MARINE THEATRE, LYME REGIS, 19 JUNE 2004
Having been in Newbury, on Thursday for that classic performance, this was another evening that I was looking forward to with great anticipation, being the last acoustic show before the two Daves jet off stateside for the electric shows.
Weathermen had predicted some "warm soft summer showers" (but not quite so poetically as that !), for the afternoon, threatening to spoil a trip to this seaside town set in glorious countryside. As it turned out, although not quite wall to wall sunshine, it was the most perfect summers day allowing stunning views across the Cobb and from there stunning views back to the fossil laden cliffs around the heritage coastline around Charmouth and beyond. Walking around the town during the afternoon it was noticeable that how much publicity there was around the event, being part of the "Legends" series in the town - other venues should learn from this. Not surprisingly the venue was pretty full as the concert started.
Dave Lambert had remarked that the last time he had played this venue was with Fire in 1969 - Why wasn't I at that gig ? (Probably still trying to learn to read.)
Enjoyed some pre gig drinks with my good friends Bob, Louise, Nick and Lyn, who had travelled all the way down from the Midlands for the show, but even that trip was pretty short compared to the one made by Steve from San Diego whom we had all met at South Petherton a couple of years back. - And of course Gill, who seems to make as many, if not more gigs than me these days! A first gig too, for the whole of my family.
The warm up act was Mr. Smith and his unorthodox musical approach. An enthusiastic audience then greeted the opening number - "Glimpse Of Heaven" in such a way that you just knew this was going to be a good night.
I was not mistaken, "Ghosts" followed and this was delivered with style, aggression and sensitivity, the perfect balance for all Strawbs classics - wow ! this was going to be some night. Relaxed on stage banter, preceded this number as Dave Cousins credited the inspiration for the song to the wrong city in the states, quickly being corrected by Dave Lambert. The mood was set, the audience enthused and the band relaxed, with Brian and Dave Cousins sharing some onstage private jokes together later in the evening.
"On Growing Older" and "I'll Carry On Beside You" work exceptionally well as a combo, with the later delivered in a slower tempo than the recorded version. It has a haunting, need to hear this again feel, with Dave Lambert's vocals delivered precisely. "In Amongst The Roses" sent a shiver down my spine the first time I heard it in the set, but still seems to get better every time I hear it. Another superb rendition tonight
"Alice's Song" received a rousing prolonged reception from the audience, Brian smiling acknowledging the appreciation. A further prolonged round of applause greeted the end of "Shine On Silver Sun" and with time being a little short tonight (too long spent trying to find some of the prize winners in the raffle) applause was still ringing as Dave Lambert hit the first note of "Autumn" to bring to a close the outstanding first set.
With this in the bag and knowing what was to follow I knew the audience would just lap up the second half. A shorter interval caught a few out as "Benedictus" led off the second set. You will never see a better second half performance than this, the power reminding us all of what is to come with the electric band in the next month or so. Dave Lambert played like a dervish crashing the notes with aggression but total precision, has he played better ? I don't know, but tonight superb.
Dave Cousins used his full vocal range - soft and gentle, through to the hard aggressive almost spiteful delivery during that second half, often rocking and leaning backwards on his stool as the tempo and power took over. Dave mentioned that he had family members in the audience as well as his very first lighting engineer.
At Newbury, we had the toned down version of "Out In The Cold" - wonder if this was unintentional on DC's part, but tonight the full blown version as a late start and late finish at around 11.30 took us well beyond the watershed. Both "Lay Down" and "Witchwood" had been left out of the running order tonight.
With Brian's impending departure my thoughts turned to the fact that this may have been the last full acoustic UK concert that he may play other than the festivals where set lists may be shorter. Although of course we still have the electric shows to look forward to. ( Perhaps the (D)irector (G)eneral Mr DG could confirm running times at the festivals [DG - you'll be lucky - but I'll try and find out] ) Tonight, like the rest of the guys he turned in the usual quality performance, undemonstrative, but bending the strings with those magical fingers and adding so much to the overall evening's entertainment.
