Click for Part 1 - reviews and pictures from the first half of the January/February UK tour.
MINEHEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL, 13 FEB 2004
Click here for more pix
If you want to really enjoy a gig then don't organise it. Every problem you feel personally responsible for, every little bit of feedback on the sound cuts like a knife.
But then you do get to choose a venue close to home so there are some advantages. This was the second time I had seen the Acoustic Strawbs and I am ashamed to say it was only this time that I finally "got the point" as it were. The first gig I saw was in Weston on the last tour and I enjoyed it but.........wanted to hear the power again of the full electric band. This time, without the thrash of electric guitars and drums, I realised what amazing musicianship the Strawbs embrace.
There are many reviews of the tour so I'll pick out what was special for us. The children of the school performed as the support - orchestra and choir. They did a beautiful rendition of "Alice's Song" as well as a couple of Abba numbers. This later led to a witty exchange between the two Daves when they got to that part of the set. Dave Cousins saying it was unusual to be doing a song that had already been performed to which Dave Lambert said "I didn't know we were doing any Abba tonight?" Perhaps the most touching moment was hearing the Strawbs play "Alice's Song" and all the children joining in as well.
Other highlights - "The River", in fact everything from there to the end. I was mesmerised. Biggest highlight - getting a thank you from one of my musical heroes at the end and then Dave Cousins referring to Quaywest Radio as the best little station in the country. Capacity crowd, couldn't move in the hall.
Over £600 raised for school funds. Thanks to Ted for organising the bar, Diane from The Anchor in Watchet for helping with the raffle, John at Woollies for the big raffle prizes, Paul, Rupert and Amanda and the school caretaking staff and many others. And thanks to Dave, Dave and Brian for the continuing soundtrack to my life.
NB. Electric Strawbs play at Danesfield Community Middle School, Minehead on Tuesday July 20th sponsored by Quaywest and The Masons Arms, Williton - only room for 300 so book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets from:
David Mortimer
Quaywest Radio Limited
As Dave Cousins changed a few words tonight, I hope he won't mind me borrowing just a few of his, in this review. He can have them all back, well in time for the next show.
The final date of the now officially confirmed Winter tour. How time has flown since the first night in Swindon several weeks ago. Not quite knowing what to expect , but with a preview promise of many pleasures inside, a trip to Minehead on a balmy February night was full of expectancy, particularly knowing that so many friends from far and wide were gathering to enjoy this final show of the tour.
Minehead, is not as suggested in the first line of "Out In The Cold", a city and I arrived not walking , but by car at 6 p.m. and not midday as it may have been suggested in the script. Far from being empty and bare, I immediately bumped into a couple of old work colleagues, giving me a chance of an early beer and as we looked into the mirror and compared the midnight of our working lives. The concert had been sold out with a capacity of 140 seated on individual chairs so there was never any chance that there would be no one there.
There was an early pre concert concern about the sound and although evidenced in the band first three or 4 numbers, when a small amount of whistling feedback existed. As the band's performance continued through the end of the first half and during the second half in particular the problem had disappeared. Although throughout the night the volume was pretty high, I thought perhaps Brian needed just a touch more to bring out and accentuate all the quality of his play.
The concert was opened by the 50 strong school choir and orchestra, containing around 20 wind instruments, flutes, clarinet, trumpets, recorders etc , some strings and also a drum and piano. Their teacher Rupert, assisted on piano and other accompanying instruments. Rupert, was clearly enjoying every breath that his pupils breathed as he cajoled and coaxed them into delivering five pieces of varying complexity and style with panache and verve. It's amazing how with the right encouragement, kids of this young age are able to stand up and perform in an environment like this.
One of the five pieces was a rendition of "Alice's Song" by way of appreciation of thanks to the band. It sustained applause long after its finished. The performance was what the audience desired, leading to a encore repeat of a final verse showing that with a will to succeed even at such a young age there is no limit to what can be done. Now I know what it feels like to be old.
Far from being out in the cold, by the time the band took to the stage it was getting rather warm, in the hall, leading to many removing jackets etc. The opening number was the familiar "Witchwood" and the sound engineer may have been feeling a little of the strain as the small amount of feedback kicked in.
