Early May - reviews and pictures from the first half of May.
Late May - reviews and pictures from the closing stages of the April/May tour.
For an article in the Toronto Star, click here. Thanks to Doug Le Blanc for passing this on.
Benedictus
Witchwood
Tears And Pavan
Ghosts
Who Knows Where The Time Goes
A Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower And The Young Man
Alice's Song
Flying
New World
Simple Visions
Autumn
You And I
On A Night Like This
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
The River/Down By The Sea
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
JOHNNY D'S, BOSTON MA, 29 APR 2003
I would guess close to 100 people saw Strawbs last night at Johnny D's, a great little pub and restaurant in Somerville, just a few miles from Boston. The crowd seemed to be a mixture of the faithful and the curious. Some seemed on the youngish side which was encouraging. Also, the numbers at the end were pretty comparable to those at the beginning. Two from my group could not make it, so two other people sat down at our table. They were Camel fans (good taste is good taste) and had been encouraged to check out Strawbs for several years and I think I can say the boys have picked up at least a couple of new fans.
The concert: possibly the best performance I have seen by any rendition of the band. First the obviously superior songwriting and attention to detail that becomes so evident in a bar setting where one's expectations tend to be lower. Second, consider that the Strawbs have moved from bluegrass to folk to folk rock to progressive folk rock to progressive pop rock now to acoustic progressive rock, absorbing myriad influences and moods along the way. No simple acoustic group could have conceived epics like the ones we were treated to last night. To hear the plodding of "Heroine's Theme", the central riff of "Round And Round", the crashing chords of "New World", or the jig like melody of "Hero And Heroine" is to hear songs that have come full circle and are forever changed and 150% of what they were when they to begin with. And Cousins voice was in fine form, emoting succinctly without going over the top. The sound was pristine yet weathered.
If that wasn't enough, the stories told by Dave Cousins were so endearing and human, however rehearsed they may be. Dave Lambert put on a classy performance and Brian Willoughby held his own in spite of an injury to a finger caused by an overzealous handshake some months ago. Perhaps the "timeless tastefulness" (from an old Rolling Stone magazine quote) of the group is best summed up by the fact that they did not even announce that CDs were available for purchase. I know several people who left without one who would have been in line if they knew.
I managed to purchase Blue Angel for myself and B&R for a friend, exchanging short conversations with Dave C and Brian, both of whom were genuinely caring. Dave even signs "Love".
I had first seen Dave Cousins and Brian Willoughby at Johnny-D's back in '94 when they were touring under their own names. I am happy to say that their splendid return with Dave Lambert as "Acoustic Strawbs" more than lived up to its billing!
Throughout the evening a roomful of 100 plus Strawbs fans were treated to many great endearing Strawbs chesnuts, many of which may have come as a surprise. The three bards started the first set with "Benedictus", then played "Witchwood" and then "Tears and Pavan". Right away I knew it was going to be a special night. After many of the songs Dave C. went into storytelling mode, giving the next song some background history and insight as to how the song was conceived. I never would have known otherwise that "Ghosts" was inspired by a needle shaped monument in Indianapolis (of all places!) and that "New World" was written as a reflection of what the band saw on their first return to Northern Ireland after the troubles started. They also paid tribute to Sandy Denny with a heartfelt retelling of "Who Knows Where The Time Goes".
The second set brought more unexpected great songs like "Autumn", "A Glimpse of Heaven", "The Flower and The Young Man", "Out In The Cold", "Round and Round" and many others that I never thought I would ever hear live. In fact, the only repeat song that they played from the last time I had seen Dave and Brian was "Grace Darling". How many other bands can you name with such variety? They closed the second set with a rousing "folk dance" treatment of "Hero & Heroine, which I thought was very original. Great show, (Strawberry Hill) boys! Please come back to Boston soon!
BLACKTHORNE TAVERN, SOUTH EASTON MA, 28 APR 2003
My wife and I were fortunate enough to see the "Acoustic" tour of Dave, Dave, and Brian last evening in Easton MA. at the Blackthorne Tavern. The show was superb. Hearing many of the songs I had only heard with a full band done acoustically in a venue which seats 125 people (about 75 or so were actually there) was a new experience for us.
Each song brought back memories of the "seventies" when I saw The Strawbs on the first concert of a tour in 1975 (I think) in Providence RI. They were the first band in a strange three band billing with Blue Oyster Cult and Rod Stewart. I also saw the last concert of this tour in Boston where The Stawbs were the first band on stage before ZZ Top, another strange pair of "bedfellows". The show in Boston had at least two encores and they blew the place away. Many people including myself left after their gig.
The show in Easton last night was just plain fantastic. The sound was decent and the venue so small that everyone could make eye contact with the band as they scanned the room during a song. Since we arrived 2 1/2 hours early to have dinner before the show, we had great seats and I really enjoyed watching the band set up and do a sound check. I was then able to meet both Dave's and talk to them in person, a feat impossible in the seventies. I also was able to wish Brian good luck as we happened to be in the tiny men's room just before they went on stage. For any who were there, I was the short red headed chubby guy in the center at the railing on the elevated (about a foot) level mouthing the words to almost every song. The only problem was that I can't carry a tune and love to sing along with all the words. You can get away with this at a normal (i.e. loud) rock concert but here I had to lip sync very quietly as the place was so quiet during each song you could here a pin drop. Only at the FULL conclusion of each song would the place erupt in applause. The crowd was obviously all long term fans and had a wonderful appreciation of the quiet required for a good acoustic set to be performed.
It's now about thirteen or so hours after the show and I am still wound up and humming words from last night. I am also getting long winded so I'll sign off now. For any contemplating seeing them tonight(?) at Johnny D's or in Northampton or anywhere for that matter, JUST DO IT!!! They were and are great!
