OTLEY FOLK FESTIVAL, 21 SEP 2002
One of the best gigs I`ve seen recently. The atmosphere in the town was terrific and this set the scene for a memorable gig
After an eight month wait an opportunity presented itself to see the Acoustic Strawbs at the Otley Folk Festival. The band was booked to play two sessions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. On a beautiful autumn day we arrived to find the town alive with music. Nearly every pub had entertainment either inside or in courtyards. It was a great start to a great day.
The band was booked to appear at 4 pm at the local Methodist Chapel but we were advised to get there early to get a decent view. After three excellent folk bands the Acoustic Strawbs took to the stage and launched straight into an excellent rendition of "Benedictus". Dave`s voice filled the hall, Brian and Dave guitar playing was exceptional, and this set the stage for the whole first session. Amongst all the songs on a slightly shortened set list (see DG`S earlier review) "Autumn" stood out. On a perfect autumn day a perfect song. The first session seemed to end to quickly and we left the venue determined to get back early to get the best seats. Again, as we walked round the town the pubs were alive with music. So after a quick pint, a sandwich, and some informative "Strawbs gossip" we went back to the venue to queue for our seats.
Before the band returned for their second session we were treated to an excellent evening of superb folk music to wet the appetite for the "main event". The band played with renewed enthusiasm (the enforced break had certainly worked) and we were treated to the best AS gig I've seen. DC played and sang brilliantly, DL`s guitar playing was inspired, and BW`s playing was perfection. I got so engrossed with the music I forgot to list the set but I remember "New World","The River/Down by the Sea", "Lay Down" and for the first time for me "Flying". The encore was a real treat,"Hero And Heroine" played with such power it took my breath away and created a stunned silence then rapturous applause.
It was all over too soon. Unfortunately this is possibly the last time I`ll see the band this year, but I look forward to the new year and hopefully more gigs in the north. My wife and I met Alison on Saturday and I would like to thank her for her company and knowledgeable information about the band.
A brilliant day, a brilliant time, and a brilliant band, what more can I ask for.
For some of Alison's photos from Otley - see http://www7.brinkster.com/benedictus/
It was a glorious, warm and sunny day on my first visit to Otley (a small market town a few miles north of Leeds). After pitching my little tent, I walked the mile into town and found a pub with football on the telly and unaccompanied folk singing in the background. After a pint and a sandwich it was off to queue at the Methodist Church Hall for the 1:30 start of the first act. There was, of course, a big sign on the door saying "No alcohol" but the ladies in the kitchen did a sterling job with their tea, scones and pie & peas throughout the day.
After listening to two very good folk duos and the excellent trio, "Last Night's Fun" (guitar, pipes and concertina), the boys were on. A lovely, almost serene, opening "Benedictus" followed by a flawless "Tears And Pavan". "Ghosts" was marred by some painful feedback as soon as Dave L launched into his vocals - the only glitch of the day. And then came the star of the show, "Who Knows Where The Time Goes". I knew it was coming as I'd read the earlier reviews, but I wasn't prepared for how stunningly beautiful it was going to be - WOW! A must for the next Acoustic CD. The set was finished off with a very powerful and moving "New World".
Then it was off to sample some more of the wonderful musical atmosphere around the town. A quick pint or two and a bite to eat and it was time to head off back to the queue at the hall.
Front row seats this time and the evening opened with a folk trio followed by the absolutely fantastic Vin Garbutt (a Middlesbrough lad, no less!). He had us all joining in choruses and had us in stitches with his jokes, not to mention his excellent singing as well.
The second set was of the same high standard as we've come to expect, though spoilt a little by a press photographer clicking noisily throughout the quiet bits on "Autumn", "You And I" and "Alice's Song". The opening of "Autumn" has improved since I last heard it, though are still a few silences when Dave L starts doing his seagulls bit. "Flying" is definitely the better for being more up tempo and Dave C looks more comfortable on the banjo. I could to listen to the acoustic version of "The River/Down By The Sea" all day long, it's just so good and it seems to get better every time I hear it live and this performance was no exception - brilliant. I don't know whether anyone else noticed, but Dave L made sure that the "Guinness" side of his bodhran was respectfully facing the back wall all evening - even when he was playing it! And to finish "Hero And Heroine" - the perfect encore song.