The event had started a little later than published and I was contemplating whether it was likely that we would get a midnight finish as the set developed into the familiar first half pattern seen on the tour.
With the earlier outing for "Alice's Song" I wondered whether this would be included in the set or not. But with due deference to the version that had gone before DC announced the number, to the obvious delight of the kids from the choir who were sitting enjoying the performance, on benches, at the front of the stage. An invitation from Dave Cousins to the kids to join in halfway through the song needed no second asking as the children added their backing vocal embellishment to the band's performance. A rousing ovation greeted the end of this number.
A strong finish to the set with "Shine On Silver Sun" and a magnificent "Autumn" complete with those "seagulls" at the start brought rapturous applause from an audience who may not have been brought up on a history of the Strawbs.
The dulcimer had returned in time for this gig and during the interval, in view of the audience, there was much debate about how those infamous lines would be treated or received during "Out In The Cold". First of course, "Benedictus" paved the way for "The Winter And The Summer" and an exceptional "Face Down In The Well". It may be my imagination, but perhaps not, as Dave Cousins really seems to enjoy singing this as much as I do listening to it.
"The River/Down By The Sea" was again truly outstanding and I heard one member of the audience, who had not seen the band for 30 years describe this as absolutely stunning after the show. Dave Lambert's E-bow causing quite a stir as it appeared.
And so to the bit, that we had been wondering about For one split second I thought Dave was singing the wrong lyric, but then it dawned, it had been toned down for the enthralled youngsters sat in the front. A simple masterstroke and the stimulus for this piece.
"Lay Down" followed and, obviously well schooled in Strawbs music and with no prompting, the kids in front were singing along to not only the chorus, but also the rest of the words [they'd shown a passing familiarity with "Benedictus" too - DG]. This was a joy to see and another reason to think of this as a special night.
"Hero And Heroine" was played with an explosion of passion and power building progressively towards the major climax and that abrupt and shattering stop and silence before the resounding applause and calls for "more" filled the hall.
The familiar encore of "We'll Meet Again" preceded by an appreciation by Dave Cousins to the kids for their contribution brought a close to proceedings and a mad dash back to Williton for post gig drinks. Despite, Bob and Louise Richardson's best efforts to lead me astray, I decided to go home and although getting back at 2.45 a.m. it would be a trip I would make again if we could go through a night like this. It was good to be here tonight and if I believe the astrological signs we will all be back in the vicinity for the warm up gig for the UK electric band during the latter part of July. Here's hoping.
One final thought. Having entered the "Gents " with a certain Mr Greener, I couldn't understand why he left complaining that his trousers were all wet. I think I will leave him to explain that one! [Cunningly aimed taps and curved washbowls - every single child in the school must be wandering around covered in water each and every day of their lives! - DG]
A different sort of evening throughout, really. The setlist may be the same, but Dave C deliberately sang some new lyrics at Minehead tonight. During "Out in the Cold" he sang "I kissed on your lips, your eyes opened wide, I could scarcely believe all the love there inside....." Also had "Alice's Song" with an accompanying choir.
The first half of the concert sounded strangely subdued - just a collection of individual songs. The sound mix was poor and the surroundings were, well, unusual! The band tried really hard, but the magic didn't seem to be there. But the second half was amazing, a real contrast. It flowed beautifully, including a triumphant version of "Lay Down" and a truly rivetting "We'll Meet Again Sometime." Dave Lambert's guitar playing on "Down By the Sea" brought rapturous applause which went on so long that it caused Dave C. to hurrumph! So, a game of two halves..............
[The change of lyrics] was a masterstroke - but then, it can't have been easy staring down at thirty girls (and four boys) aged 8 to 12 and knowing what he would normally sing! He also changed the words of The River slightly, but I didn't hear exactly what he replaced them with - however, it became a breast-free song........
The members of the choir were, by and large, very attentive during the gig, but one spent all of it under the piano, making faces at her friends! Another was shaking her head in impersonation of Dave Lambert!
Still, a great concert in a special atmosphere. I was relieved that they didn't do "Thank You" though (I just don't like it, I'm afraid....).
