Click for Part 2 - reviews and pictures from the second half of the January/February UK tour.
Witchwood
A Glimpse of Heaven
Ghosts
Beside The Rio Grande
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
The Man I Saw Last Night - Dave Lambert solo
untitled - Dave Cousins solo
Benedictus
The Winter And The Summer
Hanging In The Gallery
Face Down In The Well
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold
Round And Round
Hero and Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
ACOUSTIC STRAWBS POST CHRISTMAS PARTY, CRICKET PAVILION, NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY, TEDDINGTON, 14 JAN 2004
An excellent new venue for the always enjoyable pre-tour "party-style" gig - the club of the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington. Top marks to manager Tony Grimmer for excellent facilities - the bar is well stocked with interesting beers, reasonably priced and there was a happy hour from 5.30-7.30. There was a reasonable array of snack food, and the bar staff didn't turn a hair when asked to provide coffees for those of us unlucky to have drawn the driving straw (unavoidable for those travelling from West to East London - and on this occasion, via South and bloody North as well!)
The small hall immediately next to the bar is wood panelled and the acoustics, sound and balance were generally agreed to be absolutely splendid. A low stage at one end, with plenty of lighting framed with speaker stacks which cleared displayed they had seen life, but which proved to be perfectly serviceable with a clear unfuzzed tone. Couldn't have been better (unless it was in East London: see above!). It's a bit of a trek for those not arriving by car, but there's loads of free parking and it's well worth the trip (I gather Tony is hoping to get the Acoustics back and has already started the process of booking Cry No More.
The atmosphere was great - a very relaxed and friendly, almost family feel. Not just the extended Strawbs family: Chas (not far from his house!) was there, and I'd brought Hud over with me (the first time he'd seen the Acoustics) and was giving him a lift back (to North London). But also the members of Witchwood (Alison Brown down for an overnighter from Teesside, Steve Young and Rod Green over from Norwich, Paul Brazier up from Brighton, Lindsay and John Sorrell over from Southend) and other hardy regulars who tend to turn up for these things (Kevin and Jan).
Our intrepid trio were in good form and great voice - Dave C was complaining that US Customs had dismantled his banjo on their return from the US and caused it some distress; and half way through the first half his guitar was playing up too - he occasionally banged the body to shake up the electrics, which seemed to do the trick.
First surprise of the first half was "Beside The Rio Grande", sung with raw power and emotion by Dave C. Dave and Brian used regularly to do this in the old duo days, so no surprise that it can be done acoustically, but it certainly benefits from the three hand approach, with Lambert adding some definitely 50's rock and roll flourishes in places.
Photos of the Teddington gig are taken from Alison Brown's Strawbs site at: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/borobrowns/as_20040114_1.htm
But the big surprise and delight of the night came immediately after - announced as something not played since 1971, "In Amongst The Roses", its delicate arrangement perfect for the Acoustic Strawbs, with Dave Lambert taking the Hooper lead vocal (as he did so successsfully on "Flower And The Young Man". A little hesitant at the end, but throughout the song I noticed lots of the audience smiling with delight as they realised what was to come (I know I was) and at the end, the crowd spontaneously erupted with cheers and whistles. A very popular addition. If that builds over the course of the tour like "Flying" did for me, then the hairs on my neck will be rising every night.
There was plenty of jokes and backchat between the band, especially following a false start to "Shine On Silver Sun", and it was clear that all three were having a ball in these pleasant surroundings.
During the interval there was a showing of extracts from the Toronto DVD (with the video sound as the re-mixed soundtrack has not yet been fully married to the visuals); "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" was the track selected and it comes over very well on screen. Also shown was the short documentary included as a bonus feature, with Dave Cousins fronting a trip round the spots in London which have relevance to Strawbs history - Strawberry Hill itself, the London Apprentice at Isleworth, Eel Pie Island and others.
Back to the music room and the second half, as promised, started with some solo new material - first DC ("this isn't a normal tour gig, we're going to do something special") introduced Dave Lambert's powerful song about Peter Green, "The Man I Saw Last Night", which those who saw his solo gig last July will have heard then. With, thought-provoking, slightly uncomfortable subject-matter and trademark Lambert acoustic chords, it's the excellent opening track of his new album Work In Progress, copies of which had literally arrived at the Witchwood office that day, and were on sale at the gig. They'll be on sale throughout the tour but not in the shops or via internet until end March (distributor's rules), but there'll be 200 signed copies available for ordering in advance via www.witchwoodrecords.co.uk.
Second up, Dave Cousins with a new song, for which he didn't mention the title, starting "If I Should Live A Thousand Years". Alternating between a picked guitar figure for which he laid his plectrum on his knee, then a strummed chorus, it's a delicate and touching love song. Dave had played me a brief snatch of this a while back on the last tour and it's expected to be recorded on the next Strawbs album.
Brian was called back to the stage and into the second half of the show proper, opening with "Benedictus" (the dulcimer "remember this thing, it's come out of storage" needing a quick retune before festivities could re-comence). Dave switched next to mandolin for Lambert's "Winter And The Summer" and then - another first for the UK - though US audiences were treated to it on the November/December tour - was "Hanging In The Gallery", where, astonishingly, Lambert's stunning fuzz electric solo instrumental break was recreated near perfectly on acoustic.
"Face Down In The Well" - very powerful now - which has moved to the second half . And then into the recognised closing sequence, "River/Down By The Sea", "Out In The Cold/Round And Round" and a truly wondrous "Hero And Heroine" (can it GET any better ... ?). A few new touches to the instrumentation of both two-parters and "Hero" which continue to evolve gently with each tour: DL has now introduced use of the e-Bow in a few places in R/DBTS (he has a shiny new one, I think, which has a blue light showing when it's switched on). The scratching of strings at the start of "Round And Round" is more and more pronounced. And finally the coda to H&H has extended a little and ended with a magnificent flourish and cheers all round.
Finally, with a dedication requested by some members of the audience who'd been to a funeral earlier in the day, the wholly appropriate "We'll Meet Again Sometime", sung by Dave with slightly more soulful manner than hitherto - the current arrangement offering DL an opportunity for some slide work as well as a good folk club "joining-in" chorus guitar thrash ending. An excellent closer.
Lots of chat in the bar before the long long journey home. Having extracted Hud from the bar (with some difficulty), first a lift as promised for Paul Brazier at some speed (though not of course infringing any traffic regulations) to Clapham Junction (South London) where he just made his 1.06am train back to Brighton - next one was about 4.00am, then through the deserted city (Trafalgar Square looks great at that time of night) to North London to drop Hud, before heading east to Leytonstone (East London), head hitting pillow at about 2.30am - whew!
Truly an evening of transport and delights !
Tremendous! Wow!
I've been looking forward to this for weeks. I just knew it would be special and it was.
Before I go on, huge thanks to Dick Greener and Hud, who got me to Clapham Junction with seconds to spare to catch my train.
But to begin at the beginning....
I caught the train up to London as the light was fading over Brighton. I've had laryngitis recently, and I think if it had been almost anything else I would have cried off. As it was, I settled onto the fast train with a good book -- Mary Gentle's "1610: A Sundial on a Grave" and if there are any serious science fiction readers out there, get it, it's brilliant -- and before I knew it I was at Clapham Junction.
Coming back to Clapham Junction is very odd for me. I lived near here in the 1960s, and went to school right next to where the Clapham Junction rail crash happened -- and in fact I went past the actual accident moments after it had happened on the other line... shivers, brrrr. Much of my early teens were spent watching the steam engines here with the aeroplanes overhead for variety. I watched Up The Junction being filmed and watched the stars come for the world premiere at the Granada, which was at the top of my road.
If I appear to be waxing sentimental, that is because yesterday evening I spent some time sorting some memorabilia in my loft, and among other things I found my diary from 1969 that details how I first saw the Strawbs. I will go into this in more detail in another e-mail, but meantime, I was in a peculiarly heightened state of anticipation, and it is only fair to let you know why.
So, I arrived in Teddington at about twenty past six, plenty early. First I had to puzzle out how to get out of the railway station -- the map I had printed off proved useless as I couldn't see it in the semi-dark. This proved to be a bit of a theme as the evening progressed. Suddenly realised that because I was so excited I hadn't actually eaten anything yet today, so went and got a pie and chips in a Chinese fish and chip shop in the high street. It was pretty awful actually, but I didn't care. I was going to see the Strawbs... and believe me when I say I think I was as delirious as Doug [LeBlanc - another Witchwood member] can get sometimes.