I saw the Strawbs at the Blackthorne Tavern and at the Iron Horse. I've been listening to them for 25 years and have waited my whole life for this. This is something I will never forget. Not only to see them perform all those great songs live but to meet them (all were very gracious ). I asked DC to sign my Hero And Heroine album and he stated that he thinks it is a beautiful album cover. I agreed and then asked him about some of the other creative album covers. I asked if he knew who the person was on the cover of the strawbs album "Ghosts"? He said "No, it was a ghost". From this statement and from his stories on the stage I quickly realized that DC has a great sense of humor and I was able to see a glimpse into the genius who gave us all these great songs.
I don't have much more to say that the other reviews didn't already say. one more thing, to see that the seagull or bird sound at the beginning of the song "Autumn" was actually played on the guitar by Dave Lambert and not a sound effect blew me away. I've played guitar for years and didn't know that sound could be made on the guitar. Both nights were magical and I'm thinking of seeing them for a third night in Connecticut.
I had the great honor of seeing The Strawbs in S Easton on Monday. It was quite a thrill for me. I had been waiting years to see them and they did not disaappoint! The show started with "Benedictus" - I love this song because of why Dave wrote it; I think it shows the character of a great man to write something like that. He could've written, "Damn you Rick!" but instead he penned, "Bless all those who cause us pain".
Following the opening, the show was a non-stop tour-de-force of great music and great stories. In true Strawbs magical form that April night was filled with Autumn, Tears, Flowers, a River, a Sea, a Hangman and Papist, Ghosts ... all led by three 'Heroes'.
The highlight of the evening for me was when I was able to not only meet Dave but also thank him for his sacrifices over the years (including, at times, his health) to bring us such great music! It was a great night!
LONDON CONVENTION CENTER, ONTARIO, CANADA, 26 APR 2003
I was at the London gig last night, and had a wonderful time. Again, I got to meet the lads after the show and they posed for a picture with me. The pictures I took of the concert itself I will also send off to the illustrious, industrious Dick, to use as he sees fit. [DG - done deal.]
The crowd was not as raucous as on Wednesday night, and there were a few empty seats, including one next to my wife in the front row. Dave Cousins looked better on Saturday (he looked tired for the first Toronto gig), but Mr. Lambert, as cheerful and smiling as ever, sounded a touch the worse for wear...must be those roll-your-own ciggies he smokes.
I had a chance to speak to the promoter before the gig...a wonderfully nice guy called Ian Davies, and the sound guy (Mark), and they were up for this show like few others. I warned Mark to expect a bit of a workout, and he must have got one...a couple of times Brian gave him a good glaring during the show. However, for an all-volunteer crew, they did an outstanding job. They also let me get my seat an hour before the doors opened, and Mark even provided power for me to plug my camcorder into.
As I was leaving, the lads arrived, and Neil mentioned that the Friday show at Hugh's Room was 'bedlam', sounds like "Nova Scotia Dave" and I missed a good one. Although I was tempted to stick around for the sound check (and hear "Beside the Rio Grande" again, my wife and I were starving, so we went to the Elephant and Castle (an "english" pub just around the corner) for a truly awful meal. Avoid the chicken curry if you must go in. So, in plenty of time, we arrived in line to enter the concert hall. The shirts my wife and I made (sported by Ian in the pictures of Wednesday's Toronto gig) were duly noted, and were a terrific opener. To my amazement, nobody in line had ventured to Toronto, so I was able to pass on an idea of the magic I had witnessed.
After theshow the lads did a Meet and Greet. I talked to Dave L., and told him that I could watch him play all night. That put a HUGE grin on his face...a face that grins very easily. A genuinely humble guy, he almost seems surprised that people would travel hundreds (or thousands) of miles to hear him play with his mates. Next up was Brian, and again I thanked him for many years of great music. I then asked him what "Blue Angel" was about, since Doug had struck out with his idea about Death earlier in the week. Brian said "Have you asked Dave?" and I said "No". "Then ask", said Brian.
Thus heartened, I waited patiently, and spoke to Dave C. "What do you think it's about" he said. I told him that the idea about the Blue Angel being Death sounded right to me, but that he had disabused somebody of that notion. He just smiled back at me. "You're not going to tell me, are you, you bugger?" The grin got bigger. "so, how do you like the version on the new album?" he asked, and we talked for a few all-too-brief seconds more.
I then marshalled the lads one last time together and got my picture taken with them. I took a picture of the lads with Ian Davies, and Mark the sound guy, and the other volunteers. Ian then gave me a piece of paper he had found on the stage...the set list! And a guitar string, but Mark did not know whose guitar it belonged to.
Neil and Brian were going to share the driving and get to Boston on Sunday. Ten to twelve hours. They're in this big eight seater Ford Excursion that easily holds the instruments and CDs. Oh, and the band.
And then, just like that, the evening was over. But they're coming back, to Hugh's Room.
I was present at the April 26th concert in London Ontario and I have to say that it was the best concert I have ever attended. Dave, Dave and Brian went far beyond all of my expectations and left me (and the rest of the audience) captivated and enthralled. Dave Cousins is the consumate story teller - a true bard, engaging the audience on all levels. Dave Lambert's and Brians guitar work left me speechless. At times, the three of them achieved that much sought after level wherein an "overtone" of emotion and sound appeared.
The dynamics of the two sets was perfect. The "build" begun at the end of the first set continued in intensity into the second set and by the end of the concert it was obvious the Strawbs were enjoying themselves immensly. Heck, I was! I was especially touched by the fact that they came out and met the audience afterwards...a perfect touch! It was worth the 25 year wait.
Great site...Just saw the boys in London, Canada. I'm 52 and first bought a Strawbs album in 1972-1973.Saw them live 1974-1978 at Wilfred Laurier University Waterloo Canada and Maple Leaf gardens Toronto. Our wedding song was Grace Darling..my mother in law kept asking me who is Grace.