Luckily the band decided to have a couple of drinks in the pub over the road before heading for the hotel and I tagged along (thanks guys) otherwise I'd have an early, sober night. Then it was back to the campsite on the thoughtfully provided bus and a night spent mostly in the car after my airbed decided to spring a leak - the only let down of a grand day out.
It's a good job I'm going to Beverley as I still haven't heard the new versions of "Lemon Pie" and "The Ten Commandments" ;o)
And I must say a BIG thank you to Ian and Sandra for providing splendid company throughout the day and sharing their "emergency butties" with me!
Photo by Dick Greener
ASSEMBLY ROOMS, TAMWORTH, 20 SEP 2002
Felt like posting about this gig as soon as I got near a PC - yes it was that good !.....but as I was on my way from London to Walsall (where my girlfriend lives) and then on my way to Liverpool to see the baggies play (West Bromwich Albion), I have had to wait till Sunday afternoon to complile my thoughts. I can see some fellow Witchwooders have already indicated what a special evening of music we all witnessed.
Frankly I don't quite know what to say initially, except that it was close to being sensational, and that the way things are shaping up, the fans and their friends in North America and Canada are in for a real treat when the boys make it across the pond. This acoustic act goes from strength to strength - although I would use the term acoustic sparingly given the amazing power and intracacies these talented musicians are capable of conjuring up - and the playing and singing is now matching, if not exceeding, anything they produced in the pomp of earlier years. I had some reservations on the set (see below), but overall seeing this level of musical brilliance for a tenner is a complete steal.
First off the sound mix was top-drawer and I heard every note and word, even in the muti-layers of voice and guitar that frequently surround you. I found Dave Cousins in mixed form strangely enough - at times he was quite awesome, breathtaking (e.g. "Tears And Pavan"; "New World") and at other times a little more hesitant perhaps and strangely muffled (e.g. "Alice's Song "). I think I finally decided on Friday night, that if I was to be asked for one song alone that epitomised DC's unique voice it would have to be the "Tears" section from T&P - "I smell your love on me" resonated peerlessly into every brick and body on the night. I might have to be a lone (?) modestly dissenting voice on the inclusion of "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" into the set - as interesting an inclusion as it was. For such a lyrically simple - from the heart - song, I found the long introduction a little tedious and a tad pretentious, and as has already been noted, you'd hardly know what song was coming next !! The guitar arrangement wrapped around the lyrics I found delightful, but as much as I appreciated that DC was trying to do something different from Sandy Denny in the vocal arrangement, one yearned to hear the original. Maybe it will grow on me, but I think of all songs this is her's alone - perhaps the trio could work on their own variation of "Ringing Down The Years" instead ?
I don't think I will ever tire of listening to "New World" - it's such a great and powerful song but there is no doubt that September 11th has breathed some extraordinary new life and relevance into it. On the night this was delivered with stunning power and spirituality - as DC spat out the venomous "were you the coward who fired the last shot?" you could sense the audience's insides being twisted inside-out. I think even regular attenders of Strawbs concerts and the lads themselves seemed stunned at what they had achieved at the closing riff - if DC hadn't said thanks and finally walked off the stage, I think we would still have been applauding now.......and that was only half-time !! What a USA audience will make of this in it's current rebirth is a mouthwatering prospect.
I select just a few highlights from the second set. "Autumn" was simply sublime and the final "Winter Long" section utterly heartbreaking. Brian ,as ever , was wonderful throughout, but there is no doubting that Dave Lambert is in a 'second coming' at present, both with guitar and voice he is in the richest vein of form. "You And I When We Were Young" is being performed with such sensitivity and delicacy of arrangement and phrasing at present, that it too almost brings the tears to your eyes. "The River/Down By The Sea" couplet has long since reached the zenith of musical brilliance, and it shows no signs of waning - just close your eyes at the incredible triple guitar climax and feel yourself drowning as wave upon wave of sound crashes all around you - down by the sea indeed - if you've had a few failed relationships in your time you can relive them at the same time as well !
"Flying" has vastly benefited by the increase in tempo and the Irish jig reworking of "Hero And Heroine" is now proving to be inspired. Its increasingly defined rhythm now invites (and got) audience participation and makes for an excellent closing encore song - in all the euphoria I had the impression that DC lost the last verse for a repeat of the second, but I was beyond caring as it had been such an extraordinary evening .
