April - reviews and pictures from the first leg of the April/May tour.
Early May - reviews and pictures from the middle section of the April/May tour.
Witchwood
Tears And Pavan
Ghosts
A Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower And The Young Man
Alice's Song
Flying
New World
Autumn
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
The River/Down By The Sea
Hero And Heroine
Simple Visions
CAFFE LENA, SARATOGA SPRINGS NY, 31 MAY 2003
I still travel a lot to be present at Strawbs concerts, especially when they're playing this side of the pond. The last time I saw them was at Caffé Lena (last may 31). This 4 hours drive from home (St-Ours-sur-Richelieu, a small village located 40 miles east from Montréal) across the Appalachian mountains to Saratoga Springs is always, given good weather, a nice ride. As late is better than never, see right for the setlist of this one hour 35 minutes non-stop concert, which began at 21h22 and ended at 22h58.
Most of these acoustic versions revealed pretty rich stunning arrangements which overheated the hundred people packed in the small Caffé. After the concert, DL and BW met fans and autographed records and CDs.
Considering this and others setlists and reviews on the web, I think that the guys had in hands enough strong material for another (live?) Acoustic Strawbs released. That's what I'm hoping for. Thunderstorms of yesterday now away, later today I should be on my way to the Festival d'été de Québec where I hope to be able to find a seat in the small Pub St-Alexandre where the guys will go with the second of their three concerts tonight. Burn a candle for me, tickets only at the door just before the event! Maybe this will be the third time in my life that I will hear David Cousins singing Chérie je t'aime (Grace Darling french version)... The first time was at Auditorium Le Plateau (Montréal, 1975, february 7th) and the second time at the Bloomsbury theater in 2001 when I met David after the concert.
If nothing changes, I should be in Toronto at the Hugh's Room on Saturday night. For this concert, I already have my ticket, so you don't have to burn another candle for me.
JOSEPH LANGER PRESENTS - AMALGAMATED UNION HALL (LOCAL 712) BRISTOL CT, 25 MAY 2003
I got my 15 minutes of fame. It was a very hectic week. Right up to show time I had no idea how many people were coming as only a handful of tickets had sold. We set up 100 chairs while Frank Critelli the opening act, set up the equipment. I had invited all my family members,coworkers and friends to attend but had few firm commitments.
At 6 pm the band arrived, set up, then sound check and Brian figured out the acoustics of the room and it sounded great!! Actually we had less sound problems then the Towne Crier. I thought we sounded better! Huge Relief.
People I don't know start arriving, then people I do. Frank goes on at 7:30. Very nice. By the time he is finished all the chairs are being used and people are standing! Mad dash downstairs for more chairs about 50 more brought up. Then the band started. They did what they do best, play very well. At the end of the first set my metalhead friends were raving about D.L. my folky friends B.W. By the end of the show there was more Strawbs fans in the world! The world is a better place. People were tracking me down to thank me for my efforts and contribute for the cost of the show. Then cleanup time a couple more beers and bed.
First to say that Dick Greener was not the farthest travelled of the fans in attendance, since my friend Judy had come from Holland. We drove down to Bristol from my home in Massachusetts, stopping in at Mark Twain House in Hartford on the way...highly recommended. Then we decided to make sure we could find the hall. Joe's directions were great, but then we had to find a dinner spot, which proved more difficult, as the town seemed almost closed down, perhaps partly because of the holiday.
What a unique venue for the show! An old UAW (Union of Auto Workers) hall, BYOB or any snack you might want, a wide age range and mixture of Strawbs neophytes and old fans. I met Joe immediately upon walking in, and was quickly introduced to Dick. In fact, Mr Greener sat with us most of the show.
The intro act was a very sensitive pleasant voiced singer songwriter - Frank Critelli. He warmed the audience and also put in several plugs for the Strawbs, including mentioning that they were actually watching his act which is rare for a headliner.