BROOK THEATRE, CHATHAM, 12 FEB 2004
Since Chatham is only a 50 minute drive for us, the Holton gang turned out en-masse last night. We were accompanied by Jason, our 17 year old son (his second Strawbs gig) and my parents (in their 70's, their first). Mum and Dad were keen to witness for themselves this band that we find so special and that we are willing to drive many miles to watch. Mum said she remembered, (and liked) Dave's voice from hearing my records as a teenager.
As we arrived we bumped into Brian outside, and after a quick chat we installed ourselves at a central table near the front. It turned out that Dick was sitting right in front of us with a lady fan from New York. Lindsay, plus friend, and Phil and Yvonne also made it to the show, so there was plenty of chat before and after. We were also pleased when another couple of friends, Chris and June arrived. They too had never seen the lads before, but after a year of listening to us go on about them had decided to surprise us and turn up to judge for themselves.
Unusually for Chatham, the large Victorian building, once the Town Hall, was warm, with cabaret style seating at tables, with most seats filled. The drawback to the venue being the drinks are dreadful ... we've given up and get a Coke from the machine, even the two Daves appeared to be drinking orange during the show ??? and the bar was shut by the end.
The sound of the guitars was we thought, extremely good, with great clarity on things such as Dave L's Ebow. The only "complaint" from our party was that Dave C's vocals were perhaps not their clearest and Mum and Dad said they couldn't understand quite a few of the words.
The setlist was as previously listed for this tour, with no surprises, but who cares. The second set is the one that does it for me, never failing to give me goosebumps of pleasure, especially "The River/Down By The Sea". "Face Down In The Well" has become one of my all time favourites.
The scratching on the start of "Round And Round" has been further developed with Dave now tapping the neck of the guitar at the same time, with Brian also taking up the scratching....I just love it ! Every time we see them they seem to include different little tweaks to the arrangements, they just keep getting better !! Poor Dave L lost a fight with his vocal mic during the change from bodrhan to guitar during "Hero And Heroine", resulting in a high pitched whine as it dangled against the stand [in front of the monitors - DG] for a few seconds, but other than that there appeared to be no problems. Mum said she had never seen a dulcimer before, although "Benedictus" was one of her favourite tracks that she remembered from all those years ago.
Jason was once again stunned by just how great the guitar playing was, his favourite track being "Autumn/The Winter Long". Chris and June too were suitably impressed, and I'm sure will be back for more. So a great night was enjoyed by all, despite their varying ages.
I just hope that the DVD, when it comes out, is able to do justice to the quality of performance we are getting from the lads these days. The last night of the tour today in Minehead is just too far even for us to get to, plus there is this little thing called work getting in the way, but have a good one lads.. "We'll Meet Again Sometime" (soon we hope)
Witchwood
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
The Winter And The Summer
Face Down In The Well
Hanging In The Gallery
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
WYCOMBE TOWN HALL, 10 FEB 2004
Great concert at High Wycombe Town Hall last night. Took a party of friends, most of whom haven't seen the Strawbs before, and who thoroughly enjoyed the show and were impressed with the muscianship.
Set out with chairs round huge circular tables, the floor of the hall is a bit difficult to negotiate even before people get seated (could do with smaller tables, they don't need to be that big for concerts, but I suppose they do double duties for dinners at weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs and civic pomp and circumstance etc.). Still, nice to sit round tables and to have a bar that stayed open for a good long period after the show.
A few interesting problems with the sound check apparently, as DL received a light shock from one of the mikes, as did one of the technicians. However, the sound was OK for the show - DC's vocals could have been a bit louder on some of the quieter songs.
Highspots ? Dave was in relaxed chatty mood for the first half, but preferred - as often the case - in the second to move from song to song without introduction. One new anecdote (for me) related to Tony Hooper's cavalier attitude to his guitar on one occasion. "In Amongst The Roses" was very pretty indeed, Brian's lead nylon string part, coming over particularly clearly. "Tears And Pavan" came over extremely well indeed, the three guitars in perfect balance, with Dave's emotive vocals soaring over them. "Autumn" at the end of the first half drew sustained applause from a very appreciative audience (who'd been told by DC - as he got his toungue twisted just before the song - that they could go off to the bar after that to liven up - no need for that at all!)