What more can I say ? If you have anyone who claims to be remotely interested in musicianship of the highest order then catch this extraordinary trio while you can - as I said if you can think of a better way of spending a tenner please let me know !!
Photo by Dick Greener
Excellent gig, and very enthusiastic audience.
The bad bit: they had to cut short their set by four songs at the request of the venue. Omitted were "Witchwood" (sad), "On My Way" (can live without it), "Ten Commandments" (very sad) and "Simple Visions" (Heartbroken). Also no copies of Hummingbird at the merchandising stall. Also rather tame shirts from DC.
The good bit: all the rest of the set (as Dick described previously).
"New World" ending the first set was played with venom by DL, and sung poignantly by DC. At the end of "New World" a very strange thing happened. Normally it's a case of "half time: get to the bar quick". 2 or 3 people started to move, but no one else did, and those who had set off stopped. Many people were standing, and the ovation was just like waiting for the encore. The chaps waited until the applause subsided, obviously aware that this was different somehow. When it finally finished, DC moved to the mike, obviously with something moving and profound to say. "Thanks" he said in a very half hearted manner which was extremly funny.
The highlights for me: "New World", "Autumn", "Down By The Sea", "Hero And Heroine" - I'd heard a recording of the acoustic H&H which I didn't really understand. But hearing it live it really worked: awesome.
I always underestimate the contribution of BW, because my eye tends to follow the "axeman antics" of DL. I made a special point of watching BW for some of the set, and very worthwhile it was. These are three guys who are blending really well, and seem to be having a great time.
Holly (my 10 year old daughter for those of you not keeping up) enjoyed it. She did "Cute" at the end, and got the autographs of the chaps. She also got a bit of DC's sarnie on the poster too: truly a relic to venerate. BTW when returning to the car, we passed a chap who keeled over on the floor. Holly commented that he must have been tired!
Nice to meet up with a few Witchwooders (hi Adie).
What a brilliant night - after seeing Strawbs and Acoustic Strawbs over the past 30 years you can still be guaranteed an impressive performance
Standing ovations at the end of a first set are not often seen but were well deserved in this case. I did not have a 10 year old cute so had to get their autographs myself - it's only taken me 30 years and my other half edging me on - go on he's by the bar - to build up the courage to approach such a famous group of people. The only other famous autographs I have deep in the depths of either the attic or the cupboard under the stairs where not even the bravest will venture is ----the Baron Knights - how's that for a confession! (I didn't get them myself) DC signed the booklet of my just purchased copy of Baroque And Roll and passed it me back - I then had to remind him that I would like the CD too!
PHoto from Dick Greener
We went to see the Strawbs last night at The Assembly Rooms in Tamworth along with friends Nick and Lin. There were around 200 there. All of their concerts have been wonderful, but this one seemed special - everything went right for them, no blips. The acoustics were tremendous, Dave C seemed very relaxed there, and the audience loved them. "New World" got a standing ovation, "Down By The Sea" was better than ever,"The Winter Long" [one of my favourites] was done superbly and "Hero And Heroine", the best version we`ve heard so far this year. The applause went on forever at the end of the show.
It was Brian's birthday on that day so we and the audience sang a wonderful rendition of Happy Birthday and Brian gave a bow. As it was Bob's birthday also the day before, The Strawbs and ourselves all went out for a meal after the show. Had a great time and a good laugh with them [what nice guys] and arrived home at 4-00 am ,what a great night to remember.
BROOK THEATRE, CHATHAM, 19 SEP 2002
Photo by Dick Greener
I've always gone to see Dave Cousins rather than the Strawbs and prefer the select small group to the whole band. I expect this is because I like to hear the lyrics which is not always possible. No trouble tonight though! A great sound system where you could hear every word.
Strange place this. Cabaret style tables with white tablecloths, a bit lacking in atmosphere as the audience were spread out. In the 80's Dave C. and Brian used to perform about a mile from here at the Bull Inn in Rochester. They were crowded affairs and the yardstick I use to compare performances. They were exciting and superb. These days, the acoustic gigs are a little more subdued.