The band played two sets, the material being very close to what was played at Bottom Line from what I read, but the only encore was "Simple Visions". Highlights for me were "Ghosts" which seems to have taken a quarter century to appear as a masterpiece in my eyes, "New World" again, "Autumn", "You And I", "Alice's Song", and Lambert's pyrotechnics on the last part of "Down By The Sea". "Simple Visions" was the encore and I found it a bit too strong, not enough of the subtleties being on display.
Omitted from the set but present in the Boston (Johnny D's) show were "Who Knows Where The Time Goes", "We'll Meet Again Sometime", "Benedictus" (ouch!), and "On A Night Like This" (double ouch!). Still and all, while I prefer the band in more of a club atmosphere, this was a unique venue and very responsive crowd which gave several standing ovations to a stellar performance of sensitivity and strength. On the yin-yang subject, I fail to understand the great preponderance of males in the audience given the Strawbs oft displayed gentle soft rock side. And they didn't all look like sensitive new age guys :)
I chatted briefly with affable Mr Cousins and Willoughby afterwards, and during a picture session with the other Witchwooders accidentally knocked Mr Lambert's beer and spilled some on his arm. All I could think of saying was, "I guess this means I can't have your autograph". He was gracious.
I want to thank Joe for putting on the show and by and large filling the hall. Great job!
TOWNE CRIER, PAWLING N, 24 MAY 2003
This was the second show I'd seen on this tour, the first being in Amagansett. The sound at the Towne Crier left a lot to be desired, but the Strawbs themselves were in even better form than at the other show. Maybe because of the crazy, unbalanced sound mix in the first set, I was able to hear more closely what Brian was up to with his guitar. Beautiful sounds came out of him Saturday night. His face is also a pleasure to watch as he plays--I do believe I was seeing the Zen of guitar playing in action! Unfortunately, also due to the faulty sound, a lot of Dave L's guitar was lost in the mix in the first set, but things improved greatly in the second set. As a matter of fact, his solo at the end of "Down by the Sea" broke my heart, it was so gorgeous. I never thought I'd be able to listen to that song without filling in the orchestral parts in my head, but Dave L turned it into something new and magical.
I was in a group that included my musician husband, who isn't very familiar with their work, and he enjoyed the night as well. It was great to meet the wonderful webmaster himself, Dick Greener (Dick, the website truly is terrific), and to hang at the bar with the band afterward. As I told Dave L, in the 70s I had a massive crush on him and therefore never had the nerve to approach him, so it was really sweet to connect on this tour.
We're considering a trip to the UK next year, and we'd love to see the Strawbs on their own turf. Goodness knows, if they wait another 25 years to return to the US, many of us won't be here anymore!
First Show
Benedictus
Tears and Pavan
Ghosts
A Glimpse of Heaven
The Flower and the Young Man
New World
Alice's Song
Flying
Autumn
Out in the Cold/Round And Round
The River/Down By the Sea
Hero and Heroine
Simple Visions
Second Show
Benedictus
A Glimpse of Heaven
Golden Salamander
Ghosts
You and I (When We Were Young)
New World
Alice's Song
Flying
The Flower and the Young Man
Autumn
Out in the Cold/Round And Round
The River/Down By the Sea
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK NY, 23 MAY 2003
The moment finally arrived. After close to 2 years from its genesis, the Acoustic Strawbs were within earshot. I can say now that the studio album, all the downloads (official and boot), all the reviews, interviews and all the pictures, as wonderful as they have been, have not come even close to capturing the sound I heard or the feeling that came over me in that famous Big Apple room tonight.
The playing was dynamic, moving effortlessly from polished and elegant to raw and powerful as the need arose within each song. The vocals were emotionally charged but still delivered with impeccable timing. The night was well received by the sold out crowd with standing ovations for "Hero And Heroine" and "Autumn". Being in Manhattan and hearing Dave Cousins speak of how he came to write "New World" and then tell his story of hearing the news on September 11th 2001 was particularly poignant and when the band launched into the song I, along with at least half the crowd, was moved to tears. Opening the show with "Benedictus" and ending with "Simple Visions" worked extremely well giving the whole show a sense of coming full circle.