Walked into the NPL grounds, and there was no sign of the venue. Asked at security and discovered I had the same length walk inside the grounds as I had had from the station -- useful to know if I was going to make the last train at 11.34. I found my way round the sports field in the dark to the pavilion, and walked into a very welcoming bar to find Dick Greener, Sue and Mike Holton and Alison Brown, so Witchwood was already well-represented. There were more, other, witchwooders later, but I am hopeless with names. apart from it was good to meet Chas Cronk at last. We had a lot of fun chatting and generally being noisy and drunk and Chas introduced me to a stunningly beautiful woman who wanted to know about how to solve problems on her computer, and it only gradually dawned on me that this was Geraldine, other half to none other than Dave Cousins himself.
The small thin clean shaven and nearly bald man turned out to be Hud - I have always thought he was taller than me, and much, much hairier. Gosh, it was a whirl of faces. Lindsay turned up with her husband, which was really nice as she had thought she wouldn't be able to make it.
The evening was supposed to commence at 8.00 with a viewing of the Toronto DVD, but by 8.30 there was no sign - then word came down that the band were going to play, then show the DVD in the interval.
So we made our way into the auditorium, separate from the bar I'm glad to say, but there were precious few seats and it appeared we were intended to stand. We Witchwooders made a beeline for the front, then rearranged the furniture so was all had seat and a table for our beer, and then it was time and the lads appeared.
The set continues to evolve. They opened with DC talking about a particularly spooky wood on the way to the country, then they sang "Witchwood", and straight away Dave Lambert's new guitar showed its quality. DC continued the travelogue, taking us down to Devon, and "A Glimpse Of Heaven", and then "Ghosts". DC is looking very relaxed -- last time I saw him he looked tired - and his voice is in great shape.
He then described being taken out into the desert by some people he hardly knew in the USA to see the Rio Grande which, from his account, is little more than a trickle, and this led to the first addition to the set list, a majestic "Beside The Rio Grande", with DC really letting rip. This was quickly followed by another new addition, "In Amongst The Roses", demonstrating DC's tender side to great effect.
Back to the core repertoire with "Tears And Pavan", with consistently wonderful unison guitar picking from Lampoon and Brian Willoughby, and then DC picked up the banjo for a sensitive reading of Willoughby's "Alice's Song". He kept the banjo for the next song, a quiet and more affecting version of "Shine On Silver Sun", including something I've rarely seen with DC, a false start. I think it was at this point BW swapped his Gibson for his nylon-strung classical guitar - he still manages to get a strong sound from it, though, and nowhere does it diminish his performance.
The first set closed with DC again in reflective mood, and a wonderful reading of "Autumn".
In the interval, one song from the Toronto DVD was shown. I watched a bit of it, but I really want to have my first experience it when it is complete, so I sloped off out to ring my wife. Outside the sky was so clear it seemed you might be able to see all four hundred billion stars (well, two hundred billion actually, as you can only see half the sky) with Orion blazing gloriously above the darkened sports field, aeroplanes dashing about in the sky over my head, and others landing at Heathrow - you can hear the reverse thrust after they land from here -- and I really didn't want to go back indoors, except that my favourite band in all the world were there. The DVD isn't a straight concert recording - Dave has included documentary bits about various parts of west London, and from what I saw it looks like it's going to be another tour de force.
Another first -- Dave Lambert's new CD, Work In Progress, had just arrived that afternoon, and was on sale, so another twelve quid departed this wallet oh most willingly. And then it was time to go back in and be wowed all over again.
DC and DL came on together, and DC said they would both be doing a new song, and then the regular band would play again. Dave Lambert sang the first track on the new album. It's called "The Man I Saw Last Night", and is about Lampoon's admiration for Peter Green, his hero (and mine!) in the late 1960s. It is a surprisingly upbeat song for such a sad subject - "I don't want to lose my mind, like the man I saw last night". DL's new guitar was well to the fore, and, as DC said, it is a wonderful song.
DC then took the stage and sang a song which he says he has "been messing about with for long enough". It is a tender love song with a lot about thousands of things in it, but seemed to me to be called The Smile On Your Face from its (to me) most prominent line. The guitar part was notable in that it has a lovely repeated figure, and Dave would put his plectrum down on his knee to play the finger-style parts then pick it up again for the choruses.
Brian rejoined the other two on stage, DC picked up his dulcimer, and we were away into "Benedictus". Lambert followed this with his "The Winter And The Summer", also on the new album, with DC playing his mandolin.
That the next song was going to be "Hanging In The Gallery" was plain from DC's introduction, but it has not been played before in this country by the Acoustic Strawbs (according to Dick Greener), although it has been performed in the USA.
"Face Down In The Well" goes from strength to strength, and becomes ever more spooky. From this point we were into thoroughly familiar Acoustic Strawbs territory. "The River/Down By The Sea" continues to astonish with the unison guitar playing, then "Out In The Cold" and "Round And Round" bring us to the by-now almost inevitable "Hero And Heroine" jig, with Dave Lambert thundering impressively on his Bodhran, changing to guitar, and effortlessly flowing straight into his guitar part almost as part of putting the strap over his shoulder.
Time then for a single encore (my last train had left some ten minutes before) and the by now familiar reworking of "We'll Meet Again Sometime", played in a slightly more subdued manner in dedication to someone whose funeral had taken place that afternoon.
And then it was out into the bar, an obligatory Witchwood representatives portrait was taken, although some had already had to leave, so it isn't a complete record.
Much chat and exchanging of addresses took place, and then it became plain that if I was going to catch my last train from Clapham Junction Dick and I would have to get weaving. It proved difficult to drag Hud away from his socialising, but we managed it in the end, set off up the A316 and thence onto the south circular road, which I knew would get us to Clapham Junction fairly quickly, and the frustration of having to obey the speed cameras and crawl along wide open and empty roads. A half moon appeared astonishingly low in the sky, huge, and, strange to say, over Putney. [U.S. readers may need to know that one of the most famous folk venues in London is the Half Moon in Putney.]
Arrived at Clapham Junction and managed to go into the wrong entrance -- you used to be able to get onto trains from that entrance in the sixties -- jump out of the car and find Station Approach gone! - oh, no, it's been turned into an arcade/mall, and there is the station at the end of it. Sprinted down there, up to platform 13, and I could hear train doors slamming. Leaped up the steps, and they were whistling, but someone had left a door open. One last leap, and I was on a moving train, with my heart threatening to leap out of my chest.
Arrived in Brighton, and they couldn't get the gates unlocked to let us out. When they did, there was a fair riot to get the three taxis. I walked home beneath that half moon, and, as I write now, it is high above my left shoulder. Time for bed, methinks. It only remains to thank all the people who bought me beer this evening - not far short of a gallon, if my memory serves, so now you know why I look like a Tun -- and to thank The Acoustic Strawbs for their superb music and for making it possible for me to meet so many smashing people.
Good night all
PS. One thing (among many) I haven't mentioned about last night was that Dave Lambert came on in a fetching black jacket and white tee shirt for the first half, then for the second half wore a white jacket and black tee shirt. Don't mess with my memory, Mr Lambert! As neither DC nor Brian changed, which they normally do, and as Lampoon was in a fairly dark corner of the stage, it wasn't immediately noticeable, and also as I have a peculiarity in that I tend to remember colours in reverse video -- red for green, blue for orange, black for white -- I didn't want to comment until I had looked at the pictures, but, yes, he did go into reverse video in his own right. I also have to admit that Dave Cousins in that tartan shirt looks like a hillbilly with his banjo.
Um, I'm not going to try and compete with those write ups of last night's gig in Teddington guys, how on earth do you remember so many details? I'm afraid I don't usually remember much after Strawbs gigs, just that I got "lost" somewhere in the music!
It was great to hear Dave Lambert's new song "The Man I Saw Last Night" however; that really is an excellent song. Couldn't resist buying Dave's new solo album after hearing that (so I know I've got the title right!), which Neil so kindly flogged to me at the merchandise desk. I see from Dick's review the title of the other new song which had the audience pretty much spell-bound was "If I Should Live A Thousand Years" - a definite "hit" a la Dave Cousins. So many great songs, "Face Down In The Well" really is another DC classic, and I know I've been beaten to saying it but "In Amongst The Roses" has been crying out for an Acoustic Strawbs version, and we got to hear it last night. All the old favourites rocked, and all too soon the gig was over.