Having said that the lads were in top form. Opening again with "Benedictus", they went quickly into "Witchwood" and "Tears And Pavan". Dave was being witty and the band were obviously enjoying themselves. It took the audience a while to warm up but they did eventually. "Ghosts" followed with Dave L. in good voice. His guitar work is marvellous and he plays and sings with terrific passion. It was nice to hear "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" done live, followed by a superb version of their first ever recording, "On My Way". They played a long first set and finished with "New World". This is a favourite of mine although I think the impact is lessened when they're sitting down to play. As I heard Perry Como once say "The voice is fine. It's the legs that go first".
Photo by Dick Greener
The show had the same running order as Basingstoke, and some of the highlights of the second half were "Lemon Pie", "Alice's Song" (a great addition to the set), "You And I When We Were Young". They could have left out "Flying", which is not one of Dave's best. [We'll have to agree to differ strongly there John - I love it !! - DG.]
Dave L. contributed "The Ten Commandments" which is ok but I would have preferred "Live Inside Your Hell Tonight", which is a classic song and should be a big hit for someone someday. They finished with "Lay Down" and "Hero And Heroine". All in all a great night out and I've already booked for Maidstone in January 2003.
Photo by Dick Greener
CIVIC THEATRE, CHELMSFORD, 18 SEP 2002
Another good gig last night at Chelmsford's Civic Theatre (nice venue). Particularly good performances of "Autumn" - much tighter and more together than at Basingstoke, and "Flying" which was near perfect. "On My Way" had even more bounce than usual and DC threw himself heart and soul into his impressive acoustic solo; truly his Strawb guitar wizard colleagues have learnt at the feet of the master
The sound generally was very good, probably one ofthe better shopws I've seen, despite failing to capture DL's vocals at all on "Benedictus" - if I'm being ultra critical, DC vocals were possibly a bit quiet on some occasions - you need to ride those faders with Dave, guys, as sometimes he's noisy and powerful, sometimes he's quiet and gentle.
Cousins in fine chatting mood, making great play of a slip of the tongue "thrubbing hob" instead of "throbbing hub", which recurred throughout the evening. He incorporated a new joke into the act which I won't spoil. Apparently the previous night he'd corpsed both his colleagues to the extent that they couldn't play a song, and had the audience in complete hysterics.
The crowd, sitting theatre-style rather than club style as at Basingstoke, was larger but through most of the performance much more restrained. But the applause for "Lay Down" was longer and more lively and Cousins finally poked his head out from behind the curtain and them back onstage for the stunning encore "Hero And Heroine".
Photo by Dick Greener
CENTRAL STUDIO, BASINGSTOKE, 14 SEP 2002
Finding Central Studio in Basingstoke (or rather the difficulty of doing so) was a common topic of conversation in the bar at the interval - I got there a minute before doors and settled next to Nigel Bennett, who'd seen the boys the previous night at South Petherton and he was quickly sworn to secrecy about what was coming. A nice place for a concert, the Studio is quite small (200 max ?) but was pretty full and those who'd managed to find the venue were treated to an excellent entertainment, to which they responded with loud and sustained applause and heartfelt enthusiasm - "fantastic music" I heard one chap comment in the loos (the truth will always come out in there!). All in all, one of the most appreciative audiences I've heard for a long time.
First to the new material this time round - and the big surprise! Dave has never sung "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" in public before last night's gig in South Petherton - it was very much Sandy's song that she brought to the group for their brief time together, and as Dave recalls, they first recorded it together on Dave's tape recorder in his front room in Hounslow - he's looking for the tape, Fairport fans ....! After several sherbets all round at a seriously late-night end of tour party in Birmingham last year, Dave had mentioned to me that he'd like to try this one and it's nice to see what I could have written off as a drunken mis-memory come to pass.
I didn't know this was coming though, having avoided reading e-mail yesterday so that the surprises in the set would be just that (nice feeling!). The opening instrumental section is clever, though it didn't ring any bells for me and I didn't guess until the vocals kicked in. Brian now has an eBow like Lambert's and the two create a sonic wail against which Cousins' acoustic guitar figure starts up; the eBows then pick up a quasi-electric lead for the remainder of the intro. Then the three circle round each other for a pretty acoustic instrumental section, which repeats partly between verses. Cousins' vocal is a little hesitant and vulnerable, entirely in keeping with the song - he is still finding it a very emotional song to sing, one of the few he's sung live not written by him and a song with a great deal of memories for him. His voice gathers in strength as the song builds, finishing with a return to the instrumental. A sustained burst of applause for this one.