In the second half, an outing, by special request (well done Kev), for "Hanging In The Gallery", Dave Lambert showing that he can craft a blistering guitar solo on acoustic as well as on electric. And the back end of the second half - the "electric set on acoustic guitars" was very powerful indeed, a tour de force on "River/Down By The Sea", then the scratching/slapping duet on "Round And Round" really taking off, before the Townshend-esque power chords of the main song, and finally, after the rocking "Lay Down", "Hero And Heroine" with its acoustic riffing, percussive bodhran and that fantastic full stop ending. The crowd were banging on the tables for more, which they duly received with "We'll Meet Again Sometime".
My first visit to Wycombe Town Hall and the seating arrangements have already been described in due aplomb by Dick in his revue on 'Strawbs Web'. It's a rather cavernous space, given a somewhat 'aircraft-hanger' look by some rather ugly lighting rigging. Having said that the lighting itself was tastefully done on the night and the flashes off the Daves' constantly rotating guitars rather exciting (if revealing a need for a possible clean and polish guys ?) The acoustics of the hall were remarkably good but given the size of the venue and the forced spread of the audience I would have cranked up the volume a tad (not often I think that at a Strawbs gig !).
My abiding impression after leaving all the acoustic gigs I have been to so far has been the sheer majesty of DC's vocal performances. Tonight however I felt he was merely good ( and not fantastic) and not helped at times by the mixing - this made me focus more on the guitar playing than usual and what a glorious symphony of harmonies in one triumphant sound it proved to be. They were hot! Whereas in Birmingham previously they were bedevilled by broken strings and other technical problems, here everything was nigh on perfect and the likes of "Ghosts", "Autumn" and "Down By The Sea" were executed with panache and verve and I thought 'Round And Round' also reached new heights tonight. "In Amongst The Roses" (with not a pin being heard in the besotted audience and beyond - no bar noises tonight) was played so beautifully it brought a lump to my throat. Also of note was that DL's guitar seemed to me to be lower in the mix tonight and I was much more aware than usual of the fantastic touches being endlessly supplied by the supremely talented Brian Willoughby - I thought that this night for him was a personal triumph - his work during "Face Down in the Well" is absolutely top-drawer.
Another emotional moment for me tonight was hearing DC's poetic masterpiece, "Hanging In The Gallery" for the first time - wonderful - and DC gave this a sensitive and inwardly revealing introduction. Do YOU ever expect them to give a below par performance playing their own material? That has its pressure as well as any pleasure! But no need to worry again tonight - the interwoven guitar playing was a joy to behold. Shine on.
Arrived at the Town Hall in High Wycombe after an hour's journey from West Mids. Last time we came here was June 02. The acoustics were very good last night and the applause seemed to go on forever, especially after "Autumn/The Winter Long". "In Amongst The Roses" was sung very tastefully last night as was "Hanging In The Gallery", an all time favourite of mine and I`m really glad they've added it to the setlist. "Benedictus" was missing,as was the dulcimer, due to be shipped back from Wales shortly. What can I say about "Hero And Heroine", just that it always seems to get better and better, as do the shows that we very often try to get to see.
Off to Minehead to see the last show of this tour, so hoping to catch a Glimpse Of Devon the day after the show.
Witchwood
A Glipse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
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
CITADEL ARTS, ST HELENS, 7 FEB 2004
Off to Merseyside for this one, a smallish purpose-built concert venue, about 150 seater with stalls/balcony packed to capacity I'm pleased to say. A truly exceptional sound system, with separate Front-of-house and band monitor engineers, each with their own mixing desk, gave what can only be described as a perfect mix. Brian later told me the onstage sound was fantastic too.
Setlist was same as others report, notable absence was "Benedictus" (dulcimer not available..??), opening with "Witchwood", only spoilt by latecomers trooping to their seats during the song.....a typical Cousins glare shot their way!