I thought the sound was excellent, crystal clear with none of the beeps and buzzes that often plague Strawbs gigs. John and I really enjoyed meeting up with various Witchwooders - lovely to talk with Alison Brown and Paul Brazier again, sorry to Steve Young that I didn't recognise him, he looked so, er, young (I'm sure you were 10 years older last time Steve) and great to see Hud and Chas there too. Only two things to grumble about really, firstly I became the target for a woman who seemed to feel the urge to tell me her life story the minute the band started playing (why me?): I spotted Dick (ha, I've been waiting to get that one in) standing at the front, made my excuses to my new-found life-long buddy and lurched towards him. Dick kindly let me invade his personal space, allowing me an excellent view of the gig. Sorry it was a big squashy. Other big disappointment? Chas had long trousers on :( [DG - one of the recent topics on Witchwood has been a "silly season" tabloid paper article back in the seventies on men in shorts in which our own Mr. Chas Cronk featured.]
And I did notice the moon on the way home - it was strange, really ragged looking, never seen it look quite like that before.
Great to see so many Witchwooders at Teddington the other night, and to finally get properly introduced to Chas Cronk. Love Alison Brown's pics, you'll have to wait a couple of weeks for mine...being a dinosaur who still insists on using real film rather than digital, but I'll send them to Dick as soon as I get them back.
It would seem that Dave's new song doesn't have an official title yet. We were chatting about it in the bar afterwards, and he was asking for suggestions. Why is it your mind goes completely blank when he asks something like that ??? Could be something to do with a few Bacardis I suppose :)) Oh well, I'm trying to come up with a few ideas before we see him again on Wednesday in Dartford, you never know, I might yet have the honour of suggesting a name for a new DC song !
The moon was amazing on our way back, huge (yes I know it's an optical illusion) low, and so bright we almost put the sun visor down at one point along the M2 as it was quite dazzling as it appeared right in front of us on our horizon for long stretches of our drive home.
It was almost 2.30 am by the time we got in, shattered, but having enjoyed yet another wonderful evening with all our Strawbs/ Witchwood friends. At least Dartford will be only a 1 hour drive..... almost local !
Witchwood
A Glimpse of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Benedictus
The Winter and the Summer
Face Down In The Well
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold
Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
SWINDON ARTS CENTRE, 15 JAN 2004
The opening show of the UK 2004 tour and as Dave said in his introduction, it was two years to the day that the Acoustic Strawbs played their first show and it was in the same venue, the Swindon Arts Centre, I remember it well. The centre has since been refurbished and is now a very nice venue for about 200 with very comfortable seating. The sound tonight was possibly the best I've ever heard for the band and both Daves voices were in fantastic form. The whole show seems refreshed from the last time the band played on UK soil, some new numbers and new versions of stories. The band seemed relaxed and had a good time, although there wasn't as much banter as on some occasions. The playing was first rate as usual and the first set seemed to have been slowed down slightly (then again, that may have been me!).
The big surprise was when Dave started introducing a song saying they hadn't played for at least 30 years and it was about his daughter. This had me beginning to hope, then after a while I knew I was going to get my wish come true! Then followed a beautiful rendition of "In Amongst The Roses", I've been hoping to see this live since I first started seeing the band and never expected it to be played. Always thought it was a natural for the Acoustics and I was right, hope it stays in the set for a few more tours!
I don't know if it was the clarity of the sound or the extra polish gained from the American tour, but there seemed to be extra bits in most songs that I'd not heard before and Dave's banjo playing seems better than ever. Most of the tried and tested songs seemed to have a slightly different treatment and Dave L played even mightier than usual on his new guitar. I could have stayed and listened for hours.
One point of envy was when Dave was introducing "Face Down In The Well" and talking about his house in France and how he sometimes sits around with his neighbour who also "plays a bit of guitar" and have a strum together. Oh to live next door to Dave and to sit and chat and play in the middle of the French countryside!
We'll meet again sometime was a superb encore, which was sung beautifully by Dave C with harmonies by DL. My friend was on his fourth Strawbs concert but only has a couple of CDs and had not heard this before and was most impressed with it.
So an excellent show with a revamped set list (incidentally a very strong set of songs this time) and slightly different interpretations of many of the songs. Sadly missing the solo stuff from Teddington and "Rio Grande" and "Hanging In The Gallery", would have loved to see those! Extra song though was "Lay Down", but I can't remember where it was in the set, confused me because Dave said they hadn't played it for two years, but I'm sure I've seen it more recently.
Wish I could go to another show this tour now, but unfortunately I can't make it. Make sure you get to see them this time!
This was the opening night of the Winter/Spring - let's settle for "New Year " tour. The trip to the Northern part of the County of Wiltshire was made in torrential rains and high winds as my vehicle steadfastly moved on through ever growing puddles at the side of the road, on my way to the Arts Centre. Stormy Downs indeed.
To my knowledge this is the third time the Band have kicked off a tour at this venue - once as an electric band and latterly twice now in the acoustic incarnation. The mood at the start of every tour is always one of expectancy and with so much positive news of treats to come through out this year it was a night possibly to expect the unexpected.
The first treat was on arrival. The Arts centre had transformed itself in the two years since the band were last there. It was always a great place to see a performance, intimate and really functional, if somewhat well trodden and worn. But now modern, new lighting and I suspect sound systems, but fully retaining the intimate atmosphere in the auditorium with comfortable seating for around 200.
Most of the seats were occupied by the time the band took the stage to extremely welcoming applause. Dave Lambert sporting his new "Washburn" that was later to receive a good Lambert style thrashing as it was coaxed and cajoled, to sounds new and old, in a rip roaring performance. An impeccable "Witchwood" opened the proceedings and had the audience captivated. Three numbers in and the next surprise of the night (sorry if this spoils this for the rest of you ), "In Amongst The Roses". It slowed the pace, but with exquisite delivery a real treat. The first set ended in reflective mood as we all recalled memories and atmosphere of days past in "Shine On Silver Sun" followed by "Autumn".
A perfect sound balance allowed each of three their own space, as individuals, or in harmony and set up what was to be an outstanding second half that I will dub "the electric set ", such was the power and volume cascading into the audience.
Now approaching my 50th year (hopefully), I was sat next to a lady who was probably half as old again. Clearly enjoying the performance, all night she had visibly followed the intricate playing of Brian and Dave L with a fierce intensity and watched in awe at Dave C's "hands of expression". But what got me was during the particularly loud Dave Lambert riff in "Lay Down" she turned to what I assume was her daughter and I swear she said "I think I can hear it now ". Of course, I may have been mistaken or even misunderstood the meaning, but tonight the volume was definitely up.
This didn't really seem like a first night of a tour with Dave C eloquently playing a "lead" link to the duelling guitars in "The River/Down By The Sea", but we all know how hard the band have worked over the last two years to reach this performance level and the audience reception both before and after the encore bore testament to what had gone before.
In the row behind me two hardened "rockers" (by appearance) remarked midway through the second set "This is real quality". How right they were , the reception given was fully deserved.
Having just looked at the review of the above concert - Nigel Bennet's section- I think that the 'older lady and her daughter' mentioned in the review may possible have been me and my Mum!! (Tell Nigel that if it was us, my Mum isn't that hard of hearing -she is 75 by the way, and I am slighty younger!!). We were sitting in Row F, seats 6 & 7 (on the aisle). From his comments it certainly sounds as if it could have been us.
We may be two of the Strawbs longest-running fans - I first saw them at Marlborough College when they were still officially the Strawberry Hill Boys - just Dave, Tony and Ron and playing mainly Bluegrass (Dave played more banjo then!!) when I was 15 or 16 (back in 1966/1967). As a founder member of my school Folk Club (at Marlborough Grammar School) I pleaded with our 'Folk' teacher (known as 'Paddy O'Regan) to book them for a concert, and they came to perform as the Strawbs (with the tale that they had just come back from a tour in France and the French found it easier to call them Les Strawbs!!), and they came back a second time (this time with Claire Deniz on cello) where I was lucky enough to join in a bit of a jam session with them (I was playing the only 12-string guitar in the Folk Club!!).