It's early days for this one, but once they all become comfortable with it, it'll probably be THE talking point of this tour and stimulate a "Fairport's is best, No, Sandy's is best, ah no Dave's is best" thread on several discussion groups simultaneously.
The return of "New World" to the set is very welcome indeed. Lambert brings the riffs and flourishes he used to contribute via the black Les Paul electric to the acoustic environment, and the whole thing rocks along most convincingly, with Cousins in fine voice over it all. Powerful end to the first half - almost don't miss the keyboards on this - portable mellotron anyone ?
Opening the second set, the three acoustic guitarists do their magic on "Lemon Pie", Cousins taking the central riff, Lambert starting on slide. The whole thing works remarkably well, with Lambert and Cousins' chorus vocals strong enough to replicate the massed ranks of Choir Strawbs circa '74/75. A joy to play, said Lambert afterwards, reflecting that it had stayed in the band set pretty much from its release to the band's disbanding in 1980.
And the Dave L "song" switches back to "The Ten Commandments", last seen on the electric 2001 tour. Very good - wouldn't mind hearing a new one or another Lambert classic from the past: "Just Love" would sound good with two guitars ?
A few changes too, to the tempo of some of the existing set: "Flying" now cracks along at a faster pace (Dave confided it was easier to play on the banjo at that speed, apparently). There's been a bit of attention to the instrumentals in "Flower", with more of the powerful rhythm coming through from Lambert's strumming, a positive change. "Benedictus" returns to the opening slot, these days without the fuzz box solo, but with a gentle acoustic dulcimer version of it (these are after all the *Acoustic* Strawbs). No real changes to "Witchwood" or "Glimpse Of Heaven" and "On My Way", following "Who Knows" is rocked up and bouncy as ever. "You And I", removed from first to second set, though excellent takes the temperature down a bit here after "Simple Visions" - might be worth bringing "You And I" up the setlist a bit. The tour de force "River/Down By The Sea", powerful as ever. "Lay Down" featured some particularly excellent acoustic lead from Lambert, an almost note perfect solo from the single. And the acoustic bodhran-led "Hero And Heroine" is a perfect encore, with a stunningly abrupt ending (if Dave L could swing the microphone from bodhran level to head-level after he's finished with the hand drum and do the throwaway "fly" as in "spread her wings to ..." as well, it'd be perfect).
Out of the set for now - "Golden Salamander", "Evergreen", "Hangman and the Papist", "Live Inside Your Hell Tonight".
The feel of the show is very relaxed and humorous - Dave did his usual Marlene Dietrich exit to leave the stage clear for Brian and Dave L's duet on "Ten Commandments" - promising to return looking completely different. He did, with a startling black curly wig he found backstage, looking more or less like Bonnie Prince Charlie. "What ? What ?" he kept saying looking around in bewilderment, "what's wrong ?" Given Dave's new look, a burst of the Soldier's Tale would have been appropriate, instead into "Simple Visions", with Lambert still chuckling at the "simple vision" just experienced.
A long trip for me (NE London to the South West ain't too clever) - didn't get back till nearly 2.00am - but well worth the travelling for an excellent gig and only two nights in. By the end of the tour the new numbers will have bedded in as Acoustic Strawbs "classics".
Nice to see some Strawbs regulars there - Kevin West & Jan Coppock, Nigel Bennett, Roy Le Marechal and family, Al Quartermain.
Photo by Dick Greener
DAVID HALL ARTS, SOUTH PETHERTON, 13 SEP 2002
South Petherton is a small village set in the heart of Somerset and driving into the village a perfect intro for "Autumn" as the huge red sun began sinking low, to set over the horizon. The venue was an arts centre in a de-consecrated methodist chapel. The "stage" was set under an arch that carried the inscription "draw nigh to god and he will draw nigh to you".
The event had sold out and at the last minute an extra row of seats had to be added. An audience of around 150 settled down to enjoy a spectacular evening. On taking my seat I was greeted by Louise Richardson, who had recognised my face from the Pwlllheli night. (Hello Louise)
Opening with "Benedictus", Dave C was a little premature starting his vocals, with a little mirth on stage, corrected and carried on to deliver from then an impeccable rendition. As it finished he put it down to enthusiasm and first night nerves !