Watched the London acoustic show with wife and son 18 years old i.e. is my son. He rarely will be seen in public with parents so it was a rare thing. I sat enthralled and felt rejuvenated listening to them perform.. it was to say the least pretty good. I asked the son after ...so what did you think...he responded with the word "brilliant". Who would have guessed that my appreciation for the Strawbs through four decades would be passed on to son.
Great to see the comments from other folks who caught the show here in London. Yes, it was wonderful to finally see these folks in concert. A really nice overview of some of their old chestnuts and a new song to boot. While there were a couple of empty seats in the hall (I believe the actual capacity is 300) it was certainly a good turnout for this city. Over the years many shows have been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Of course, these are generally the best shows. (Argh!)
Dave Lambert confounded some folks in the crowd with the use of the eBow on his guitar. This device can vibrate the strings to give a seemingly infinite sustain to a note. It was used to great effect to simulate mellotron lines fom the original recordings. One confused and excited audience member yelled out, "What was that thing?" after his first use of the gizmo.
All in all, a very enjoyable trip down memory lane throughout the evening. Some folks even travelled from Quebec to see the show! I don't think they were disappointed.
Very enjoyable performance this evening in London, Ontario. I hadn't seen the Strawbs since the band was here back in the mid-seventies. The venue was a small, intimate theatre inside of the Convention Centre....it held roughly 200 seats and there were a few empty seats. I was delighted at the turn-out. No opening act...two sets with an intermission. I loved the show, fwiw. I could listen to those three gents play their guitars all night. I hadn't looked at the set-lists so I was delighted to hear "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?"'. Dave told a humorous anecdote about Sandy before the song. I told Mr. Cousins after the gig how much I enjoyed hearing this tune. He sincerely thanked me and told me something quite profound but at this point I've forgotten it. :-(
All of the material performed was excellent and the re-workings of the catalogue was inspired. Lambert and Brian were terrific and often I would just lose myself while they were playing. I was also surprised by Mr. Lambert's impassioned vocals. Baroque And Roll sold out during the break but not before I bought my copy. The three musicians graciously took time after the concert to meet with us and sign memorabilia. Oh...I should mention that Dave's spoken intros to the tunes were very entertaining and quite amusing at times. Needless to say, my interest in the band has been stimulated after being dormant for many years.
Some of you older cats on the list might remember the Strawbs...the Brit folkgroup from the late-sixties which morphed into one of the leading progressive bands of the seventies. Well, after being away from North America for 20 years...vocalist/songwriter Dave Cousins has brought Strawbs back over here as an acoustic three-piece with guitarists Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby. They played a small theatre here in town Saturday night after three sold-out nights in Toronto.
It was a fantastic night of music, two sets and no opening act....mixing rearrangements of Strawbs standards as well as new material. Lambert and Willoughby are such accomplished players that it was easy to lose myself. At times the three of them (with Cousins on acoustic guitar, banjo or dulcimer) would just go `out there' like...oh, the way Dickey would play `Bouganvillea' during `Melissa'. After one such torrid workout, my buddy turned to me and said, `that had a real Brothers feel to it'. I laughed and said, `it sure did'.
After the gig, the boys came out for a while, chatting and signing memorabilia. I got to speak to Cousins about one of my favs, the late Sandy Denny. The Strawbs was her first band back in '68. She was roughly the English equivalent of Janis Joplin. Stunning pipes but no self-esteem, drugs, alcohol and rampant promiscuity. Arguably Britain's greatest-ever singer, she died tragically 25(!) years ago last week. But I digress... The Strawbs are now in the US for many dates and I highly recommend the show to anyone.
What an outstanding performance last nite at the London Convention Hall. I had the good fortune to see them twice back in the mid seventies and was up in the air on what to expect but couldn't ask for anything more. Bought the Baroque & Roll CD and would highly recomened it.
They come across as great friends and they draw you into their world and make you feel like you're a part of it. I can only hope they have so much fun on this tour that they might one day comeback. Would love to get over there to see them.
The hall was a new acoustic perfect design so you could hear a pin drop. It was perfect and they blew the crowd away...I hope all the best for them and may they play for years to come.
On the way to the show last night I popped Hero And Heroine into the car's CD player and imagined all the pleasures inside. About then my wife asked me to turn it down and we completed the rest of the uneventful journey in near silence. I have owned Hero and Heroine on vinyl, at least 2 copies, and CD for the best part of my teenage and adult life. Last night Dave Cousins and Dave Lambert signed my CD cover and ended a perfect evening.
What an absolute thrill to hear "Out In The Cold" and "Round And Round" live. The interplay between the three guitars was incredible. Cousins voice was spectacular. Listening to the albums (really loud) I never realized the subtlety of some of the vocal passages. The Convention Center was a superb venue to hear these details as the acoustics are really good in this hall. I was also surprised by the strength of Lambert's voice and honestly was not aware of how much he contributed vocally to "Hero And Heroine".
These three guys covered a little bit from almost every album and there wasn't a loser in the pack. The single encore was disappointing, but then again, ten would have still been too few. Before the concert I purchased Baroque and Roll, and relived the concert during the hour drive back to Cambridge. This time my wife didn't tell me to turn it down.
I guess I really was looking forward to this show for some time and the fact that it didn't let me down but in fact exceeded my expectations is testament to the Dave's and Brian's professional show. It was a blast.
Today I was driving around with my family, Ghosts was in the deck and my 10 year old joined in on;
Tell me children
Are you sleeping
Are you innocent like me
May you never cross the line
I hope your dreams
are not like mine.
It was a very impassioned and heartfelt rendition, amazing for a ten year old really. I asked him how he knew the words. His answer: it's all you've played for weeks!!