I did have all of the early records on vinyl until a 'boyfriend' left them in the back seat of his car in the late 60's and some of them got warped by the sun (quickly an ex-friend!!) I managed to rescue some of them and they are carefully stored away along with my precious Sandy Denny and the Strawbs album! As I was too young to drive to Strawbs concerts then, my Mum used to transport me and come to the concerts as well - she is still a devout fan, as am I, and we go to as many 'near' concerts as we can, and buy new CD's and DVD's as and when finances permit!!
Just after my Mum was widowed nearly 7 years ago, it would have been her Golden Wedding Anniversary, so to cheer her up, and as a complete surprise to her, I booked to take her to a concert that the Strawbs were doing in Southampton on the actual day of the Anniversary. She had no idea where we were going and it wasn't until we got inside the venue that she knew why she was there - it made her day. She even went to see them on her own at the Forest Arts Centre in New Milton in Hampshire a year or so ago. She has since moved back to Wiltshire so we keep on the lookout for concerts that are easy for us to get to!!
Dave and Co. are still the best ( although Dave L should get rid of the naff 'tourist' bodhran and buy a decent plain one - as a fellow player tell him that his playing of said instrument has greatly improved since I saw them at the Devizes Festival last year!!) Tell Dave C to keep up the 'hand expressions' - they help make the performance - what happened to the 'head scratching??
Witchwood
A Glimpse of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Benedictus
The Winter And The Summer
Face Down In The Well
Beside The Rio Grande
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
THE STABLES, WAVENDON, 16 JAN 2004
Following my more general review of the Teddington gig, I thought I'd concentrate particularly on the "new bits" where either one of the other leads have varied what they do on some of the older parts of the set. Seems to me that both have been quite affected by the acquisition of new guitars.
Brian's relatively new toy is a nylon stringed guitar, which features in the complex instrumentation of "Face Down In The Well". As well as the initial opening figure, it features some Spanish-style arpeggio strumming, using the fronts of the fingernails striking the strings successively to create many notes in a relatively short time. "In Amongst The Roses" features this guitar prominently too, and Brian has switched to using this for "Tears And Pavan" where, though so far as I can hear the notes are the same, it definitely offers a different texture to contrast with Lambert's steel string playing.
Lambert now plays a black Washburn, and it's undoubtedly the case that his playing has changed as a result. There's a more percussive, Townshend-ish feel to some of the playing, which he emphasises by rocking to and from with the music. He's introduced e-Bow in more places, particularly in the second half, and the device seems to fit better with this guitar than his last, and there are fewer jarring moments where the device gets too close to the strings and grates. "Glimpse" and "Lay Down" have definitely clicked up a notch, and"Rio Grande"when played offers him a chance to show how to play wah-wah guitar without any such device. "Round And Round" has accentuated further the scratching sound developed late last year: now it's in Lambert's hands when the song proper starts, as is the case with "Hangman" and "The River", where you can see the other two watching for a sign from Cousins that he's built the mood up enough to start the song.
Finally, "Hero And Heroine" continues to build, even from the high point it's already reached. At King's Heath (below), DC recalled that the song had first been played there as a tryout - which I was there for and enthused at the time. From a slightly (and excusably) ragged start, it's now become a splendid closer: though sometimes the bodhran does overpower a little in the early stages, the power-chord coda with split-second abrupt ending is absolutely fabulous.
Witchwood
A Glimpse of Heaven
Ghosts - false start
Ghosts
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
In Amongst The Roses
Autumn
Benedictus
The Winter and the Summer
Tears and Pavan
Face Down In The Well
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold
Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
Simple Visions
RED LION FOLK CLUB, THE HIBERNIAN, KINGS HEATH, BIRMINGHAM, 17 JAN 2004
The King's Heath area of Brum being a balti Mecca, me and girlfriend Sue got in a quick curry before getting to the Acoustic Strawbs at the Red Lion Folk Club. As a Londoner these days, I always get a shock when getting a food bill for two for less than two tenners! Why did I ever leave the West Midlands? A good start!
The Red Lion's folk club's usual venue (The Red Lion!) was being refurbished and so it had booked a nearby venue at the Hibernian Pub. The usual 'dark room' adjoining a pub it had the cosy/intimate/relaxed feel to it that the Acoustic Strawbs are now well suited to, and given it was pretty packed on Saturday night it had generated quite an atmosphere by the end of the evening. Indeed it looked pretty similar to the Red Lion I remembered two years back - especially as the chairs had apparently been transported especially for the occasion from the Red Lion! On the downside, a forever open bar was present at the back - some of the magically quiet moments that were created were uncannily the moments when the bar staff chose to drop the ice cubes all over the floor etc.etc.
The night was particularly memorable for all sorts of gremlin type activity, that in the end rather united performers and audience more closely than would be possible in less intimate surroundings. Rather appropriately things came to a head in "Ghosts" when sound was lost from DL's guitar. This prompted some hilarious "guitar circling" from the stranded DC and BW as they awaited technical salvation. Finally they gave up and DC launched into his 'Jehovah's witness' joke which brought the house down amidst much on-stage banter. The song was duly re-launched but when DC broke a string in the closing coda he brought things to a stunning climax with a quick "oh bugger this" or the like which once again had everyone in stitches.
Amidst all this, Brian, on the end of the stage nearest the door, had a very cold gale blowing across him, which couldn't have done his back much good and certainly gave him a nightmare in keeping in tune. As a final twist one of the resident members of the club doing a support act either side of the interval was forced to retire with a very painful looking spell of finger cramp! I'm sure lesser mortals might have crumbled, but it says a lot for the relaxed and professional nature of these three maestros that they took everything in their stride and rose to the occasion to produce some stirringly powerful music.
As has been mentioned before it was an absolute delight to hear "In Amongst The Roses" and as predicted by so many it worked wonderfully in the acoustic setting. There were moments of sublime,delicate vocal and guitar phrasing and in this sense it seemed to me a natural replacement for "When We Were Young" in recent concerts. It was my first time ever hearing "Face Down In The Well" and I was immediately taken aback by the powerhouse chorus, counterpointed by some wonderful touches low-down on the fret from BW.
Unbelievably another string broke for DC towards the end of another rousing "Hero And Heroine". For a moment he looked quite forlorn, and I'm not sure what was supposed to be coming next, particularly as having been told they literally switch off the sound system when the clock strikes 11, DC was keeping a hawkish eye on where the time went. But quickly, and by way of encore they launched into "Simple Visions", where DC traditionally abandons his guitar. I know SV is a favourite of many strawbites but I have always regarded it as so-so, but tonight DC launched into it with incredible energy and raw power. It was stunning. How does he do it ??!! An old man maybe (as he likes to end things these days!), but his voice remains in a class of its own. And then the clock did strike 11.00 and whether they meant a "We'll Meet Again Sometime" to send us all off happy into the cold Brummie air we'll never know.
* Is this the WORST pun I've come with so far ? See below.
I have always liked the atmosphere at a good well run folk club and the Red Lion club certainly fits into that category. As it wasn't their normal venue (owing to refurishments) they can be forgiven a few gremlins in the works, particularly, as Neil mentions, they generated an excellent rapport between the performers and the audience - that "blitz" mentality which kicks in when adversity threatens. I did find the bar noise quite intrusive: however I can't quite see what they could have done (other than close the bar, which would have created its own problems) as the circular ceiling no doubt is to blame. Presumably this venue normally hosts noisy rock bands which drown out any noise.
Even more problematic was the temperature control - at the front, particularly on stage, but certainly anywhere near the vent above the door into the venue, it was absolutely freezing: I kept my leather quilted jacket on all night, and was tempted from time to time to zip it up. Brian, sitting below the icy blast, was particularly affected and his guitars kept going out of tune as a result. Back at the bar, it was almost sub-tropical.
The difficulties with the PA in "Ghosts" led to what, for me, was a delightful interlude, where DC and Brian continued to play the opening guitar figure, in the hope that Lambert would be able to join them. As time went on, DC kept on the basic underlying strum, whilst Brian started to vary the standard figure ad lib in various ways - which reminds us all just how capable and inventive a guitarist Brian actually is. The current Strawbs set, tightly planned and executed, in some ways offers less opportunities for ad hoc musical inventiveness than, say, a Dave and Brian set of the mid 80s, where over a rock solid rhythmic backing from Cousins, Brian would weave an acoustic lead, in many respects different every night. It was fun to hear the "jazz version" of the "Ghosts" instrumental section. In any event, nothing so trivial could daunt the professionalism of our three intrepid acoustic heros.