This show was so satisfying it was easily worth the 3000 miles I traveled to see it. And this time I won't let 25 years slip by before I see them again.
PS. -this song, although not by the Strawbs, has been in my head all day:
Now the scene's Big Apple City
And the club's the Bottom Line
And as the English minstrels hit the stage
Someone ordered Sangria wine
And I thought about the waterfront
Where I used to love to play
As we watched the magic pixie boys
Just givin' it all away
(Brian Protheroe)
It's always funny seeing a band you worshipped years ago. Sort of like getting together with an old boyfriend after decades and, unfortunately, most of the time my reaction is: Yikes! What did I EVER see in him??? That was SO not the case with Strawbs on Friday night at The Bottom Line! My God! Using the same analogy, it was like falling in love all over again! The songs sounded as fresh as they did 30 years ago. They were amazing: Let's-stay-for-the-second-show-too amazing; Pick-up-everything-they-ever-recorded-on-CD amazing. In the 1970s, I had dual idols: Ray Davies and Dave Cousins. With Dave sort of drifting off across the Atlantic never to be seen again, I was down to just one. And it was funny on Friday night. I went to the Ladies Room at the Bottom Line between the early and late Strawbs show and found a piece of graffiti on the bathroom door that read: "Ray Davies is God." I was tempted to add "...or is it Dave Cousins?"
My only hope is that the huge reception Strawbs seem to be getting in the U.S. will convince them they HAVE to return more frequently!!
The Bottom Line...excellent! What a show even without "Hangman..." (too down a song) or "Blue Angel" too long, I guess. Dave Cousins was fantastic! And I've never seen Dave Lambert in person before (I last saw the group in NY 18 yrs. ago and they said this line-up hadn't played NY for 25!) and his guitar work is unbelievable and...he'sgorgeous! And Mr. Willoughy was a fine member of the trio in his own right! British sailors went wild over the show! Anyway...thanks guys, for a great show and come back soon!
After just returning from the early show of the strawbs at the bottom line (and wishing we could have stayed for the late show) i feel emotionally drained.
Back in the 70's, before my husband and I were married, one of our first dates were the Strawbs at the Capital Theater in Passaic NJ. and later at the Academy Of Music in NYC. (now called the Palladium).
It sounds hokey but listening to them tonight truly warmed my soul. We just sat and smiled as one song after another was a favorite!
Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby were amazing and they can't possibly stay away for another 25 years...we'll be into our 70's and 80's...that just won't do!
I had a great time at the late show at the Bottom Line tonight. I'd never seen Dave Lambert perform before, and hadn't realized what an amazing instrumentalist he is. Dave Cousins' voice was in fine shape. It was a fantastic evening that I'd looked forward to for a long time. I appreciate your work to keep the newsletter going, or I might have missed this opportunity to see my favorite group for the first time in maybe a decade (since they last played the Bottom Line).
I was able to attend 2 Strawbs shows here in New York these past two weeks. I attended the early show at the Bottom Line here in NYC and I enjoyed the show so much that I hired a car and drove up to Chester, NY the following Friday to see them perform again at Bodles Opera House.
One of the reasons that I wanted to see them again is because I wanted my girlfriend to see them, since I knew she would enjoy the show, even though she had never listened to there music before. We were moving into a new place on the Saturday following the Friday night Bottom Line show, so she still had to pack a few things and wasn't able to attend that show. She is Brasilian with a limited exposure to different types of music which I have had the privilege of exposing her to over the years.
She loved the show and when we were walking to the car, she said to me "I can't believe that their music is not more know, since they are such good musicans and their performance was great. it is unfair that Jennifer Lopez is so popular and a talented group like this is so obscure". I basically said that when it comes to the music business and what people buy at what times is a big mystery and many of great bands have gone into obscurity while many bad pop musicians become the new thing and the masses buy it. Now, my girlfriend really appreciates "Strawbs" music.