I suspect the stateside fans are now getting just a little excited - judging by the performances tonight, the two Daves that are heading your way, are in top form.
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
On Growing Older/ I'll Carry On Beside You
In Amongst The Roses
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Benedictus
Witchwood
You And I (When We Were Young)
The Winter And The Summer
Out In The Cold/ Round And Round (non-rude version)
The River/ Down By The Sea
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
CORN EXCHANGE, NEWBURY, 17 JUNE 2004
After a painful journey down the M4 (for various reasons!), got to Newbury in time to see the football fans spreading out onto the streets - obviously England had won and the town centre in Newbury was in for a lively old time tonight!! A brief sojourn in the Queens Hotel bar next door to meet fellow witchwooders and regulars, then next door to the Corn Exchange - a great venue for the Strawbs, good raked seating, excellent acoustics and friendly staff .
Cousins was on fine raconteur form, opening with a reference to the footie, that first England goal being a "glimpse of heaven". The first half centred around some of the more acoustic numbers, a splendid rendition of "In Amongst The Roses" and the new two-parter "On Growing Older" twinned with "I'll Carry On Beside You".
I'd lobbied before for the first of these - it struck me that it might be a good one to offer up if anyone wanted a birthday dedication, given that most of the fans attending are these days reaching those twilight years
Rest ofthe first set, pretty much as has gone before, "Alice's Song" still pretty and moving, "Shine On Silver Sun" a tiny bit ragged to these ears, but only a little. "Autumn" still as good as ever, a superb closer to the first set.
Second set opened with DC having forgoitten his dulcimer and having gone back for it to start up with "Benedictus". "Witchwood" now moves into the second half. A highlight for me in the second set was the return of "You And I (When We Were Young)", absolutely flawlessly played and sung, followed by Lambert's "Winter And The Summer". Once more the "non-rude" version of "Out In The Cold" got an airing. Then into the "River/DBTS" tour de force (looking forward to hearing that again on electrics!). "Lay Down" back in the set again, and the closer "Hero And Heroine" delivered with consummate power and verve - that ending!
Peering round the curtain, DC led the boys back for the encore, the stunning version of "We'll Meet Again Sometime" which increasingly become a firm fan favourite and a favourite of the band's too.
All in all, one of the best shows I've seen them present - all three determined to see out the Willoughby Acoustics era in excellent style.
Witchwood note: Pleasure to meet up with so many friends - the inestimable David Claridge not least of all and to make a few new ones. Nigel Bennett's daughter Sarah proved a dab hand with the camera and took the following for posterity.
Back row: David Claridge, Dick Greener; Tony Weddle. Front: Nigel Bennett
A wandering minstrel I, a thing of shreds and patches ....
Claridge's rather fetching Robinson Crusoe apparel
Quick newsflash about the Newbury acoustics gig last night............ "In Amongst The Roses" is staggeringly moving (specially as a father of a young daughter myself). "We'll Meet Again Sometime" was no less a treat. But then again so were SO many great songs. A pleasure to watch the Acoustics in action again, and likewise to meet up with all the Witchwooders again. It was nearly two years to the day that the Acoustics returned to Newbury. Two years ago, England were in the middle of football tournament. Tony Weddle and myself, whilst driving off into the twilight at the end of the evening, both agreed, we'd had a great feeling of.......
Click here for more excellent pictures from Darren
The music was fantastic. I had to shake Dave Lambert's hand, at the end; he was awesome. The only slight complaint I had was Dave Cousins's voice which kept getting loud and soft, on each word. It was fine for those who knew the songs but I doubt that anyone there, who wasn't a Strawbs freak, would have been able to make out much of the words and they are such a big part of the songs. I understand that DC* wasn't 100% last night, so that may be part of it. I watched the Chiswick DVD tonight and could here all the words fine, so it's not a normal part of his performance.
But here I am going on about one small thing. It didn't detract from a great evening and it was so nice to meet a few of the gang here who have become legends in their own minds.