Eventually when it was clear they could sensibly keep this up no longer, Cousins harumphed "Huh, jazz!" and brought things to a close, drawing a huge laugh from the audience, as was also the case, when 3rd string in tatters, he realised that the instrumental coda wouldn't really fly, so DC sang the song to a close, with an inmpromptu vocal ending. The broken string resulted in an on the hoof reworking of the first half setlist thereafter (I hesitate to - but I'm going to - call it a "string driven thing" * (ouch)), bringing the two banjo numbers forward, and pushing "In Amongst The Roses" between summer ("Shine On") and "Autumn".
The same 3rd string which sunk "Ghosts" defaulted a second time in a particularly buoyant "Hero And Heroine", so that, with the 11 o'clock curfew approaching too quickly to restring, they opted for "Simple Visions" where DC doesn't play guitar as the encore instead of the current tour encore "We'll Meet Again". As Neil (above) has commented, it was a tour de force version of "Simple Visions" with Cousins putting his all into it, which provided a suitable end to the night.
Arrived at The Hibernian in time to see our first show of the year. The room was nice and cosy and they had a good turnout considering the venue had been changed. Only fault for the room really were noises coming from the bar most of the night but the lads being professional were not distracted at all.
A very good set again. Brian and Dave L were exceptional as usual,and Dave C's voice stronger than ever (really stood out on "Simple Visions"). "Shine On Silver Sun (one of my favourites) went down well and "In Amongst The Roses" which I`ve not heard performed for years was magical, hope it stays with their set for this year.
"Face Down In The Well" is another of my favourites. "Hero And Heroine" gets better and better. There were a couple of blips with the sound system but Strawbs made light of it and had the audience in stitches at one point. Another great show for the beginning of the season and many more to look forward to.
Please convey to Dave, Dave and Brian my huge thanks for a great gig last night (17 Jan 2004) at the Hibernian in Birmingham.
Far from the various "glitches" spoiling the enjoyment of the evening, it meant that we got to hear more of Dave C's wonderfully laconic stories, which drew the audience closer, creating a brilliant atmosphere.
Witchwood
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Benedictus
The Winter And The Summer
Face Down In The Well
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
THE WHARF, TAVISTOCK, 18 JAN 2004
Driving further into the West Country for a gig has the one advantage, if you are fortunate, of catching the fading light in a red blaze as the sun sinks slowly over the horizon. Sunday night was a perfect example as the patchy cloud lay like a still mill pond against the fiery backdrop of the evening winter sky. My thoughts turn to "Autumn" as the mood was so strikingly set by nature.
An early arrival at 6.30 to collect my ticket, before taking some refreshment, found the lady on reception trying frantically to phone me (what service !) to say the gig was now seated (just for me due to my age? - I wondered) and started at 8 p.m. Imagine her surprise as I walked in as she was on the phone trying to reach me on a wrong number.
This is a nice little theatre with old brick walls melding with new fabric, but very comfortable. I mentioned in my report on Swindon how loud the band appeared, I didn't realise that it affected me quite so much, as the one issue about this gig was that it sounded much quieter. The sound mix was pretty good and clear but maybe the high roof and natural walls seemed to absorb some of the volume of sound.
We were treated to the same set as at Swindon. New additions to the set like "In Amongst The Roses" fitting perfectly with regular and welcomed classics including of course "Autumn " which I had been waiting several hours to hear.
Although the venue was not full those present gave the band rousing receptions as each number finished and the night was now set up for the second half. "Face Down In The Well" has been in the set list for less than 12 months, remains unreleased - as yet, but has already reached classic status with stark contrast between soft and harshly delivered vocals. You are there, you have seen the saplings and shades of green.
The mid section of this set was pure power and the closing section of "The River/Down By The Sea" brought spontaneous applause, well before the end of the song, in appreciation of what had just gone before. The gig finished with a rousing "Hero And Heroine" maintaining the high energy level.
The much called for encore produced "We'll Meet Again", but not before much banter on stage musing the possible name for a Strawbs tribute band (one for the "Witchwooders" I think !). The biggest tribute for this band is that they are still out there turning in fantastic performances, thrilling the fans and creating new and classic songs.
[DG - this comes from DC having seen the handbill for the Hibernian venue in Kings Heath, where every single other band featured that month except the "Stawbs" was a tribute band (they even added a comment "not a tribute band, the real thing!"). Quipped he, it must be a tribute band as the spellings's wrong....
After being thwarted at Swindon, successfully negotiated my way to see Neil and collect Dave Lambert's "Work In Progress" which by all accounts has been selling extremely well at gigs. Met up with some old and a few new friends at the gig and hope to catch up with a few more new and old friends before the tour reaches its conclusion.
Revitalised and refreshed since last I saw them at the Landmark in Bideford at the end of the last UK tour. Beautiful versions of Autumn, Face Down and Hero were particular highlights. Stunning, for me, was "In Amongst The Roses" - first time I have ever heard this live, played so intimately that it seemed it was just for you! - also the encore, "We'll Meet Again" played with so much feeling. The publicity blurb said it would be an intimate experience, an understatement of course, rarely does a live band touch your soul!
Very good gig; how on earth they managed "Autumn" on three guitars was awesome! Excellent new song, "Face Down In The Well" and a truly storming version of "Hero And Heroine". Plus DC on mandolin for "The Winter And The Summer" ...the road goes on!
Witchwood
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Benedictus
The Winter And The Summer
Beside The Rio Grande
Face Down In The Well
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
MICK JAGGER CENTRE, DARTFORD, 21 JAN 2004
Just got back from the Mick Jagger Centre gig, which was a nice 15 minute walk, compared with Dick, Sue and Mike's drive home. Good to see you by the way. The MJC is a bit different to every other place I've seen the Strawbs whatever the format; as in this place it's the audience who are raised above the group rather than the other way round.
But that didn't detract from the excellence of the gig, despite the fact that BW was once again subject to the curse of the mysterious draft. The set was as previously posted. I'm saying this because I didn't remember to take notes and I'd forgotten my glasses anyway .. Doh!! Definitely no "Hanging In The Gallery" though. It was good to hear "In Amongst The Roses" and "Shine On Silver Sun" included in the set. I'm not so sure about "Rio Grande" - great song but the delivery doesn't suit DC's voice but 10/10 for effort.
Notable highlights were DL's. Half way through DC's intro to "Witchwood" a sound not unlike a severe breaking of wind emanated from DL's guitar, ruining DC's build up and prompting the call to leave off the beans.
There were obvious connection problems at the start of the second set which, after the gig, DL said was due to a faulty socket. He awaits a new one from the States. Then to cap it all, after finishing with the bodhran part way through "Hero And Heroine", DL managed somehow to get his guitar strap entangled in his guitar stand when he went to pick it up. With only time for one attempt to free it and failing, DL; consummate professional that he is; proceeded to pick up guitar, strap and stand and carry on regardless without missing a note, with the stand dangling off the floor.
All in all it was another consummate performance from the lads. DC was in fine voice but strangely only linked songs during the first set. All three played superbly (as usual) and the gig was much appreciated by the audience. The highlight of the evening for me was NO TALKING from the audience, as we were all entranced.
Just a pity there's no room for "The Battle", "On Growing Older" or "Beat The Retreat".
As already reported by Steve, (great to meet you too) another brilliant night at the very modern MJC in Dartford last night. The audience, I'm pleased to say, containing a fair few females other than myself, maybe about 40% or so, including Yvonne and Trish,Pam from Dartford folk club, and others whose names I've forgotten, so obviously the ladies of Kent know a good band when they see it.
It was Mike and my second gig of this tour, with a couple more still to come, but as ever the lads did not disappoint. My mother (bless her) cannot understand why we should go and see the same people play so many times... " you saw them last week, why are you going to drive all those miles to see them again ? why don't you just play the cd's ?? " she often says to me. She just doesn't get it. It doesn't matter to Mike and I how many times we watch them, every time is different. Small things maybe, other times a new song or a different arrangement of a much loved favourite, watching as a new song grows and develops.
As we have started to get to know Brian and the two Daves over the course of time we pick up on subtle changes, comments etc. that others may perhaps miss. All three are very gracious and always spare a few minutes to talk to us afterwards, which is greatly appreciated as we know how hectic their schedule always is.