I am 36 years old, and I am originally from the Detroit area in Michigan. I started listening to the Strawbs when i was about 19 back in 1985. I found the Grave New World LP in a record shop after reading somethings about the band. After that purchase, the rest is history. I have always loved the band and I never dreamed I would ever see them live, since they never came to Michigan to play and I was too young to see them during their tours of America in the 70's.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the acoustic show, since I have a theory that one of two things happens to the bands I enjoy from the 70's period, either they get really bad when they get older or they actually mature and get better. I would have to say that the later is true of the boys and I was blown away by the performance. Dave Lambert's guitar playing (along with Dave Cousins and Brian's playing) was very special to watch for me being a guitar player. All of the songs translated immensely well stripped down to their acoustic beginnings.
When they played "New World" at the Bottom Line show, many people were brought to tears including myself in reference to the song lyric's closeness to Sept. 11th. It was stunning. I have lived in NYC for 5 years now and I feel lucky that I have been able to see many bands perform, and the Strawbs acoustic show was one of my favorite shows I have ever seen.
WOODSONGS OLD TIME RADIO HOUR, LEXINGTON KY, 19 MAY 2003
Here is a belated review of the Acoustic Strawbs video webcast broadcast from Mon 19th May. I had been waiting for this one for some time as it seemed a very exciting prospect of hearing and seeing the Strawbs via a webcast. I stayed up like everyone else from the UK until midnight and beyond to watch....I wasn't disappointed!
The first 15 minutes of pre-transmission was uneventful but I kept my eyes wedged open in anticipation of seeing the Acoustic Strawbs. When the hour long Woodsongs webcast begun we still had to wait as the presenter Michael Jonathon played one of his own songs to begin proceedings. At last! some 20 minutes or so later the Acoustic Strawbs finally perform one of their own songs 'A Glimpse Of Heaven' although Michael Jonathon announces the track comes from the album 'From The Witch-Hood'! This is where it gets good! Very good stereo sound quality for a webcast and the Acoustic Strawbs in sound and vision....great stuff! The next hour or so continues in the same vein with the Acoustic Strawbs playing a track about every 10 minutes or so after chatting between songs and the occasional advertising slots. All the band members were spoken to about different aspects of the bands playing and history, including some quite humorous moments with Dave Lambert talking about not being able to 'sham' solo vocal and guitar performances "although Dave's trying", quips Lambert pointing at Cousins! The Acoustic Strawbs sounded great and got a very appreciative reception from the audience, esp. Dave Lambert getting loud cheers for some parts of his playing. Final verdict : Well worth staying up for!
The tracks played over the 90 minutes were:
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Tears And Pavan (introduced as Tears in Pavan!)
Alice's Song
Ghosts
The Flower And The Young Man
The River/Down By The Sea*
New World*
* Played after the hour transmission (webcast only).
Greetings from Oak Ridge, TN. Last night I drove from here to Lexington to attend the radio show event at the KY Theater -- 160 miles each way and well worth it. Here's the tunes they performed: "A Glimpse of Heaven." "Tears And Pavan," "Alice's Song," "Ghosts," "Flower & the Young Man," "The River," and "New World." The latter two were done as encores after the recording was finished.
I had the honor of meeting the guys, who generously signed my prolific collection of Strawbs LPs. Then the theater crew invited me to join them and the band at an outdoor cafe near the venue for a light dinner/drinks. What an incredible time. Yes, I was exhausted when I got home at 2 a.m. and discovered a heavy rain storm had caused a power outage and a little water in the basement - but the minor inconvenience was well worth it.
THIRSTY EAR TAVERN, COLUMBUS AND BELLVILLE OPERA HOUSE BELLVILLE, 17/18 MAY 2003
This piece will air during "Toss the Feathers" on WCBE, 90.5 FM in Columbus, between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on May 24th. It will also be broadcast on the web at WCBE.org.