The two new guitars are now bedding in nicely, I notice Brian using the nylon strung a lot more now, particularly beautiful on "Tears And Pavan" ....during the intro to this, DC recounted how they entered Italy by the SWISH border...cue for merciless ribbing from DL about a grand entrance via a pair of curtains!! Dave L's new EA20 Washburn is a gorgeous sounding instrument, powerful but clear all through the range, and very clear when used with Bottleneck for Seagulls, and eerie Indianesque Ebow on "Face Down..", which is a definite goosebumps moment.
I briefly talked with Dave L after the show, and told him my fav track from his album is "The Visit"...he said many people like that best, followed by the remix of "Remember Me This Way".
Met Witchwooder and friend Pete Madeley, newly moved "up north", also met the "Rosie" fanclub (John and mate), complete with Rosie T-Shirts!, then off for the extremely wild ride back up the M6...Stormy Down indeed!
photos from Les Cotton
I saw the Acoustic Strawbs live for the second time at the Citadel in St Helens last Saturday. I thought they were absolutely brilliant and even better than the first time I saw them in Nantwich last August. It's become fashionable these days to say that quiet is the new loud, but IMO the Strawbs are among the original proponents of this philosophy.
I got the band's autographs after the show, and Dave C is one of the most down to earth and approachable rock musicians I've ever met. He said the full electric band will be playing about half a dozen dates in the UK next July, so I'll definitely go along to one of those shows.
photo by Les Cotton
Witchwood
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
In Amongst The Roses
Tears And Pavan
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
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
TIVOLI THEATRE, WIMBORNE, 6 FEB 2004
A short jaunt over the hill for me for the next leg of the tour. I was aware that the venue for this gig was a little different than the small theatre/Art centre environment that suits an intimate evening with the Acoustic Strawbs.
Although the audience may have seemed just a little sparse given the size of the auditorium, a quick rough headcount of those present indicated that actually, numbers were very much in line with previous venues and would have filled many of the Art Centres.
One benefit of this type of venue is that usually you can rely on a pretty robust sound system, as we found at Weston super Mare on the last tour.
Normally I would sit pretty close to the front to marvel at the intricate playing. Usually, sitting so close, you tend to concentrate on one individual at a time rather than the band as a whole. This was an opportunity to migrate a little further back, knowing that sound would not be a problem and have an overview of the band, who took to the stage in front of a large imitation bush.
The set list was very much in line with the tour list, with one exception. More of this later. The audience reaction, good at the start, swelled as the gig progressed to such an extent that the band's departure at the end of a superb rendition of "Autumn", was delayed as the applause continued.
Unusually, the second set opened with Dave Lambert's classic "The Winter And The Summer " followed by the newer "Face Down In The Well" which is another addition from the Cousins ever growing classic songbook.
Straight into "The River/Down By The Sea" and although this had been another good gig, this is where for me it really lifted off. It may have just been the quality of play, but I certainly thought I detected a slightly different arrangement as Brian and Dave Lambert's playing began to set the rafters aglow.
"Out In The Cold/Round And Round" did nothing to douse the tempo or flames, although with changes in the passage with Dave Lambert's string scraping, again suggesting that another evolution is taking place (or was it going back, closer, to the originally recorded version)
The upbeat tempo continued with "Lay Down" before the announcement of the last number "Hero And Heroine" brought an instant aaaaaaaaaaw from the audience clearly wishing that the night would go on for much longer. ( "At least no one said good " quipped Dave Lambert ) And so to the final number. Dave Cousins always describes how playing these songs stripped back to how they were written (or not as is the case) and "Hero And Heroine" certainly played acoustically by the band has a different, but vibrant feel to the way it was recorded in the electric era.
Tonight, the rafters were already ablaze as the guitars sizzled and although "Hero And Heroine" mainly followed the acoustic version it seemed ever so slightly to be moving back towards the original rock version. Dave Cousins, larynx lubricated by an evening's indulgence in Furry Ferret (a local bottled beer), held that last word longer than I had seen on this tour.
The changes may of course have only been wishful thinking on my part, as I think of delights later in the year, or it may just have been because I was sitting further back and saw the performance from a different perspective. There certainly seemed to be an intention to fill all the space in the hall with sound.