The main point though, is how the music, especially when played live, makes you feel. Dave's amazing voice, I wouldn't change one note. Dave Lambert's too, to my ears, better these days than ever, and as for the playing... three such differing styles that fit together perfectly.. Dave L with hair and fingers flying, seems to forget he's playing an acoustic guitar these days as he throws himself (literally) into his playing and rocks on his stool. Brian, sitting so quietly at the other side, watch him carefully and you suddenly realise just how immense his contribution to the playing is as they switch the lead seamlessly between each other. Dave C cementing the whole thing together with such passion in his writing and singing, with mandolin, banjo and dulcimer thrown in for good measure. It all draws you in,and doesn't let you go. So, sorry Mum, but we'll keep going as often as we can.... we'll overdose on Strawbs..and then go back for more! And guess what will be playing in the car on the way home too ??
A few thoughts:
Mick Jagger Centre was a great place to visit - very hospitable. The room is a huge open one and I wondered about sound, but it was fine from the audience point of view. The band might have had a few problems hearing each other as they drifted slightly out of sync a couple of times - nothing serious, but noticeable if you know the set well.
Three doors at the back - BW out of the left door; DC and DL out of the right. I was dying for them to do some Spinal Tap clowning around with those (one out of each door, swapping sides etc.); it would have got a big laugh from the responsive audience, who were definitely well on side.
Brian's steel string guitar sometimes takes on a lovely "spaghetti western" tone - funnily enough this was most pronounced, not in the obvious spaghetti western number - "Beside The Rio Grande"- which resurfaced at Dartford last night, but in the opening number "Witchwood" - ocarinas here we come !
"Face Down In The Well" is now well established as a new Strawbs epic and gets better and better. DC played me another new one (about flying) this evening before the show, which is really terrific. Like them as acoustic numbers - maybe we can persuade Dave and Dave to play a few more solo spots - but can't wait to start hearing these in their full-tilt Strawbs arrangements.
Probably because I am such a fan of the song and am singing along in my head (or because they've only just added it in - I've not checked), I only just noticed the guitar duetting between Dave L and Brian on "We'll Meet Again": in the instrumental break before the last verse huge strum finale, Dave's slide starts up, passes over to Brian and then back to DL again. Nicely done.
Witchwood
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn (s)
Benedictus
The Winter And The Summer
Hanging In The Gallery (e)
Face Down In The Well (e)
The River (s) / Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold / Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime (e,s)
GUILDHALL, LEICESTER, 24 JAN 2004
I made a critical mistake this weekend! I sat in the front row at Leicester's 700 year old Guildhall to watch three middle-aged men with guitars. It wasn't turning up that was off beam; it wasn't even the seating arrangements and it certainly wasn't the music. It was ducking through the door in the first place without wearing at least three layers of thermal underwear and a woolly hat!
"It's a bit parky up here", was Dave Cousins' modest greeting as he took to the 14th century stage with Brian Willoughby and Dave Lambert; an acoustic offshoot of the chameleon-like folk-rock group the Strawbs: sadly known in the UK mainly for their out of character 1970s hit "Part Of The Union", recently revived for a TV insurance advert.
However, in spite of the Arctic conditions, what followed was a two hour, magical journey through 30 years of Strawbs related material brought to life by some virtuoso guitar work and highly emotive vocals.
60s Leicester University graduate Cousins has been there since the group's birth and his unmistakable nasal tones are as strong and expressive as ever. The journey began with "Witchwood" and "A Glimpse Of Heaven" with the three guitars weaving together to create a subtle patchwork of harmonies. Cousins' amusing and sometimes moving links set the tone for "Ghosts", "In Amongst The Roses" and Willoughby's "Alice's Song" - a delightful homage to his autistic niece. With the haunting "Tears And Pavan" Cousins' soaring vocals blended perfectly with the balanced guitar work of Willoughby and Lambert and, as the first half closed with the suitably seasonal "Autumn", the glowing coals of a real but otherwise wholly ineffective fire brought slight relief from the cold.
Returning in pullovers and with much blowing on Lambert's frozen fingers the second half began with "Benedictus". A couple of off notes on Cousins' dulcimer could be forgiven as he was visibly struggling with the cold. The more "electric" second half continued with epics such as "Face Down In The Well", "The River" and "Down By The Sea" with Lambert's bottle-necked seagulls adding to the watery effect of the maelstrom of whirling arms and thrashed chords. "Out In The Cold" seemed rather apt and Cousins seemed to have warmed up as "Round And Round" and the Strawbs standard "Hero And Heroine" finished the set.
A delicate mist rose from the mouths of 100 shivering fans as they bellowed for more and the three returned for an inspiring performance of "We'll Meet Again Sometime" to end the evening. The standing ovation which followed must have stirred some ghosts as it echoed around the ancient beams of the Great Hall. Was that a speck of sentiment I saw in Cousins' eyes as he hurried from the stage or was he crying from the cold? With his ties to the city I somehow suspect the former but next time Dave, choose somewhere warmer!
Leicester Guildhall is a wonderful old Elizabethan building by the Cathedral, with a handy car park a minute's walk away. Old buildings tend to be draughty so despite radiators being in evidence and a roaring coal fire, the air, (on one of the colder nights this year), was decidedly parky. Sweater, cardigan and jacket were donned (to some amusement) for the second set, for this very reason.
The lack of a licensed bar was more than made up for by the wonderfully civilised inclusion of complimentary and very palatable red or white wine, (with fruit juice for drivers and tee-totallers), which was available in abundance all evening.
The sound was crystal clear, and despite some early imbalances, (DC's guitar a little loud, DL's inaudible, Brian's bang on), we were treated to an evening of exceptional quality with all three of our heroes in good humour and definitely giving it their all. I don't recall a better concert than this one.
It's very difficult to select stand-out songs from such a strong performance, but the newer arrangements did it for me- "In Amongst The Roses", "Shine On Silver Sun" and "Hanging In The Gallery" were magnificent. This was a fantastic evening's entertainment in a very interesting and hospitable setting.
I can understand now what you recent reviewers have been enthusing about after the boys delivered another real good'un at the Guildhall last night.
The venue was a lovely mediæval building that had nearly gone to ruin a few years back but was thankfully rescued at the last, and now it'd give Huntingdon Hall a good run for its money in any most scenic venue award. Unfortunately, though, the heating was also still almost that ancient, with but one solitary coke fire in the whole of the long and highish main hall. Even DC had to put on some thicker clothes for the second half, but I think he also deliberately increased the vigour. He was also singing with real power and passion which was the lynchpin of the fresh, upbeat vibe of the night. If he did perhaps slur the occasional word while singing, you just didn't care, that was just too down-in-the-details, and I suspected he was deliberately doing this on some of the "rude" words anyway and that this courtesy was well received.
For a change I was in about the 4th row back, rather than right up front where the sound quality isn't always so good, but I perceived a noticeable clarity and cleanliness to their sound as compared to previous British tours. I don't think this was entirely down to position. Rather, there was DL sporting his shiny new Gibson [actually Adie I think it's a Washburn! - DG] and the difference was readily discernable! At half-time, I went to "gasper's corner" for my fix and of course there he was, so I mentioned this and then he started telling me how he'd been getting on with it.
He said it had taken him two weeks to get comfortable with the guitar. At one stage, when they were in America, he had been almost on the point of sending to have the old one shipped over. But then, suddenly over a very few days, it somehow 'clicked' with him, and since then he has found playing it a real pleasure. Good on ya, Dave!
I also found it noticeably easier to pick up some of Brian's lines last night. On previous occasions I'd sometimes had to concentrate a bit to hear what he was actually playing, but here it came over loud and clear, slightly more forward in the mix perhaps, and it was a delight to be able to hear him that much more vividly.
It was also great to hear the new acoustic versions. In the setlist below, I also noted on which songs DL used slide and/or e-bow, and these are indicated with (s) or (e) respectively in the setlist below.
I enjoyed "In Amongst The Roses" and it was also nice to hear "Shine On" again, I think I've heard that acoustically only once before. "Autumn" was as fabulous as ever, and as soon as they'd finished they were given a long, long-lasting round of applause, thoroughly well deserved.
After buying Work In Progress and chatting to other fans in the break, two nice flowing songs and then "Hanging In the Gallery", which I'd been very much looking forward to. I was not disappointed, they've done a great arrangement and Dave's singing was, again, as poignant as ever.