It's not often that "old friends" that you grew up with, embrace thyself anew. In their glorious "au natural" self, without electrical embellishments. Dave C., Dave L., and Brian did just that with what I call a vibratory hum, plectrum of string and wood. (ok, the odd e-bow to make up for mellotron laden pieces).
I can't recall the set list as I was enthralled with the offerings from the stage, but I will admit, the Acoustic Strawbs played darn near everything I wanted to hear.
Dave C's evictive/emotive stumming allowed for Brian to add the fillagre and shadow to the songs, whilst Dave Lambert added swirling, sworling, thick and thin brush strokes to the paintings, dash and flash. Amazing night, great company, and the hosts with the most! Thank you Dave, Dave and Brian. Until we meet again someday....
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO, CANADA, 23-25 APR 2003
On April 23, 24 and 25th, the Acoustic Strawbs played in Toronto at a small but excellent venue called 'Hugh's Room'. My expectations going in were high, but I was cautious, because of past disappointments in concerts. I need not have worried. The Strawbs not only met my expectations, they far surpassed them! I believe a great many in the first night's audience felt the same. During the quiet passages you could hear a pin drop in the theatre, as every person was enthralled with the performance. The Acoustic Strawbs consist of Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby. All three play acoustic guitars, and both Daves provide the vocals. How they managed to adapt such classic rock pieces as 'Round and Round' and 'Hero And Heroine' to acoustic instruments was remarkable, because they not only captured the original feeling of the songs, but actually seemed to improve upon them!
Each night featured a different set, but the basics remained in place. One was an excellent reworking of the Sandy Denny classic 'Who knows Where the Time Goes?', beautifully done. As well, the ever powerful 'Hangman and the Papist' was included on the second and third nights. The powerful combination of the songs 'The River/ Down By the Sea' was performed all three nights, and amazed the crowd.
It's hard to say which parts of the performances were the most enjoyable. Each night Dave Cousins revealed himself as an excellent storyteller, letting the audience know not only how the songs came to be created, but regaling us with a humourous story or two that set the crowd roaring with laughter!
After each performance, all three members of the band made themselves available to meet the fans. Given the hysteria over the recent SARS epidemic, this was very good of them. It was a pure delight to meet these humble and genuinely likeable artists, have them sign autographs, and have their pictures taken with them. One grateful fan brought his entire vinyl collection to be autographed, and Dave Cousins sportingly did so while engaging in pleasant conversation with the man. There was a wonderful comaraderie about each of them that put the fans at their ease, and made the event a true pleasure for them.
For myself, these shows were a dream of many long years of waiting, and I could barely contain myself as the days approached. And, like the vinter who finally opens the cask of his best aged wine, he sips, and says, "Ah, that was definitely worth waiting for!" So it was in Toronto, for Strawbs fans there were allowed to enjoy the beauty of the music of the Strawbs, and could easily say the same thing.
I have so much to tell you, but I'm at a bit of a loss to know where to begin. I think I will treat this as two different events each night, the concert itself, and meeting the band afterwards.
Last night's show saw me there with my good friend Bob again, and my dear sister Kathy, and we were joined at the table by a lovely lady named Laurie Taylor, who graced us with her presence. I must say, there were a few doubters at some of the shows. In the end, they left believers, all of them. They won everybody, even the wait staff. There is undoubtedly a mouse under floor boards still singing 'We'll Meet Again Some Time', even as I write this. Literally, everybody was blown away. Standing ovations thundered through the place after each performance, with Bob and I leading the charge. And I have to confess, I was having trouble keeping my emotions in check at times. There are times being too sensitive to Strawbs music can be a bit embarrassing.
On Thursday, I had a guest come up from Detroit, a gentleman I've known for some time from the Progressive Music Society. He wasn't really that big a Strawbs fan, but at the end, he was cheering as loud as anyone. He's a huge Sandy Denny fan, though, and I didn't tell him they'd be playing "Time Goes" beforehand. He was in seventh heaven over that one! I was very suprised last night when the band did "Hero And Heroine" for the last number, instead of for the encore. Then when it came time for the encore, Dave Cousins announced the new song, "On a Night Like This", and Bobby and I went nuts!!! Two middle aged men yelling 'AWRIGHT' like a couple of kids at their first concert, looked awfully funny. Ths song is a great one, and we loved it! Lyrics, though, we need lyrics. Dick, master of all things Strawb, we look to you. [DG: probably not until the song is actually recorded and published, folks. ]
Dave Cousins has certainly not lost any of his story-telling ability, and we looked forward to the introductions of the songs as much as the songs themselves. He spoke several times about Canada Geese, and their, ah, habit of decorating his property with their calling cards, and his dog's wish to roll in it. He cracked up the whole audience with that one. The piece de resistance, though, was [another story - no spoilers here !! - DG] The crowd just roared in laughter over that one!
It's really difficult to descibe the effect the Acoustic Strawbs have had on us here. For three days, I've been living in a dream world. I've had vacations that were nowhere near the level of happiness these day have brought to me. And not only me, but to my friend Bob. We're both low-paid security guards, but we enjoy what we do, and we both live for Strawbs music. Words can hardly express what these days have meant to us. I feared their ending, yet they have ended, and I all can feel is incredible peace and joy. During the show last night I wanted to hold time still, to be able to hold on to the image of the three of them up there, before my eyes, playing music that lives in my soul. As impossible as it may seem, I think I did it.
There is no better experience, no greater joy for me that what I have gone through these past three days. Meeting other Strawbs fans, and some genuinely wonderful people, Ian, Dave, Roger, Laurie Taylor, it's all been almost too marvellous to believe.