A much demanded encore saw a request for "Benedictus" from the audience, met with a little mirth on stage. An excellent and long rendition of "We'll Meet Again" closed proceedings for the night.
Oh, and on the non-appearance of "Benedictus". Apparently it was due to the dulcimer taking an unexpected, spur of the moment, but extended holiday in Wales. It had had such a great night in Llanelli the night before but has promised to return shortly.
I'm no good at remembering setlists but both sections seemed to follow recent form. The exception being "Benedictus" did not appear despite a bellowed request at one point. Dave L muttered something about there's a story re a missing dulcimer. The lads coped well with a rather poor turnout (for a Fri) though were well received by those who attended. Took about 3 songs till the mix, esp' vocals, felt right.
I've seen them twice before (acoustic) during the last two years. It feels like they're exploring stuff more now. A good example being "Round And Round", not the most obvious choice for inclusion but a stunning version. My very pregnant beloved (not a Strawbs fan as such) was impressed by the ever majestic "Down By The Sea". So was little soon to be born offspring who kicked away from that point on. "Hero And Heroine" must be recorded in this form. "Face Down In The Well" was a nice surprise. "We'll Meet Again Sometime" is also growing in stature.
In short, even if you've seen them on the acoustic tour(s) before go again and you'll be rewarded.
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
CIVIC THEATRE, CHELMSFORD, 3 FEB 2004
Anyway, had a great time at the Chelmsford gig last night, John and I took some friends (Tina and Bill) who had never seen the band before, although they had a few albums from way back when. They were both absolutely blown away, which was a really rewarding feeling for me, and not one that I've experienced before. I've taken other friends who've "liked" the music.... but this was the real thing. The first album Bill had heard was "From the Witchwood" (like me - the boy who first introduced Christine and me to Strawbs was in Bill's class at Southend High for Boys) so he was absolutely delighted when they started the set with "Witchwood", "Glimpse of Heaven", can't remember what was next (but I'm doing well for someone who never remembers the running order aren't I?) and fourth was "In Amongst the Roses". Bill only ever bought albums up to and including GNW, and having heard later stuff (which I've lent him recently) he is now waiting with baited breath to see the full electric band later in the year, as has been mentioned.
I thought the sound was superb again last night and the energy was amazing. It was an unusual gig in the fact that although the hall was fairly full I didn't see anyone I even recognised until the newly svelte Dick and a lady called Jill joined us for an interval chat.
Unfortunately being a council run hall the bar was firmly shut after the gig, but the band still emerged for post-gig gossip and pleasantries.
Excellent performances last night at Chelmsford (difficult beggar to get to from North West London, mind - easier trip on the way home to East London). I got there just as the show started, so caught the first half at the back, then moved forward with fellow Strawbs fan Jill to empty seats in the second row, in front of Lindsay, John, Bill and Tina (see Lindsay's comment).
The sound was crisp and clear (good onstage too, said the boys after the show) and the venue is very pleasant inside - hung at the back with white rouched material, which provided a pleasant backdrop, albeit a bit "tart's boudoir" in effect (I would imagine ...). Only downside (and a BIG one at that) is that the bar was closed afterwards - great shame as it dissuaded folks from the usual meet and greet.
Highlights for me - the wonderful "In Amongst The Roses" (pretty much everything), "Face Down In The Well" (Cousins' emotive vocal and Willoughby's nylon string guitar), "Round And Round" (the scratching and slapping of the guitars is geting more and more interesting).
Then up front I watched closely the way DL plays "Lay Down" these days - quite a tour de force. "Hero And Heroine's powerful abrupt ending is just stunning. And the encore "We'll Meet Again" continues to develop (or I continue to notice bits I didn't see or hear before) - a lovely bass string run in Brian's soloing - Lambert's playing slide at the same time - just before the final choruses.
A break for me now - my next is High Wycombe and Chatham (and I'm wavering on missing the last night of the tour in Minehead, after all it's not that far is it .....)
"Why are they starting so early?" My two bosses (Mutt and Jeff) enquired after I'd told them I was taking the afternoon off to get ready to go see Acoustic Strawbs. "Because" I explained "the auditorium will be packed with oldies and, as well YOU know, after 10pm oldies start dozing off unless there's something pretty good going on to keep them awake".