Then it was into the familiar classics, and by now the Strawbs were clearly going for the Tigers' tryline! :) If Lampoon's guitar is crisper on the quieter notes, it certainly doesn't lose out at the loud end of the range! Indeed on "Out In The Cold" and "Round And Round", the two Daves were pounding it out at full pelt and even DC's full-on vocals were almost being drowned out - but what more could you ask for in a parkie hall when you need to jig about a bit anyway just not to freeze?
At the end they were roared back for the inevitable encore, and the crowd would have recalled them again, but obviously the Guildhall's deadline had been reached and it was not to be. But I think DC was very touched by the audience response, and I was really happy for him. My friend Tony, who is more a world music than a folk/rock fan, and doesn't normally hang around much after gigs anyway, had enjoyed it so much he was merrily chatting to everyone around including Dave. Magical! I'll be catching the guys again next week and I'm already looking forward to it immensely.
More ... but briefly on Leicester. Most has already been said. Yes it was a really memorable show performed with grace and humour in a lovely setting, and yes, it was really really cold.
In the second half DC, whilst taking a sip of red, noted that "serve at room temperature" didn't normally mean the same as "serve well chilled", but it did tonight. DL said he should try the water out for size, and DC said he could turn it into wine for him if he liked!
At the end of the show I asked if I could have the setlist, and this showed that "Rio Grande" was intended but not played on the night (replaced I think by "Hanging In The Gallery"). I told DC (who kindly fetched it for me) that I would frame it, and he snorted a little at the suggestion, but it's a great souvenir isn't it? Yes, he did seem pretty emotional at the end of the show ... there was a lot of emotion in the room ... and now and again as you approach your dotage, you remember what emotions were tied up in all this thirty something years ago, and how in fact it all became part of your life, and helped to shape it in some way perhaps. This was one of those nights, and I shall remember it via my souvenir for a long time.
Eight of us set off this time around from Chesterfield ..... since the last visit to the Flowerpot in Derby we'd collected another teenager and a slightly reluctant spouse anticipating a 'hey nonny nonny' evening. An hour later and we'd reached the Artic Circle that is Leicester Guildhall. The pre-concert wine [part of the price] was a welcomed addition to the event and went it manifested itself at the interval and the end we decided this was something that should be de rigeur for all Strawbs concerts. As has been commented on previously it was bloody cold, enhanced by the stone floor but offset by the roaring fire that fortunately we sat next to.
As a concert it was certainly a tour de force with DC's voice stronger than I've heard for many a year and sound balance perfect for picking up the melodic subtleties of BW [especially on "Witchwood" and "Ghosts"] and contrasting that with the more aggressive style of DL.
The concert itself introduced excellent versions of "In Amongst The Roses" [an immediate favourite] and "Hanging In The Gallery" [I'd given up hope as it wasn't in the other set lists]; "Face Down In The Well" gets better all the time and for some reason "Benedictus" sounded fine in the second set whereas it had become a stale opener for the first set. I'd still happily see "Tears And Pavan" replaced and even "Alice's Song" might do with a rest. Alternatives? "Josephine", "Oh How She Changed", "Man Who Called Himself Jesus", "Dragonfly", "I Turned My Face Into The Wind", "Where Am I/I'll Show You Where to Sleep".
Overall 8% of the audience [there being 100 seats sold] came away well rewarded; my friend's wife, whilst accepting it wasn't the 'Hey nonny nonny' night she feared, struggled with DCs voice and preferred DLs but as Graham said it took him 20 years to like DCs voice !! Leicester Guildhall is a cracking location, especially in Summer I should think, and one we'd happily travel to again although I'd like to recommend the Chesterfield Arts Centre with its purpose built concert hall for future tours.
As a footnote it's worth recalling that DC kindly spent 10-15 minutes with the teenagers at half time taking them around the equipment they used on stage.
Witchwood
Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Benedictus
Winter And The Summer
Hanging In The Gallery
Face Down In The Well
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
CIVIC ARTS CENTRE, POCKLINGTON, 30 JAN 2004
When I first realised that "Two old men" and Dave were playing at Pocklington I decided it would be just to far to reach after work and resigned myself to missing a gig in the south of the region. As the date approached I convinced myself that the venue was just within reach and duly booked my tickets. The day after booking the weather forecasts were predicting heavy snow throughout the North East which duly arrived on the Tuesday. By the evening of the gig most of the snow had melted but had been replaced by heavy rain making the journey down even longer. We arrived with half an hour to spare and, as luck would have it, met Alison in the market place outside the venue. The venue was an atmospheric theatre with excellent seating, just the place to see the guys.
The first set started with "Witchwood" and straight away the audience fell under the spell of DC's lyrics. Followed by "A Glimpse Of Heaven" and "Ghosts", this was a perfect start to the evening. A new "acoustic" song for me "In Amongst The Roses" was played with the sensitivity we have come to expect from these talented musicians. The first set continued with "Tears And Pavan" "Alice's Song" the evocative "Shine On Silver Sun" and finished with one of my favorites "Autumn".
The break allowed us to recharge our glasses and have a quick chat with some other Strawbs "nuts" who had made the journey down.
The second set started with "Benedictus", Dave's dulcimer filling the venue and his powerful voice complementing every note. Followed by "The Winter And The Summer" and "Hanging In The Gallery" the set continued with "Face Down In The Well". Every time I hear this song I recognize the gifted talent of Dave Cousins to be able to create songs of this calibre time and time again. The set now headed for it's close with "The River/Down By The Sea" (not to be missed), the classic "Out In The Cold/Round And Round" and the timeless "Lay Down". The final song was "Hero And Heroine" with Dave Lambert outstanding. The encore was the well received "We"ll Meet Again Sometime" and that was that!
Once again a two and a half hour gig flashed by to rave applause from an appreciative audience. Having seen the band many times over the last two years I'm always surprised by the reaction of the audience, the concentration, the enjoyment, and reaction of so many people to such talented guys. Dave Cousins was at his awesome best, Dave Lambet totally immersed in his music, and Brian Willoughby outstanding.
After a chat to the lads we came out to find it still raining and set off for the two hour journey home. I managed to get lost near York, my wife thinks I must have taken a wrong turn but as I pointed out I had taken all the correct directions but not necessarily in the right order. We still made it home after a memorable night of superb music.
[While writing this short review I am listening to D Lambert's new CD "Work In Progress". Brilliant. Just reinforces how talented this guy is. ]
Witchwood
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Dave Lambert - The Man I Saw Last Night
Cousins & Willoughby - Grace Darling
The Winter And The Summer
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Will You Go
We'll Meet Again Sometime
Lay Down
HAVEN PASTURES GOLF CLUB, HENLEY IN ARDEN, 31 JAN 2004 - BOB AND LOU'S PARTY GIG
Just got back from Louise Richardson's latest party with the Strawbs. What an amazing night!
For those outside the UK, heavy gale-force winds and showers had been forecast, so it was with a certain trepidation that I set off on the roughly one-hour drive from Nottingham. The winds were indeed strong and blustery, for the most part it was raining, and I had to drive carefully to keep ensuring I wasn't blown off course. As I got near the venue and left the M42, I began to drive through patches of fallen twigs and so forth, though thankfully there were no major branches or trees across the road.
As on previous occasions, the band played their set in two halves, with various supporting musicians, led by local folkie Nick Evans, opening each half then leaving the stage to the Strawbs. But it wasn't quite according to the original plan...
Nick and some friends had played about three or four songs at the start of the first half, and Nick was just about to introduce his next guest - none other than our very own Mr Greener, when all the lights went off. The venue was a country golf club, it was presumably supplied by overhead lines rather than underground cables, which of course is the last thing you want on a stormy night. I now know quite a bit about electricity networks as the project I'm currently working on is a control system for one! So I also knew it wasn't likely to be back on within five or ten minutes.
After a short pause to organise candles etc, the guys moved their stools to another corner of the room, where there was a nearby emergency light, and the show duly went on, with no amplification whatever. Dave prefixed this by telling a joke about an Englishman, and Irishman and a Scotsman who met a mermaid on a beach. The Englishman asked the mermaid, had she ever been kissed; she replied no, so he gave her a lovely kiss. The Scotsman then asked if she'd ever had her breasts fondled; again she answered no so he obliged her. The Irishman the asked if she'd ever been f***ed, and again she said no - but the Irishman simply answered that she had now, as the tide had just gone out. "And now you understand the position we're in now," finished Dave, to roars of laughter and applause.