It was not long before we realised this was to be a special evening, applause, generous and well meant initially, began to prolong as the night progressed and was to delay the intros to many songs. The band reacted with almost embarrassed but knowing and satisfied smiles at each other, as the the level of appreciation increased.
For long term followers of the band, even exceptional performances, can sometimes slip into the mists of time. Now and again something will happen that leaves an indelible impression and one that will be carried forever. This evening will be remembered for one of those occasions. Links or opening chords give away what is coming next, but not tonight, a fresh intro, a 2 ebow duet from Brian and DL, an incredible sound emanating from the acoustics, leading into, for the very first time, "Who Knows Where The Time Goes". This was clearly a moment of highly charged emotion going back over many years. Words were sung, but seemingly didn't always come out. Looking at DC as the song finished it was not hard to imagine how he felt, as the heel of his hand rubbed each eye in turn.
Not new, but a reappearance of "New World". A brief introduction by DC, then the band immediately launched into the song. Superb timing, of the start, bettered only by Cousins vocals, at their spiteful and spinechilling best. I cannot remember a more aggressive performance of this song in recent times. DL played the rolling John Ford bass line impeccably.
"Lemon Pie", at the start of the second set, helped to bring a freshness to the night and there was a fantastic reception for "Alice's Song", (mirrored in Basingstoke the following night). The audience were clearly in listening mood with that oh so special silence during the quite parts of "Autumn", "Tears And Pavan" and "You And I", showing great appreciation of the performance.
Once we reach "The River/ Down By The Sea" with the climatic guitar solos, both Brian and DL bending strings a plenty, you know the evening is drawing to a close. "Lay Down" followed by the fabulous encore of "Hero And Heroine" and the reception it received made me wonder if there would, unusually, be a second encore. It was not to be, but who cared. This was a special night, one that took the "acoustic band" to another level. With an unusually short trip home, plenty of time to prepare for the trip to Basingstoke next day.
Photo by Dick Greener
South Petherton is a really attractive litle village in deepest Somerset. It was the scene for the emotionally charged first public performance of "Who Knows Where The Time Goes". As a converted church, this was a very suitable venue for such a dramatic event.
We arrived in ample time to find the small bar in the foyer crowded. Edging through the crowd we arrived at the bar and, lo, there was a barrel of Teignworthy Reel Ale. So, real ale straight from the cask was too good to miss. Armed with a pint of nectar each, we made our way into the small church. After a decent interval the lads took the stage. The first shock was that Dave Cousins was wearing a white shirt. Not a flower in sight! Dave started by saying that, in over thirty years he thought the Strawbs had visited everywhere, but this was the first time in South Petherton. He thanked the landlord of the local pub for supplying a marvellous pint of pipecleaner which he called cider. Clearly, Dave wasn't familiar with Somerset scrumpy! Should have had the Teignworthy....
Straight off into a super version of "Benedictus", the sound soaring within the former church. However, Dave started the vocal too early causing Dave Lambert to start. At the end of the song Lambert said "I thought you were singing a new one for a moment."
Dick Greener has given the setlist for Basingstoke, it was the same at South Petherton. The highlights, apart from "Who Knows Where the Time Goes", included a superb rendition of "Autumn" and "The Winter Long". I have always enjoyed the latter; Dave Lambert's vocal has always given me one of those spine-tingling frissons of pleasure. And, by Gosh, he achieved it live.
The marvellous interplay of guitars on "Ghosts" has to be heard to be believed. All three generate an impressive wall of sound, helped by the semi-dome under which they were performing. "Flying" was well done. Nice to hear it after all these years.
Dave Lambert's "Ten Commandments" provided an interesting contrast with its bluesy feel - Brian Willoughby provided excellent support while Dave had his Marlene moment. "Alice's Song" was beautifully performed. Dave no longer seems to need to have the words taped to the floor!
And "Lay Down" was great. This is a surprise; I've heard them play it many times in the 1980s and 90s but have always found it a disappointment live. However, the missing ingredient seems to be Dave Lambert. His full-on guitar playing and backing vocals are clearly indispensable because this was a thrilling version.