Well something pretty good did keep us all well awake. I hadn't seen them for err ... um ... "Let's pretend it was 25 years ago" quipped Dave Cousins, so okay let's. I've been keeping an eagle eye on the tour locations and couldn't believe my luck, being an Essex girl, when I spotted Chelmsford, so a quick call to my best friend Rob and Bob's your uncle I'd got tickets.
The performance was spellbinding. I've just read Lindsay and Dick's reviews and between them they say it all. My favourite "bits"? I had to blink very hard during "The River" and "Down by the Sea", also through "Benedictus", and any disbelief I had that "Hero & Heroine" could be performed adequately in an acoustic style was smashed to smithereens. Then there was "Autumn" which finished the first set perfectly. Dave Lambert's "The Winter and the Summer" holds a lot of precious memories and all in all, it was lucky I had some tissues on me. "Alice's Song" was a moving introduction to me of Brian Willoughby's work with which, I'm ashamed to say, I'm not too familiar, but that's about to be remedied. The harmonies goose-bumpingly spot on both vocally and instrumentally.
Bad "Bit"? Like and Dick and Lindsay said, the bar was shut after the show, which is not typically Essex I might add. Try Southend next time lads!
Don't know what else to say really - except it took me ages to wind down last night and I got about 3 hours sleep before throwing myself on a train this morning. I'm still there. Rob is truly converted and "willing to travel". Please don't leave it too long lads before you come back to Essex.
GARBOLDISHAM VILLAGE HALL, DISS, 1 FEB 2004
My wife came home from work all excited and said turn to a certain page in the 'East Anglian Daily Times'. Unsure of what I was to read, there at the top of the entertainments page in prime position was an article about the Strawbs concert at the brand new Garboldisham village hall. That evening I ordered my tickets and the man said would I mind putting up a poster at work or in my window. I went one better than that and got it put in a record shop in Lowestoft town centre. I hope it sold a few tickets.
Even though we had a map we still had to ask at the Fox Inn in Garboldisham where the village hall was, which happened to be just across the road, how embarrassing was that. With just four minutes to go to the start of the concert, we then could not find a car parking space, so I dropped my wife off and went all the way back down the road and parked the car on a verge opposite the pub. I then legged it back up the road as fast as I could and with about thirty seconds to go we sat down four rows from the front in the last two seats, as yet again like the Norwich concert a few weeks ago it was sold out, the word is certainly getting about.
Then just as I was recovering from breathlessness after running, three very special people walked on to the stage to loud applause. After just a few sounds from the guitars and the look on the faces of the Strawbs I just knew that we were in for another excellent show. The acoustics in this superb village hall were excellent and the Strawbs sound engineers made good use of this. Not only did I know all the words of every song, I could hear every word the two Daves sang. How often can you say that after a concert?
Dave Cousins has been described by Rick Wakeman as this country's finest lyricist, and John Hawken recently said in an interview on the web site 'Dave Cousins is the finest writer I have ever worked with, his songs are so beautiful, the words he writes alone are poetry. The song could be nothing but words, they can be stripped of everything and they would still be beautiful. That's what he really is....a poet'.
It's been well documented about the playlist of this tour, but it was a highlight to hear "In Amongst The Roses" and to hear "Ghosts" played again so brilliantly. And when they finished the first set with "Autumn", it was then that I realised what Rick Wakeman and especially John Hawken meant. I have played this track so many times and love every second of it, but the words of this song hit me right between the eyes like never before, so majestic and sheer poetry.
The second half of the show was just as good as the first ending superbly with "Out In The Cold", "Round And Round", and "Hero And Heroine", and "We'll Meet Again Sometime."
After the show Dave Cousins was already talking to someone, I just patted him on the shoulder and said 'It was a great show Dave', and he said 'Thanks very much'. I did not want to interrupt his conversation any further, but if you find the time to read the reviews Dave I wanted to say that the new version of "Blue Angel" is better then the original - in fact it's awesome. And long may the Strawbs show keep rolling on.