Great show!
* [DG - that's Dave Cousins by the way, not David Claridge, who's never 100%! Ah the sheer power of editorial control, not a rude comment about me and the power to fight back! ;-)]
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
On Growing Older/ I'll Carry On Beside You
In Amongst The Roses
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Benedictus
Witchwood
You And I (When We Were Young)
The Winter And The Summer
Out In The Cold/ Round And Round (non-rude version)
The River/ Down By The Sea
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
We'll Meet Again Sometime
ROCKINGHAM ARMS, WENTWORTH, 11 JUNE 2004
The Strawbs received a very loud and enthusiastic reception from the BBCs Folk Club of the year. Probably the only suprise in the set list was the inclusion of "On Growing Older/ I'll Carry on Beside You". If I'd have been told that they were to be included, I would have thought they wouldn't work: they actually worked very well with innovative versions of each. They blended in with a first set that comprised the quieter songs (with the exception of "Ghosts"). During the first set, I felt that there were more vocal harmonies than previously. I also felt that Brian was featured more obviously (or perhaps I was watching him more because of his impending departure).
The second half gradually cranked up the volume and intensity. As previously mentioned my cute 12 year old (but looks younger) daughter Holly was sat on the floor in front of the band, DC changed the lyrics of "Out in the Cold" to the less racey "I kissed you on the lips, Your eyes opened wide". This was very considerate of him, although Holly has heard the song numerous times. The rendition of "Round And Round" was considerably more raw and powerful than I've previously heard them play it: brilliant. The high energy levels continued for "Down By The Sea", "Lay Down" and "Hero And Heroine".
PS Holly really enjoyed it. She has become a member of the Dave Lambert fan club, having her photo taken with him, but then announced that she had been struck by the thought that DL was old enough to be her Grandad. She has now realised that people over 20 years of age can be cool (but not parents).
What a fantastic night at the BBC's Folk Club of the year in Wentworth. The boys were in brilliant form, lively, harmony, vibrant and of course DC's witty jokes! Nice to see Alison again and meet Andy Slack, Pete Madeley and wife and not forgetting Pete's cute daughter, Holly. She really is cute and a BIG Strawbs fan too. The John Smith's beer went down 'playing Jazz' so all in all a brilliant night. As for the music, well it goes without saying, you can't get any better anywhere. Trust me!
Nice small venue (my first visit) and the the audience were all Strawbs enthusiasts (not the impression I got at Wath). Enjoyed hearing "I'll Carry On Beside You" live for the first time; Dave Lambert sang it slightly slower than Tony Hooper's recorded version. My only disappointment was that "Hangman..." wasn't included as I think that comes over better than any other song performed acoustically, but on the other hand with so many great songs it's nice to have variety.
Looking forward now to impending release of the first totally new album in 25 years.
Andy Slack has posted some pics from the Wentworth gig at: http://strawbspics.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/.
NATIONAL FOREST FOLK CLUB, MOIRA, NR ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH, 4 JUNE 2004
I saw Dave, Lambie and Brian play the National Forest Folk Club at Moira Miners Welfare Centre in Leicestershire on Friday 4th June. The choice of date was unfortunate as it coincided with holiday week and the turnout was low. It was a shame because it was a lovely summer evening in a beautiful setting.
Despite all of this I must say they played the BEST set that I have seen them play. I've seen them 4 times recently and this surpasses all of the rest. Dave Lambert (Lambie) was fantastic and played like a man possessed! Dave Cs voice was on top form and Brian was faultless.
On the night a small but very loyal following were very appreciative and well rewarded.
Benedictus
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Ghosts
Tears And Pavan
In Amongst The Roses
The Hangman And The Papist
Alice's Song
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
The Winter And The Summer
The River/Down By The Sea
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Lay Down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
SOUTH YORKSHIRE MUSIC FESTIVAL, WATH UPON DEARNE, 2 MAY 2004
Once again when the lists of UK gigs for both the Electric and the Acoustic Strawbs was published there was the usual lack of venues in the North East prompting check of the map to find the nearest gig. With the Wath04 festival being on a Sunday I decided this was the one to go to and the tickets were duly arranged.