Last weekend, there was a whole lotta Gibson going on in Ohio....first in Columbus and then in Bellville. That's because the Strawbs came out to play.
This particular incarnation of the British folk rock band is an acoustic trio made up of front man Dave Cousins and guitarists Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby. Lambert also sings which gives the trio a diversity unusual for such a small band. And while three guitars may sound like overkill, they enable the group to keep the rich texture of the music, which was originally recorded in the studio with numerous instruments and engineering techniques.
The Strawbs began both shows with the classic Benedictus featuring Cousins on dulcimer and Lambert singing harmony. From there, the boys moved on to "Tears and Pavanee", which was written in Switzerland, and "Ghosts". "Tears and Pavan" may have originated in the Alps, but it is distinctly British...complete with a court music interlude that can transport the romantically inclined back in time. "Ghosts" gave Lambert and Willoughby the chance to show off their very different guitar styles while still presenting a cohesive and coordinated structure. The first set ended with the bleak "New World". Cousins' dark lyrics, inspired by the troubles of Northern Ireland, were underlined by the groan of Lambert's lead and the gunshots of the rhythm guitars.
All of the members have written songs for the band and each has a distintive songwriting signature as well. Cousins' "Glimpse of Heaven" shows his gift for dreamy melodies and picturesque lyrics. Only Dave Cousins can glimpse Heaven and then write so convincingly about it. Willoughby's contribution, "Alice's Song", was written with a young relative in mind. The piece allows Willoughby to explore his autistic niece's perceptions of the world while still imparting his own sensitivity to the world around himself. And the Lambert number, played at the Columbus concert, was "Inside Your Hell Tonight". In Lambert's vision, Hell is a wasteland where veniality, cowardice and brutality masquerade as love, courage and friendship.
With all the talk of Heaven and Hell, you may think that the Strawbs are a serious bunch. I can assure you that they are not, although many in audience seemed to have a religious experience. Let us pray....that the Strawbs don't wait another fifteen years before coming back to the States to play.
THE BELLVILLE OPERA HOUSE (HIGHLANDS OF OHIO), BELLVILLE OH, 18 MAY 2003
Just my addition to the glowing tributes to the Acoustic Strawbs tour of America. I saw the boys 18 May 2003 in Belleville, Ohio. I actually live in Berea, Ohio near Cleveland and it was about a 60 mile drive south to Belleville. It's a small town of about 1400 I believe. We got there a little early, not knowing the area and had something to drink at the local restaurant. The Belleville Opera House is located on the top floor of the town hall and really isn't marked that I could see. To say the least it was a pretty low key spot. Probably about 100 people in the audience, most between 40-60 yr old, I would say. The guys walked thru a side door up to the stage so we knew they were there and they started into "Benedictus" right on time which was 2pm in the afternoon.
A little history here. I'm the big fan in the family. My wife came with me and though she recognized many of the songs from my incessant playing of them for our quarter century of marriage, she had never seen them before. I had only seen the Strawbs once, in the mid 70's in Detroit (I lived across the river in Windsor, Canada). At that show they opened for Peter Frampton and Slade. Unfortunately as Dave told us, their mellotron had been damaged on the plane which denied us "Down By The Sea", "New World" etc so it was a short but still enjoyable set. So needless to say as with many others I was thrilled for the opportunity to see even the acoustic Strawbs, but as many others have mentioned was not sure how they would match the majesty of their electric work.
Let me echo others right away and say that they more than matched it. I actually think I'm happier for having seen this version than the full band. Set list was pretty standard to those that have been noted. I don't think we got any extra or surprise tunes, but that was fine. Emphasis on Hero And Heroine and Bursting which were I think the most popular albums over here. Singing was really wonderful. Dave Cousins I think is a vocalist that you may either love or not and I love his voice and the different ways he uses it . Even better live, and similarly for Dave Lambert whose voice has had less an impact on me likely because it was usually tied to his songs which generally do not have the emotion of DC's. Similarly spectacular guitar playing and though DL stands out here as he gets the most to do, the three together were really spectacular and were easily a match for the recorded versions. Brian simply does his stuff and well, but I wanted to particularly thank him for "Alice's Song" which was especially moving.