Meeting The Band
With the SARS scare going on, we were concerned that the concert would be cancelled, then were were concerned that the band would not meet the fans afterwards. I know Dick indicated there was every possiblity of this. Wednesday night, after the show, I looked up, and there was Brian! Soon all of them were there, and we got to speak with them, and get autographs, and meet our heroes. I spoke with Dave Cousins about all the fans out there, dying to see them live, and thanked him on behalf of all the fans everywhere for all the great music over the years. I wanted to say more, but there were people still waiting to se him, so I moved along, knowing there would be other nights.
There were, of course. It was wonderful, it was beyond wonderful, the boys are so warm and friendly to talk to. There is a humility about each of them that is so remarkable, especially after such performances. Dave Lambert was so patient with the fans with technical questions that he tried so hard to answer in away that they would understand. His own sense of humour was as strong as Cousins was, and his comments on the side were hilarious!
That last thing I said to any of them, though, was to Dave Cousins. I told him that his music meant so very much to me, and that it really made a difference in my life. He smiled warmly and shook my hand, and thanked me. I think he knew I meant it from my heart. The Strawbs are coming back in July, and I'll be there again, of course. They'll also be touring Quebec, so, [Richard Poulin, Witchwooder in Quebec], you'll get to see them for yourself! And who knows, you might some crazy guy named Doug in the audience there with you.
It was a magical night. I think we were all aware that something special, something unique and wondrous was being played out before our disbelieving senses. I think, too, that the Lads were overwhelmed by the reception. After all, this was supposed to be a city in fear, with its citizens cowering in their homes, terrified of strangers. That is emphatically NOT what the band saw last night. They saw an entire community of fans, new and old, come out to listen in rapturous awe, and, with one thunderous ovation after another, with hands reddened and bruised, with throats torn ragged from yelling, express their heartfelt thanks for decades of some of the finest music ever written and performed. It was emotionally overwhelming.
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO, CANADA, 25 APR 2003
The morning after the night before and what a show! Over 200 people at Hugh's Room for The Strawbs with yours truly in attendance and right up front to the side. Messrs. Cousins, Willoughby and Lambert looking happy and fit (Dave L. looks like he hasn't aged a bit!...talk about "Picture Of Dorian Gray"!) and it was great to hear the classic songs performed acoustically ("Round & Round" earned especially high audience marks). Other songs in their two hour set included "Tears And Pavan", "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" (I was rather misty-eyed during that one as Dave C. had reminded us of the 25th anniversary of Sandy Denny's passing on), "Alice's Song" (Dave C. had a few banjo tuning problems during the song but it was still a heart-warming performance), "The Flower And The Young Man", "Flying", "The Hangman And The Papist", "Hero And Heroine" (a beautiful rendition which really brought out the song's folk flavour fully and powerfully!), "Ghosts" and more.
The guitar play between the three of them was spot on and the singing superb. The acoustics were perfect, giving the songs life and hue in fabulous fashion. The other couple we were with (who had never heard of the group!) were totally taken in and I felt I had caught "A Glimpse Of Heaven"! Three songs were performed as encores with the promise of the group returning in July! Dave C. also let on that he's currently in negociations with Universal to release the first two albums and "Nomadness". A throng gathered to get the customary signatures and the trio were happy to meet new faces and greet old friends. I thanked Dave L. for his work on Fire's "Father's Name Is Dad" which pleased him to no end (he's got a solo album coming out soon which will include a reworking of "Framed" from his first Polydor solo album). He stated he'll be doing some solo gig work in the summer and will be performing with a few of his old Fire mates as well.
In short, a splendid evening! The only thing that would have made it better would have been to meet up with you! I still owe you a pint!
DG: Accepted - I'll collect!
Wasn't that a thrilling evening?! I'll share with you the background for our song request that was so graciously honoured by those fabulous gentlemen. The dedication of "You and I" was such a nice surprise.
Shelley and I were married on 28 August 1982 and the Strawbs song doublet, "You and I / Grace Darling" was our choice for our "wedding tune". It was so interesting to hear from David C. that he wrote the song at a time when he was watching his children grow up, that it was a dedication to new life. For us, we heard a somewhat different sentiment in the music and it was really inspiring to us as a couple. What we gained from the song was trust in the future, engendered by imagining ourselves as lifelong friends and as an old married couple; "You and I" just seemed to express the right spirit for a successful marriage. Like faith in salvation and everlasting life, we felt that faith in lifelong marriage and love could be self fulfilling.
"Planning for the future without knowing what it held for us at all": this song was Heaven-sent. Here we are now married to each other for going on twenty-one years and we still look confidently ahead to many, many more.
What a great gift it was to have "our song" performed live and dedicated to us, so many years later! A real blessing!
Simply put, the Strawbs delivered a powerful show to the eager and receptive audience at Hugh's Room, on their third of three shows in Toronto!!
The club was the perfect venue for them and their appreciative fans - some 250 strong, with a group of eager ones outside trying to ignore the "Sold-out" sign at the box office in hopes of getting in. For the six of us at our table who took in the show just a few feet away from them, it was a great evening. Four of our party had little or no knowledge of the band, but were awestruck by the show. Words like "incredible" and "unbelievable" rolled off their tongues as they sat mesmerized, watching the boys play.
Before the band came on, there was a buzz in the air, and sounds of chatter and good cheer. After the warm and robust applause welcoming the boys, there was hushed silence in the club while Dave C. introduced his songs with his storytelling magic. One person in my group described them not as musicians who sang songs, but as "poets who played great music".
Dave C. had us wrapped around his words, and made us laugh at the right times. So did Dave Lambert. When they had a bit of a false start into "Alice's Song" due to the slightly mis-tuned banjo, Dave Lambert commented to DC that he "seemed to remember that the song was a bit longer than that".
It was so nice to hear "A Glimpse of Heaven". As well, it was a refreshing surprise to hear unplugged classics from the "Hero and Heroine" album.
At the very warm and strong final applause, DC said to the audience "You make two old men and me very happy!!!". What a great show.