Somewhat luckily, the table I had planted myself at was the closest to where they were, though everyone else moved over as close as possible. But, far from being f***ed, the guys yet again responded admirably, and they sang and played just beautifully! Indeed if the normal Acoustic setup has brought out the essence of the songs and the guys musicianship in a more direct way than in the electric band, this fully acoustic setup did the same in relation to the normal setup. *Wonderfully* fresh and authentic. Somehow without the amps and PA you really could appreciate just how melodic and yet powerful both Daves' voices were, and the same was true for the guitar playing too. If "In Amongst The Roses" had been a lovely treat last w/e at Leicester, here it was sheer delight. Every song met with raptuous applause and cheers from a wonderful, appreciative audience.
And the whole evening continued in similar vein. In fact the power came back as the Strawbs were about to take over in the second half, but by then the PA had been dismantled so they just continued as before. Yet again the Strawbs responded to the challenge and turned a disaster into a complete triumph. I'd know from the start they would do something like this, I even said so to Dave while things were hastily being rearranged before their first half. They were quite upfront about the fact they'd never played a gig like this before, but by the end everyone was really chuffed. We roared them back for an encore, which even Dave hadn't expected, so as they'd ended the main set with "We'll Meet Again Sometime", they came back and played a gorgeous rendition of "Lay Down".
It was also great to meet several Witchwooders including Mike and Sue, Pete Madeley and Neil Lamb (apologies if I've forgotten to mention anyone else), and I still managed to take a good few photos from which I'll hopefully be able to put up a selection in a week or so's time. Dave also confirmed that some electric gigs have been arranged over here for the back end of July, though the exact lineup is not yet finalised.
So all I can really say in conclusion is, what a night! And again it all was down to the Strawbs marvellous talent and determination. Keep shining - like the Strawbs keep doing!
I've just got back from Bob and Louise's Dick Greener Show. He played one song on his own and one with Nick Evans accompanying him. A majestic perfomance. He had a full support program including Bob and Louise, and a promising trio called the Strawbs (although no support from the electricity board).
We can only hope for more dates soon, and possibly a world tour.
[Couldn't resist including this comment off Witchwood
[Thanks (I think) to Adrian for the suggestion for the title of this review.]
The third of Bob and Louise Richardson's private parties with the Strawbs suffered from the awful weather which caused the cancellation of two gigs earlier that week, but in a wholly different way, fortunately resulting in an absolutely magic experience for those lucky enough to be on hand - the Truly Acoustic Strawbs !!!
Setting off from London in driving rain, with gusting winds blowing the car all over the place, I headed up the motorways towards Inkford, where we were staying. Having cut it fine, I was delighted to find various Witchwooders clustered in reception, about to leave in a taxi to the event. Shamelessly scrounging a lift (I hope I made up for it by sorting out lifts back when our taxi firm let us down badly on the return journey), we got to The Haven Pastures Golf Club, set in its own very windy grounds, without any mishap. Later arrivals said they saw power lines arcing, with blue sparks flying across the sky.
Quick sound check (for I'd agreed with Nick Evans who was organising the evening's non-Strawb-related musical entertainment to do one or two songs myself - the first time I've ever played in front of the boys, so I was a tad nervous). First up, Nick himself for three songs, for the second he was joined by a mate of his on bass, and the third ("Boom Boom Boom Boom" - may not be the title but you'll recognise the song ) on which he surrendered lead vocal to a second chum who made his way onstage.
Nick was followed by Sue Painter, who, accompanied by Nick and herself, sang a truly enchanting song, which I must get hold of, and then Mary Chapin-Carpenter's "Passionate Kisses". During the latter, the power went off - full marks to Sue and Nick for carrying on (and the sound board crew, who shone their torches on the duo.) Clearly the Greener debut supporting the Strawbs was going to have to wait.
Various folks put their heads together in a mildly panic-stricken way whilst the staff organised table candles to lay a little light on proceedings. There was a brief restoration of power, which sent me scurrying to the stage to resume, before I could get the guitar plugged in, it was off again. Then, wondrously, it was announced that the Acoustic Strawbs show would go on: the boys would move off the stage and set up in the far corner, where there was a little more light from emergency lighting shining through some glass doors, and ... they'd perform the show without the PA. Wow!
The three stools were re-arranged in front of one piece of female statuary, and alongside another - Brian rather disrespectfully taping his setlist to the flouncy skirt (could have been worse!). DC noticed their plaster companions later on in the set and commented on them. Lambert's riposte ("where's mine") drew a shout from the audience ("under your chair"); Lambert: "That could be interesting!!". Swapping seats to get a good front row view, I settled down for one of the most unusual Strawbs sets ever, one which I was glad to have been privileged to experience - it was as though a bunch of your mates had set up in your living room to play their songs just for you. The professionalism of these three musicians shone through - no tantrums "No PA, no show" even contemplated.
What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this - thanks to the Bennetts for the photo
Click on it to see larger image
The first set was pretty much as normal in terms of running order. The natural balance of the three guitars without PA was of course different - with some of Lambert's playing a little quieter than normal (his lead parts do rely to some extent on volume control; though his strumming parts as ever were strong and clear). "Witchwood", where there was a complete hush for the third verse with acapella vocals - was greeted by cheers from an astonished audience, and "A Glimpse Of Heaven" also drew rapturous applause. The room's acoustics were excellent - I stood at the back for this number and every note and word was audible - sadly, the corollary of that was that the bar noise was too - as the power cut had taken out the beer pumps, only bottles were on sale and there was a bit of clanking and so on.
"Ghosts" had some strong powerful vocals from DL, and particularly splendid was "In Amongst The Roses" - lovely delicate work. A change of tone as Dave picked up his banjo for "Alice's Song" and "Shine On Silver Sun", the banjo parts particularly crisp in the truly acoustic environment. The audience joined in the choruses both for the latter and the final segment of "Autumn".
After a brief interval for food, Nick was back to open up the second half, followed by yours truly, having decided to go acoustic too ! First song from me a Rab Noakes song "Just Away", followed by a string break as I retuned for a spirited if rather scrappy "attempt" at a Lindisfarne song by Rod Clements - "Jubilee Corner", accompanied by Nick (without any rehearsal - I think he was doing better than me on that one ... !).
The final number before the Strawbs' return, Bob, Louise, Nick and Lyn retook the stage for a rather lovely version of "Sail Away To The Sea". By then the power had come back on, but I don't think anyone in the room really wanted the boys to move back to the PA - as it turned out the roadies had already dismantled most of it, so, thankfully it wasn't an option. So, back into the main event, still truly acoustic.
The set opened with Dave Cousins announcing that they were doing something different ("Benedictus" was a non-starter as Dave's dulcimer is a purely electric instrument). So, firstly Dave Lambert gave us a powerful solo rendition of his excellent "The Man I Saw Last Night", and then the Cousins & Willoughby duo took to the stage for an outing (rare these days) for "Grace Darling" - an opportunity for Dave & Brian to show off that effortless and seemingly impromptu chemistry which characterised their duo work. The trio reunited went into "The Winter And The Summer", with Dave's mandolin tinkling pleasantly above the other two guitars.
Brian's nylon string guitar had struggled a little to project in the first half, so he abandoned it for the second ("Face Down In The Well" was the only resulting casualty from the setlist). So it was into the epics - "River/DBTS" worked just as well - DL seemed to manage to get the e-Bow to produce a sound even without amplification (how does that work, then ?) but maybe that didn't travel too well (I was very close to the front). Particularly striking was the scratching intro to "Round And Round" and of course the thrashing power chords shook the rafters. "We'll Meet Again Sometime" settled into the set earlier than usual (some feel it isn't the strongest closer, I'm told - don't see that meself ...).
The final number was, surprisingly, not "Hero And Heroine" (DL brought his bodhran to the party, but no-one asked him to play on this occasion!), but "Will You Go", and the unexpected encore - DC was already at the bar and had to be hauled back - a bouncy "Lay Down".
And finally, a massed rendition of "Part Of The Union", led by Nick et al, the audience singing back to the band as a mark of appreciation of not just a job well done, but a thoroughly astounding performance, a triumph against all the odds.
Back at the hotel with the boys, settled in for a serious night's chat - lots of road stories, lots of laughs - with festivities finally breaking up at around 4.00-4.30am (who knew where the time went ?). A really magical night - thanks for all of it.