Sitting on stools does not lend itself to much of a "show" per se, but there was still enough to see. DC is a little off-putting at first because his eyes roam the crowd and he gives the appearance to be a little disgruntled by his facial expressions. In his song introductions however and the mild banter between the three of them however, this is completely opposite to what appears to be the case. He laughs easily and seemed to enjoy our response. DL is very intense but also the most gregarious on stage, which is not what I would have thought based on any prior pictures etc. BW seems like the next door neighbor who would do anything for you. Loved the stories which I'm sure are done at every stop, but a nice change from concerts where performers don't seem capable of speaking
Highlights were many..."Autumn", "Alice's Song", "You And I", "New World" ("may you ROT"...awesome), "Down By The Sea" of course and it was great to hear "Flying". Best of all was "Simple Visions." I almost leapt out of my seat to sing along, it was so thrilling to see DC do this sans guitar, his arms and hands flying emotionally..what a great moment. I hope you all got treated to "Simple Visions".
So it was a great week for me. The prior weekend I had driven to New York to visit my daughter and also see two Procol Harum shows at the Bottom Line (where the Strawbs were 23 May 2003). They were also spectacular and to be able to see my two favorite groups in a week seems hard to believe (funnily their guitarist also makes seagull sounds on Salty Dog as DL did ). Thanks to Dick Greener and the web site for keeping the Strawbs in our sights and thanks so much to the guys for a great time.
PS...they say things cost a lot more but the Strawbs in the 70's cost $7 and last week they cost me $12. Pretty amazing and what a deal.
Just wanted to say I caught the Acoustic show in Bellville, Ohio yesterday with my 18-year old son and had a wonderful time. I learned from talking to folks around me that there are some very dedicated Strawbs fans in northern Ohio. It was great to hear all those songs - and they translated well to the three-guitar treatment - and the Daves sound just like I remember them from we won't say how many years ago. Also, my son, who is learning the guitar and hasn't much use for MTV fare, was much impressed. Thanks to all involved for this tour! (And I'm enjoying the Acoustic and Blue Angel CDs...)
THIRSTY EAR TAVERN, COLUMBUS OH, 17 MAY 2003
First, if you get a chance to see Strawbs in your area, go and you will get a first class show, one guaranteed to put to shame many so-called big stars.
They played at a really nice small spot, the Thirsty Ear Tavern with a capacity for about 150 people. They came on stage at 1030, played until 1200, a twenty minute break, and then back for an hour of more excitement.
Cousins still has the voice, and played dulcimer, banjo, and acoustic guitar. Lambert gave a fantastic lesson on lead acoustic guitar, playing some of the most fantastic breaks and not breaking a string. He also sings "lead"---more about that later. And, some great slide stuff. Willioughby was on acoustic guitar, and was seemingly down in the mix and barely perceptible at first until I noticed that the three men were all playing in different keys and creating a wonderful sonic....coming across at times as 12 string guitars.
They opened with "Benedictus" and the crowd was just receptive....most were over 40, and very very enthusiastic. One surprise was when they got to Sandy Denny's tune "Who Knows Where The Time Goes", Lambert and Willoughby both opened it with E-Bows.....I did not even know that you could use it on an acoustic guitar. What an effect!
Cousins gave a great story for each song. The highlight of the show was "Ghosts" with no 12 strings, but their picking made up for it. He voice was very very strong, and surprise of surprise---to me :) , Lambert does the lead vocals on the middle parts, about the children and their dreams. He really was quite impressive.
Cousins dedicated "New World" to September 11th. The boys also a great job on "The Hangman and the Papist". Did not do "Queen Of Dreams" (sigh), but overall a fantastic show. It was made even better after the first set, when about half the crowd left---probably past their bed time, and we got closer and louder, much to the surprise of the band. The band came back for an encore.....surprising how much noise a bunch of over 40 year olds can make.