We last saw them in Hastings, UK, in early 2002, and met them then. We met the boys briefly after the Toronto show as well. It was nice to know they remembered us!!
My wife and I saw the final of the three Toronto shows on Friday night...it was just great. What a positive atmosphere, both the club itself which we hadn't been to before, and of course the music. Having booked early thanks to Dick's timely advance news of the tour, we had a great table 15 feet from the stage. Got to meet Dave C., Dave L. and Brian after the show for a very quick chat and a few autographs...all such nice guys...you rarely get a chance to do this at most concerts.
All played exceptionally well...personally I gained quite a respect for Dave Lambert...I guess the only other time we've had the opportunity to see The Strawbs (the 'Don't Say Goodbye' tour in the late '80's), he wasn't with them. He is just an amazing guitarist and vocalist...and just blew the audience away with his passioned performance.
In looking at the posted set lists from the other two nights...I was a bit disappointed that two of my favourite tracks, New World and Lay Down were cut out of the Friday night show - still, a minor point in what was a brilliant experience.
Hopefully the announcement at the club that they hope to arrange another show there in July will come true...our names are on the list to get tickets if it does!
Thanks to The Strawbs for coming to visit us in Toronto, especially during this time of concern re: SARS (as overblown as it is...but tell that to Elton John/Billy Joel who saw fit to cancel their joint gig here this week - good riddance!).
PS. Dave Cousins seemed surprised that I had a copy of 'Two Weeks Last Summer' from Witchwood already...I must've been one of the first people to order it. I picked up a copy of 'Hummingbird' at the show...haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.
I attended 2 Strawbs shows, April 24 and 25 at Hugh's Room in Toronto. I won't add to the reviews you already have, except by saying they are wonderfully amazing, the sound was great and they were very generous to meet us following the show. I also wanted to mention; I believe the request for "Grace Darling" was made at the 24th show, and was sadly forgotten/declined. However, the following evening another couple was apparently celebrating an anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Desjardins I believe. Their request was honoured by the beautiful rendition of "Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)". Rest assured, there was much love in the room on all nights.
[At the 25 Apr show] Dave Cousins did not introduce the title of the first song in the encore, except to say that it has never been performed live before, and that "the boys" were eager to play it. It was infectiously (poor choice of word perhaps) toe-tapping with a "La Bamba" beat. It was short and sweet and the phrase "On A night like this" was repeated in the Chorus. That's the title, so I surmise, but if anyone knows differently, please update. There you have it... almost... An incredible announcement was made that the Strawbs may be back to Hugh's room (a wonderful venue btw) later in July. Bless the Strawbs, and bless you Mr. Greener, again, for this wonderful site.
A Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower And The Young Man
The Hangman and the Papist
Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)
Ghosts
Who Knows Where The Time Goes
Alice's Song
Flying
Benedictus
Tears And Pavan
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
The River
Down By The Sea
Grave New World
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO, CANADA, 24 APR 2003
I just returned from a fantastic night of great music at Hugh's Room (Toronto) with the Acoustic Strawbs. Unbelievable sound and they are better now than they ever were. A very impressive and lengthy set well received by a spirited crowd. And what nice guys - hanging around after the show, greeting fans, signing autographs and all despite the SARS fears that are crippling the city somewhat. Highly recommended. Dick Greener - you were so right!!!
My wife and I went for the dinner/show package to celebrate our ninth anniversary. I sent a note back requesting Grace Darling. At the end of the show, Cousins said, "Oh God, I think we were supposed to do a request here." Then he took a few stabs at my wife's name, Lambert got it correct, then Cousins said, "They wanted a pretty romantic song...but we're not going to play it" Then they did "Hero and Heroine".
DG - Interesting that New World and Hangman appeared - given the three night run, they've obviously been juggling the repertoire so that those who came all three nights got a bit of variety.
Benedictus
Witchwood
Tears And Pavan
Ghosts
Who Knows Where The Time Goes
A Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower And The Young Man
Alice's Song
Flying
Autumn
You And I (When We Were Young)
Live Inside Your Hell Tonight
Out In The Cold/Round & Round
The River
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO, CANADA, 23 APR 2003
The opening act was Bill Craig. I do not know of him but he is a very accomplished musician and entertaining man. He only had time for 5 songs that is why the first one had 132 verses. The "Traditional Murder Ballad" he said. His last song had the lyric," The anchor chain's a fetter, and with it you are tethered to the foam." Now that's the kind of stuff I wanna hear from a Strawbs opening act.
It's too bad that the dulcimer has to travel so far only to do one song. The night was terrific: Roger and I sat in front of the mixing board - the sound was perfect (the mixer's name is Ann for those of you who are going tonight). They did an Irish jig version of "Hero And Heroine", they did something in the middle of "Glimpse" that made us all jump. Lambert's vocals on "Ghosts" were emotional, DC put everything he had into his vocals. I am not a musician but these three playing together is just awsome !
We got power for Roger's camcorder from a outlet under the sound board. My two years in the elecrical trade 20 yrs ago came in handy plugging that puppy in. It was a "polarized" plug.
After the show Brian signed my shirt with Roger's silver pen. It looked like it did not turn out to well, so I did not bother with DC & DL. But looking at it now I realise that it is truly a one of a kind shirt - one man's autograph is another's silver ink stain. So I got a t-shirt, a signed copy of Baroque, memories to last forever and some new friends. Not bad, eh! (If you have Blue Angel, the back cover of the booklet will make an excellent canvas for three special signatures.
PS. The traffic was so good going to Toronto that Roger [Hill] and I got to the venue about 5pm - right in the middle of the band's sound check. I am sure and Roger can perhaps confirm this,that they were doing "Rio Grande". No one tried to kick us out, we just stayed at front. Some of you lucky people are going to hear this...maybe tonight.