To make a "day" of it we arrived at lunchtime and went up to the afternoon session at the local hotel. The venue was full so the atmosphere was excellent and the acts, including a poet called Les Barker, supplemented a beautiful spring afternoon (as well as a few pints).
After the afternoon session had ended we met up with Alison and made our way up to the evening venue. As luck would have it the lads were doing their sound checks and we were allowed in to listen and get a "taster" for the evening performance.
The evening concert started with a couple of excellent acts leading the way for the headline band. The lads came on stage and within minutes "Benedictus" filled the hall. The excellent sound system enhanced every note and lyric and Dave C's presence held the audience throughout. The set list followed its normal progression but with the welcome addition of "The Hangman And The Papist". As usual there were some notable highlights; "The River/Down By The Sea" was awesome; "Ghosts" and "Autumn" again emphasized how talented these three musicians actually are. Dave Lambert's power contrasting with Brian's relaxed, seemingly effortless playing creates a blend of acoustic music unique to the Acoustic Strawbs. Dave Cousins' lyrics captivate any audience, his voice and playing add to the complete package. After an hour and a half of some of the finest Strawbs classic songs it was all over. An encore of "We'll Meet Again Sometime" and that was that.
As usual it was a privilege being there, having the chance to talk to Brian and Dave L and meeting up with friends who follow this great band around the country. Was it worth a 240mile round trip and not getting home until 2am ? DEFINITELY.
After a shaky start (tuning problems) an excellent performance from the Acoustic Strawbs playing together for the first time in about three months.
A good venue but the audience didn't appear to be predominantly Strawbs fans. Being a full weekend of entertainment, many had been partaking of alcohol most of the day and by late evening beer seemed to take priority over the music.
A disapointment for me was that my photos, being from quite a way back, turned out dark and then went grainy when I enhanced them.
It said 'Festival' on the brochure, so I expected Wath-upon-Dearne to be a hive of activity when I arrived at 5pm, something along the lines of a smaller version of the Otley Folk Festival. Well the bunting was up but the place was deserted. The 'Festival' seemed to consist of two venues with afternoon and evening shows but nothing else happening in between. I met up with friends Ian and Sandra, who had been to the afternoon concert, in the village square and we spent an hour watching the world go by, or possibly the locals visiting the hub of the village - the Yorkshire Bank ATM!
Then Brian walked past us on his way to the venue and said hello, so a little while later we followed him and snuck into the sound check. Montgomery Hall is a mid-1970s hall with a high stage and a flat area in front, which hosted three rows of circular tables and chairs on the day, with a raked seating area behind. As the speakers were on the stage, we decided to sit on the third tier of seats to make the best of the sound and avoid looking up all evening.
There were two other acts on before the Strawbs (Acoustic) - Maggie Boyle and Gordon Tyrrall, a very pleasant singing folk duo playing flutes, guitar and bodhran, followed by the inimitable Les Barker, who had us all in stitches reading his very funny poems.
A brief interval, used to good effect to acquire a couple of posters off the front door and then we were off. A slightly shaky start to "Benedictus", with one of the guitars very off tune with the dulcimer, but quickly recovered in-flight and some nice new touches from Brian in the instrumental section. The rest of the set just flowed beautifully, from the gentle "In Amongst The Roses" to power performances of "The Hangman And The Papist" and "The River/Down By The Sea" which were outstanding, with Dave C always in control of his voice. Every time I closed my eyes I was transported to another world and I can't remember 90 minutes ever passing so quickly. The soundman did an excellent job as the sound was crystal-clear and well-balanced all night. A deeply moving "We'll Meet Again Sometime" (this just gets better and better ever time I hear it) to round off a thoroughly wonderful evening - I think I drove the 90 miles home in a daze :o) Only a month to the next one......