So, back to "Who Knows Where The Time Goes". This was a dramatic moment. I think that there were many people in the audience who had not seen the Strawbs before. I wonder what they thought of this? The singer suddenly struck dumb, able only to whisper and croak the words. As soon as Cousins' voice broke, Dave Lambert shot him a concerned, almost loving look. Of course, he knew what this meant. All the Strawbs fans in the audience knew too. We were willing Dave to find his voice again, and he finally did. At the end he wiped the tears from his eyes and said "that is the first time I have ever sung that song in public. It means a great deal to me..." Indeed it does.
What else?.......The eBows produce a wierd, wailing, synthesiser-like sound. I thought it was great, but my wife called it a screeching row afterwards! Following the interval Dave changed into a checked blue shirt and Brian emerged in a white shirt which Dave claimed was his. Oh, and I bought Hummingbird too. And the Chiswick DVD - all I need now is a DVD player!
The concert was ecstatically received by an audience of about 120 people, filling the little church. The lads seemed taken aback by the enthusiasm! Acoustic Strawbs is proving to be a highly successful concept - if only they can make more people aware of themselves they could go on to bigger venues and greater record sales!
As I said before, you guys in North America have a real treat coming your way..... Thank you to Dave, Dave and Brian. You are truly great musicians.
To Neil, Nigel and Dick: Thanks for leading me to the South Petherton reviews. Very well written! I had forgotten about the false start on "Benedictus" and the double ebow lead-in on "Who Knows Where The Time Goes". I am getting old, you know, and sometimes the memory falters. The South Petherton show was special to me in many ways, and I shall never forget it.
Spending the evening with Bob and Lou and renewing my acquaintance with Nigel were high points. The set list was strong and contained many surprises mentioned in the reviews. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have a job that takes me to England several times a year and gives me the opportunity, not only to see many of my favorite bands in concert, but to spend time with the band members and get to know them a little more personally. (This was my 6th Strawbs show in the past two years, 3 electric and now, three acoustic).
But the Strawbs Concert Experience is more than just the band and the music. It is also a familial experience, like a reunion or homecoming. A chance to meet up with people from Witchwood, or fans from the local environs, all of whom have a love of the Strawbs and the music in common. I hope to see you all again soon. Maybe when the Strawbs come to San Diego.
Wow! I've witnessed an historic event at South Petherton. Dave sang, for the first time in public, Who Knows Where the Time Goes. It was such an emotional thing for him (and for many in the audience) that his voice couldn't cope - he opened his mouth but only got out "Across the purple sky...." before it cracked into an almost inaudible whisper. He didn't recover until almost the end. No doubt they will get this right at the next concert, they should certainly keep it in the act, but...wow.... what a spine tingling moment.... such a tribute to the lady who died so long ago but who has such a place in a great man's heart.....
As one who is lucky enough to live in South Petherton I appreciate the compliments from both Neil Punnett and Dave on the night about my home village. I am new (as of yesterday) to Witchwood and delighted to find the list and those who share one of my passions in music. I have loved the Strawbs sound since my sister, back from uni played me "Just a collection…" back in about 1971. Despite efforts I was not to see them live until last year at the Phoenix in Exeter with a blistering set. Every second a treasure.
Imagine my surprise and astonishment that they should be playing 200 metres from my door! What a night. Great songs, great performance and great audience. What's more, I am told by the organisers that the guys liked it here and would like to come back next year!! I will raise a pint of Teignworthy to that!!
"Wonderful venue, great atmosphere and acoustics, and very nice people working at front of house and bar etc…."
"Absolutely fantastic!! A lifetime's ambition achieved for me!!…"
"BRILL!!…"
"Gets better with the years…"
"Hey man, this is a blast from the past…"
"A diamond gig…" (Plymouth)
"Great evening – what memories!…"
"Excellent evening…"
"A brilliant performance by a consummate group of musicians. Excellent!…"
"Exciting – fabulous…"
"Superb event, excellent venue – please keep this centre going…" (Bristol)
"A great evening's entertainment – thanks…"
"Fantastic group – fantastic venue. Will be here again soon…" (Devon)
"I came from San Diego – great hospitality! Thanks to the staff and the band. Great venue, great lodgings (the Sheridans) and a great show…"