We had a chat with DL & Brian afterward outside. Then Rog and I puddled down the street to a pub for our first pint. ("Roger and me are two of a kind,in love with our own ideals/Aiming to keep the gathering years in pace with our rolling wheels.") I have a picture in my camera of Roger and will send it to Dick when it gets developed.
Myself and three close friends attended the concert at Hugh's Room last night (23rd) and were totally blown away by just how good this band is. They really could have made an excellent live CD of this performance they were just that good - hint hint. The venue suited the band perfectly. Just the right size with fantastic acoustics and good service - I never lacked for a pint - *tip*: get the table close to the waiters station. It's hard to imagine them putting on a show any better then this. If this wasn't their best performance ever then I'd be surprised. The vocals were strong and sure , the guitar work stupendous. And Hero & Heroine for an encore. WOW. I think the band was excited and pumped to kick off their tour. It showed in the perfomance.
Bought a copy of Baroque & Roll and Blue Angel there - was hoping to get a copy of Two Weeks Last Summer too but alas there were no copies available of that one. Didn't get to stick around after for any meet and greet but that's OK. Just seeing them play is all we needed. Can't wait to see them come back again to these parts. I'll definitely line up to see them again.
And kudos to the group for braving the SARS hysteria!!! It's hard to convey to those outside of the city just how overblown the issue has become. Fear mongering from the media jacks ratings and sells more papers I guess.
Good one boys. Come back any time.
I was at the Strawbs show last night and thoroughly enjoyed myself, as did the almost 200 others in the small Hugh's Room location. The boys came down after their set and signed autographs, CDs, old vinyl records and posters for those that waited. I bought a new copy of Blue Angel and they all were happy to sign it.
The Strawbs were magnificent. I've not seen that high a level of musicianship in years. Their guitar work was fabulous and the banter between songs was fun as well. I hope all the Strawbs fans get a chance to see them here or anywhere else during the Canadian and US dates. It is great to see that many other dates have been added and Dave Cousins said they hope to play many festivals around Canada during the summer as well.
Please let others know that there is nothing to worry about in Toronto with the SARS scare. The only places to be concerned about are those hospitals with numerous cases or anyone in quarantine. The WHO warning is a complete joke as the patients with symptoms are immediately quarantined and those taking care of them are under strict rules about contact with others. This WHO ruling is going to cost thousands their jobs and ruin many businesses in the Toronto area by using a blanket warning when localized medical staff have things under control.
Just got home. So often you have expectations going to a show. And so often things don't turn out the way you think or hope they will. Tonight proved infinitely otherwise. They went far beyond even my high expectations. They blew Hugh's Room away. They blew me away. We met the boys after the concert, got autographs, got to talk with them, got to be flabbergasted by what Mr. Cousins said, but more about that tomorrow. I've been up for over twenty hours now, but I couldn't rest without telling you all how incredible it was. And how wonderful Witchwood is. I feel so very deeply moved by it all. I don't understand it. They played 'Autumn'. I don't know how, but they bought the entire season into the room with them. Even 'Winter Long'. You couldn't see them, but there were snowflakes falling, and winter was really there. Magic. More tomorrow, folks. But, in a word, WOW!!!
WHITE BEAR, HOUNSLOW, 15 APR 2003
Some more pictures from the 2003 White Bear gig (posted off Strawbsweb) at www.clevelandbrowns.demon.co.uk/as/wb.htm.
DG Note: In light of the critical comments on the house PA at the White Bear - rest assured, it's not coming with them: the Acoustics tour with just their instruments, and the PAs used on the tour will be the house PA of the venue they're playing at.
Biggest surprise of this packed out night at the White Bear, the heart of Strawbs music for many a year, was, as the closing number, a very new and much more powerful version of "We'll Meet Again Sometime" from Dave's recently released 1972 solo Two Weeks Last Summer. (No "Lay Down" tonight but as they were only playing one night I'd expect that to return for the full shows in the US/Canada.) I'd heard rumours that DL wanted to play more slide and this gives him a chance. The song is built round a chunky little riff which really drives the song at a pace which is closer to the QEH live version (available on the CD re-issue of Antiques) than that on Two Weeks. Lambert plays a little eBow on the intro over the top of the riff, and joins in on fairly loud vocals every other line. Very toe-tapping, very very good indeed, and as the tour progresses, this promises to be as tight as "Hero And Heroine" (of which more later). The ending might be a little more punchy, but that'll get fixed quickly.
Two new songs, as promised. My favourite of the two, the haunting "Face Down In The Well" comes complete with a Cousins legend about its writing (which I won't spoil) has the traditional Strawbs dynamics and feel. "On A Night Like This" (not the Bob Dylan song, is the Strawbs' taking us, musically at least, down Mexico way, with a very Spanish La Bamba feel to it: a rousing little number.
Pride of place for the rest of the night goes to the Hero and Heroine album. Firstly for the newly resurrected "Out In The Cold"/"Round And Round". First half not too much of a surprise - it's a fairly acoustic number after all, but, as ever the boys surprise us by being able to take a heavily keyboard-based number - Round And Round and deliver the goods with just the three guitars. The threatening intro is built up on the guitars, turning over to DL for some thrashing Townshend-style acoustic power chords (interesting how "electric" DL was able to make his guitar sound towards the end of the night).
Secondly, after the landlord granted a much wished-for encore (time was running on, Dave quipped, "here comes Vision Of The Lady Of The Lake"), the best version I've heard yet of the "shanty mix Hero And Heroine" which got had the crowd clapping along and drew a standing ovation at its close. My Lord, but that packs a punch. Lambert starts on bodhran, and on the cramped stage of the White Bear has some fun and games getting his guitar back in time to join in on acoustic lead as the song builds to a thoroughly rocking climax, Cousins spitting out the lyrics. A reflection of the long ago seventies - a lone balding headbanger of a certain age (fuelled, I'd guess by a number of Fuller's finest ales) stands in front of the band and, in a world of his own, gyrates away pretty much as I'd imagine he'd have done back then. The closing instrumental section builds and power and stops dead - timing and dynamics superb.