They did a greet and meet, with CDs for sale, including the new one that Cousins did with Wakeman last year. Lambert said the tour is being extended and that they were coming back to Columbus in November, though the website has nothing for fall 2003, yet. [DG: that's because I haven't had any confirmed dates yet]
Anyway, if you get a chance, they are headed back east and then back to Canada. Take a chance on a great acoustic show.
JACK QUINN'S, COVINGTON, KY, 16 MAY 2003
I am still psyched from the show last night at Jack Quinn's in Kentucky. My birthday was Thursday and what a way to celebrate seeing the Strawbs for the first time live.
I only wished that I could have seen the electric Strawbs with Blue on keyboards and Hud on drums but the things that Dave L., Dave Cousins and Brian can do with acoustic guitars had everyone in the house slackjawed. My lady friend was amazed at what they could do, and really got a kick out of Dave L. doing that birdy sound in the beginning of Autumn...What is it he uses for that? It looked like a bottleneck on his finger but actually looked more like a plastic gizmo.
My lady friend Pam and I arrived at Jack Quinn's around 8pm. Their menu was excellent. They had a lot of Irish and English dishes...and the beer selection was great....almost like we were in an English or Irish pub. We shared some fish and chips which I loved and was probably the best I have had in quite a while. Then we went upstairs at 9pm to hear the band..
I can't remember the setlist but they played basically the same songs as at the other venues they have been playing on this tour. I remember the encore was "Simple Visions" and they did a great job on that. After the first set Dave was lingering around the stage and I asked him for his autograph and he said to wait until after the show.
When I caught up with him after the show he apologized for that and signed my CD of Hero and Heroine "Love, To Tom, Dave Cousins" and I shook Dave's hand and told him how much I enjoyed the show. Brian was also signing autographs - I gave him the CD to sign and he said "Oh no, I wasn't on this one" and I said yes I know so he said he knew Chas Cronk and was good friends with him so he justified it that way.
They were so friendly with everyone it was unbelievable - not snobby like some musicians can be. When Pam and I went to leave she heard that the guys were going to eat there and the waiter told us what booth they would be at. But she had to get up early for a trip and I knew it would be a wait, plus I didn't want to bother the boys. I fiqure they need time to themselves... but I kept thinking of what it would have been like - just me and my lady sitting next to the Strawbs breaking bread with them. (Actually I have been up all night regretting it kind of). But at least I got to meet Dave and Brian...Dave L. wasn't signing autographs at that time anyway.
Last night is a night I know I will always remember...Now Fairport Convention is going to be coming here on June 20th....I can hardly wait for that show..
FITZGERALD'S, BERWYN IL, 15 MAY 2003
There are those shows that you go to and say "yeah, that were really good" and then there are those that you say "wow, that was really special". Well the Strawbs at Fitzgeralds Thursday night was one of the latter.
I've been a fan since Bursting At The Seams but had never seen them live. I was wondering how the songs would translate to an acoustic setting but I shouldn't have worried. The sound was powerful with the electric and the two acoustics giving almost a full band feel. The three gentlemen really complement each other while being SO tight.
Dave Cousins can still sing (I just love his voice) and the harmonies with Lambert were right on the money. Great set list too. There were two sets of about 45 minutes each with the songs being prefaced with a narrative on how the song evolved. I got the impression that the band was enjoying themselves. I hope so because by the audience reaction throughout, they certainly were too. After the show DD and B came down and hung out, signed, posed and were extremely gracious.
I had a fantastic time. Anyway, I hope they come back soon, with full band or acoustic. either way it'll be just fine with me.
This band was unfortunately on the list of bands I might never see again. With only having seen them once in the early 70's supporting King Crimson in Chicago, I had been extremely underserved of this favorite band. After seeing The Acoustic Strawbs at FitzGeralds in Berwyn, Il., I was prepared to follow the tour to its end. Common sense for a man of 50 crept in and I realized I would have that evening to remember.
