, Nick) commented that the guitar interplay was particularly impressive throughout. "Simple Visions" is still for me one of the standout songs, and the "Down By The Sea" instrumental continues to develop - tonight's was particularly well executed.
MUSIC HALL, SHREWSBURY, 28 JAN 2002
My wife, daughter and I attended the Bury show, which we enjoyed so much that we also travelled to Shrewsbury a little over a week later. For the Shrewsbury show, the audience sat "cabaret style" which I was not initially sure would be the best way to listen to the band. However, if the Bury show was good, Shrewsbury was even better, the performance being note-perfect and the sound balance and acoustics being just right. I think that the Shrewsbury gig was the first Strawbs show that I've attended that has been entirely free from any problem, glitch or mistake! The sets for the two shows were identical. I was particularly impressed (on each occasion) to hear "The Soldier's Tale" which I could not have previously imagined being played acoustically. However, the song worked exceptionally well for me and I think it a great shame that it did not feature on Baroque & Roll, as it would have added an entirely different dimension to the album.
Just writing to say what a great evening we all had at the Music hall, Shrewsbury. We had travelled up from darkest Anglesey and boy was it worth the visit. Fantastic range of songs brilliantly performed. We met up with some friends from London who were equally impressed. None of us wanted the evening to end. We'll certainly be attending another evening when they pass close to our orbit again. Thanks for a great site... without it we would not have known about the tour venues. THANKS!
THEATRE BRYCHEINIOG, 27 JAN 2002
I just wanted to pass my thanks to the band for such a great time in Brecon last night. At long last I've seen a Strawbs line up on stage. By the way tell Dave Cousins not to worry about the two fluffed intros to 'The Hangman and the Papist'. I've waited 30 years to hear him perform it, a few more seconds didn't matter. Brilliant night, hope they'll play Mid Wales again someday.
THE MILL, BANBURY, 25 JAN 2002
'I had received my copy of 'Baroque and Roll' a month ago,so I knew things were going to be good--but that didn't quite prepare me for the brilliant show at Banbury.
I brought two friends who were sceptical about the evening ahead--they were very impressed are now Strawbs converts big style! The sound quality was superb,something which is ocassionally lost when the full band play small venues--and the standard of musicianship truly awesome. Highlights for me were "The Soldier's Tale" --breathtaking (for some reason, best known to myself - it managed to evoke both The Shadows and Neil Young!) and "The Hangman And The Papist" with some spine chilling percussive guitar work from Mr.Lambert! Strawbs fans will know that,on a good night, Dave Cousins' skill as a raconteur are unmatchable and he was on excellent form in Banbury, creating a gentle and moving ambience between songs. "The River/Down By The Sea" segue was also excellent with some memorable guitar work. The subdued audience finally woke up at the end, perhaps realising that they were at a 'gig' rather than a P.T.A. meeting!, and the lads returned for a well deserved encore,--"On My Way" from their very first recording - a well timed optimistic note to end a memorable evening of brilliant music!
The best yet! NO question. Apart from Dave C having to sneeze during "Glimpse Of Heaven" (which made Lambert and Willoughby chuckle somewhat) it was faultless.
Great to meet David Slichter at the Banbury gig. David is head brewer at a small brewery out in Nova Scotia and travelled over specially for the Winchester gig and the Banbury gig. He's loaned me a whole bunch of excellent photos he took at gigs in the mid 70s, including some excellent shots from the seminal Massey Hall, Toronto gig in 1975. I'll be posting these as soon as I can get them scanned and sorted - thanks David.
me (left), David Slichter right) - photo by Nick Evans, thanks Nick (and Bob - it's his camera)
Nice to see Lindsay and Christine for the first time this tour. Great relaxed chat in the bar after the show (The Mill is always a nice place to linger), with Dave, Dave and Brian looking forward to their one day off the next day.
This was our third concert, and the venue The Mill, Banbury. Last time we visited here the Strawbs were on with the full line up and the concert was great. This time The Acoustic Strawbs were on and what a superb evening we had. Dave C was in fine voice again and was very relaxed with the audience, and very humorous. We had the front row this time and the acoustics were tremendous.Afterwards in the bar which was open until 11-30 pm, met a nice chappie who had come over from Canada to see them. Mingled a bit, took some nice shots and then drove back to the Midlands. Looking forward to Worcs and B`Ham venues, may even go to Derby.....Louise, Bob, Nick, Lin.
THE TOWER, WINCHESTER, 24 JAN 2002
No mystery here, this is some of the audience prior to the Winchester gig. Having been in Swindon for the first night, this is the an ideal time to reflect on the tour so far.
Firstly, there does seem to be a good atmosphere around and being greeted with "sold out" signs on the Tower Arts centre gig guide in Winchester following a similar turnout in Swindon, is an indication of an eagerness to see the reworked, acoustic versions of many favourite songs. This tour, like most, has drawn in fans from far and wide including both San Diego and Nova Scotia already, to see the performances. At Winchester, the bonus of a 4th Strawb, albeit in the audience, of Tony Hooper made everyone wonder if we might just see an extra encore later. (not to be!).
The set list for both was exactly the same, although by Winchester, one or two variations had been worked into some of the songs, including DC leaving the stage during "Live Inside Your Hell", apparently drawing a comparison with a concert he saw by Marlene Dietrich. At Swindon, I think I remember that he played on the banjo during this number, but this is now just reserved for "Alice's Song".
Plenty of quality on display at both events, with hushed audiences listening intently to each song before breaking into rapturous applause. Although "Tears And Pavan" has never featured in my top 3 in this set, the performance at Winchester was stunningly, spot on and I don't think the version that night, could be bettered. A real highlight.
All in all two great nights, although it may have taken a couple of numbers to really get going in Swindon, the Band are providing some great entertainment. Thankfully, I already have plans for a couple more events prior to the end of the tour so another review may follow.
DC opens each evening with a story about a paper called the Swindon Evening Advertiser. Just to let him know, that I write, a monthly "off beat" article for the very same paper (not using my name). My submission for January, may set the record straight !!
Went to the concert last night. What can I say? The set list was the same as Swindon and others. Excellent concert in cozy surroundings (120-ish seats, all sold). All three in fine form. Very tasteful set of shirts....
Dave C is now confident with the words to "Alice's Song" and didn't refer to the back of his banjo. The banjo only got one outing. Earlier on the tour it had backed another song ("Live Inside Your Hell Tonight", I think)
One song was dedicated to Nova Scotia Dave who was in the audience playing a very good backup air guitar. He had come over especially for the concert. (Was this the only one, N S Dave?) Another song dedicated to another member of the audience - one Tony Hooper. I was hoping for a surprise additional voice somewhere in the concert, encore maybe, but no such luck.
I took a few pictures in the first half which I will offer to Dick for possible publication on StrawbsWeb. Couldn't take any in the second half because Mr Grumpy the theatre manager came out and warned us against taking any more.
photo from Roy LeMarechal - more photos from Roy