At the other end of the Strawbs spectrum, an excellent version also of the reworked and reclaimed "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" is now very good indeed, its opening "eBow concerto" having lost a few of the rough edges and got a good deal tighter than it was on the last tour - this trip will be a fitting tribute - starting just a few days after the 25th anniversary of Sandy's death on 21 April 1978.
Other numbers (and there will be more for the full two set show: for example, I wouldn't be surprised to see "New World" and "Flower And The Young Man" rejoin the set):
Support act singer-songwriter Marian Segal, very ably supported on tasteful electric guitar and banjo by ex-Albion Band Graeme Taylor, was very good, though she was done no favours by the PA system, which I have to say was wretched throughout the night - there weren't many numbers in any of the sets which weren't dogged by feedback or poor balance - I know the Bear must be a bit of a barn and the acoustics not easy, but it was certainly a shame that the night was a bit marred as a result. Segal's band album Jade, from the early 70s is coming out again on CD and if you like classic female acid-folk fare, you'll enjoy it by the sound of her performance at the Bear - good strong voice, nice tunes and accompaniment.
Travis T Merle I have to confess was not for me - the boys met him at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2001 where his fake cowboy alt-alt-ironic redneck country boy act probably went down pretty well, but a few in the crowd found his stuff - fairly scatological and a few very good lines, but all in all pretty overpowering and jarring with the other two "turns". Don't think everyone shared my view though, there was a fair bit of laughter particularly during his song about farting (which was probably the least offensive of the night!)
Just back from the White Bear. Yes, it is 3.26 in the morning, but I'm too wired to sleep, thanks to the railway deciding I could go home by bus -- it always takes an hour longer, as if 2.30 isn't late enough to get home.
Anyway, what a stonking concert! No doubt Mr Greener will give us a track listing soon enough, but highlights were many of the songs we already know and love plus two new songs plus a marvellous new version of "We'll Meet Again Sometime," loud and proud in its grief for a lost loved one -- this has just been promoted from my tentative favourite Cousins song to my firm favourite Cousins song, and when i think of the vast range of great songs there is to choose from... it remains my favourite. The last time I heard it sung this well was probably in the same room 35 years ago. A frightening thought.
It was a shame the mix was so variable -- sometimes it was hard to hear Lambert's guitar -- and it was too loud for my tender ears, although Dick confirmed it did sound like it was on the edge of feedback most of the way through, but it was still unutterably wonderful, and the only low point really was seeing Dave Cousins looking so exhausted at the end. I do hope he doesn't overdo it. We want more songs, and to make him richer as a result.
Great also to see so many witchwooders there. I remember Lindsay, because I'd met her before, and Sue with the huge Practika camera and that's as far as I can go, although there were probably nine or ten of us including spice. No doubt Dick, again, will fill us in with a roll call -- or you could all simply put your hands up.
Alright, I really ought to go to bed. It's a school day tomorrow, and I'm up at 7.00! More from me on this when I've had a bit more time to mull and cogitate.
Oh What A Great Start To the 2003 Tour. Arrived at The White Bear around 8-45 pm after a 2 hour trek from the West Midlands, and may I say well worth it. Bumped in to Cathryn Craig as we walked in,she`s a lovely lady, had a chat with her and then watched a bit of the support [who incidentally were very good],and then the boys came on. Dave Cousins looked extremely well after his accident , his voice was more powerful than ever. The Acoustic Strawbs did some new material ,one of the new songs being "Face Down In The Well" which we really liked, in fact we liked all the new stuff and the old.
On the finale when they did yet another great rendition of "Hero And Heroine" we were also entertained by a chappie dancing at the front and thoroughly enjoying the music as we all did. Standing ovation at the end, really looking forward to seeing them in June. Last but not least we managed to meet Robert Kirby who features a lot on Baroque and Roll,very nice chap. Another great concert, but then again,aren't they all.
It's now 9:00 PM, 24 hours since I parked up outside the White Bear. I would have posted earlier but sleep called. As to my thoughts of the gig; strangely I feel a bit muted. Yes it was enjoyable up to a point but the sound mix spoilt virtually every song; also there were three women to my right who insisted on talking through some of the songs; loudly of course; after all there were three blokes on stage trying to drown them out.
The two new songs I'm sure will sound better with a decent mix. Apart from the title "Face Down In The Well" I couldn't really make out much else of the lyrics though as Dick said it does have all the right ingredients of Strawbs song and I did rather enjoy "On A Night Like This". The mix definitely perked up once there was a bit more oomph from vocals and instruments, it failed in the quieter parts, noticeably with DC's banjo. One thing our North American comrades might appreciate is DC's story about a Zimmer frame and a Jehovah's Witness (that is of course if both have the same impact 'over there' as they do here).
Due to my tardiness in arriving late (involving an en-suite shower room and a stopped watch - no Claridge DON'T go there) I missed the opener, though perhaps I didn't miss much. Not quite Fred Wedlock. I caught the last 2 or 3 songs from Marian Segal and can only concur with Dick's view; great playing from Graeme Taylor (now if he could get the Villa playing half as well they'd be top six potential) but lousy PA for Marian. Still it was nice to meet so many Witchwooders.
Spoke to DL briefly after the gig and he said they thought they'd just about got the right mix of songs for North America as most fans would be post BATS. Saw DC at the bar; he definitely looked knackered and was yawning constantly as he sipped his beer and tried to make polite conversation. All in all the lads are vocally and instrumentally on excellent form, as long as the PA holds up those on the other side of the 'pond' will undoubtedly enjoy, not that the likes of Doug will need much encouragement.