The performance was absolutely perfect! The choice of songs was impeccable and the amount of music gathered from the three guitarists was astonishing. Dave Lambert's plaintive vocals have gotten more intense as his voice matures and Mr. Cousins sounded as though he invented the art of emotive singing. The storytelling was engrossing and became an important element of the evening. Although I will hope for a show with full band, this show will go in my top ten concerts of my 40 years of shows. Thanks
Just a note to thank you for all your work keeping the web site up and current. Thanks to your efforts, I saw that the Strawbs were playing in Canada and the US. Fortunately, I was able to attend the Chicago show at Fitzgeralds. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Dave Cousins sounds great, and Dave L. and Brian are fantastic on the guitars. I was amazed at how well they sounded using the acoustic format. I especially enjoyed the commentary by Dave on how he wrote some of the songs. The audience was great with no chatter during the show. It was obvious everyone was there to focus on the performance.
After the show, they all came down to the bar. They were all extremely friendly and outgoing. I got all three autographs, and a picture of myself with Dave Cousins. I had to do some adjustments on the camera for the person taking the picture, and through the time taken, Dave was extremely gracious and patient. My friends and family are getting tired of my carrying on about what a great night and experience I had. I do hope they come back to Chicago. I'll definitely be there.
SHANK HALL, MILWAUKEE WI, 14 MAY 2003
Four days have passed since I attended the acoustic Strawbs show at the Shank Hall in Milwaukee. The event has not been out of my mind for much more than one waking hour since...
My brother and I both had high expectations - and they were exceeded in a hurry. Several songs into the evening the reality settled in that this would be far from an average show. I consciously reminded myself to savor the extraordinary two hours I would spend at the club. I commented to my brother repeatedly that what we were witnessing was truly special - apparently Jerry, the reviewer from the Fitzgerald's show on the 15th, had the same experience.
Every song was a gem, some were diamonds: "Tears and Pavan" exemplified the haunting beauty of Dave Cousins' voice and words (Tears) as well as the trademark folky Old English charm (Pavan) of the Strawbs. The lush and soaring treatment that the three gave "Ghosts", "Autumn", "Hero and Heroine", and "Round and Round" was awe-inducing. I can't remember the last time I was so transported by the music at a concert. Disclaimer: I'm too old to be a star-struck worshipper of any band - these guys were just flat out fantastic - don't miss them.
Additionally: I will never take Dave Cousins for granted again. He is one of a kind and a stunning talent. Dave Lambert was ridiculously good on "Ghosts" and totally captivating otherwise. Originally, I was curious about the three-guitars-but-only-two-singers arrangement, but it quickly became evident that Brian Willoughby was integral to the magic.
Only regret: I've been listening to "Baroque and Roll", which I purchased at the show, and asking myself why the hell I didn't drive 90 miles the following evening to see the Strawbs again in Chicago.
The show in Milwaukee was great!!! My only complaints are that they didn't have any shirts to sell...... and that the show wasn't about 4 hours longer. It has definitely whet my appetite for more. I hope they come back. I feel even luckier that they came to Milwaukee which is only an hour from where I live. I had originally planned on going to Chicago. Chicago is about 3 hours away. After the show in Milwaukee, I did however, think about calling in sick to work and going there too.
As far as the show itself, David and Daves' singing together (and individually) was like magic. If they had shown up and only played "Ghosts" I would have been satisfied. After 29 years of waiting, it felt like a dream. And a very nice dream at that! One thing I didn't expect was the wonderful interplay between Brian and Daves' guitars. Their styles complement each other very nicely. They should do a guitar record together. David, Dave and Brian were also very nice about autographing CDs and talking with the fans.
I want to thank you because I know that the hard work you have done over the years is probably the main reason I was able to finally see the Strawbs. I really appreciate it!!!! Have a great time in NY. When you go from Pawling to NYC, stop in Mamaroneck. I grew up there. Sals Pizzaria has the best pizza in the universe.
