Part 1 - First US leg - up to 29 June
Part 2 - Canada - 30 June to 4 July
Part 3 - Back to the US - 6 July to Nearfest
Photo galleries from North American tour
Features on North American tour.
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO ON, 4 JULY 2004
Photo of Hugh's Room entrance by Peter Rowe
Different crowd tonight, lots of Americans for the holiday. Not the dedicated crowd from Friday, nor even Saturday. A few, quite a few, seemed to be there for nostalgia reasons, although that was only my impression.
The band, though. Tonight the master stood front and centre and showed us all. Dave Cousins was in rare form, voice strong and powerful, stage presence commanding, passion for his music lighting up the stage. This is the Dave Cousins I know and love; a man who knows his music and how to bring it out. The fact that there were a few who had no idea what he was singing about did not deter him one bit; he came out swinging. I was in front of him, and he seemed to be looking in my direction a lot, and I sang along with every word, as usual. It was as if we were the only two in the place, and we shared the magic between us. Tonight Dave Cousins was in rare form, and there are few in the business who could stand with him when he's that strong. Both my sister and Judy noted (accurately, of course) the difference in the crowd, but for me that simply didn't matter. No blanket of ignorance or indifference could ever smother Dave Cousins when he's on fire like he was tonight.
It's rare when I find myself speechless but that's how the three Toronto shows have left me. I mean, how can you possibly respond when Cousins says almost uncertainly after the show "I think we played well"?? THINK???? WELL???? "Yes" is sorely inadequate. It was...I don't know...transporting. It had been so long since I'd seen them electric that I was beginning to equate the acoustic versions of stuff like "Down by the Sea" and "Autumn" with the real thing--and I do love the acoustic version but I'm beginning to wonder now if the successful translation of those songs to only three guitars holds some of the magic. Brilliant as they are acoustically, the power of the electric versions practically provoke hyperventilation, they're so good.
And, jeez, the new stuff! Just when you start wondering if Cousins still has the genius required to write some of the masterpieces he did years ago, he comes up with new stuff that matches and sometimes exceeds his material of the past. Hell, the song I missed most in these shows was "Face Down In The Well"!
The fact that I'm drowning at work prevents me from babbling on further about how they never tasted better to my ears. I do, however, have to say how much I totally loved meeting everyone in the band and its orbit.
Witchwooders in Toronto - photo from Judi Cuervo
Front row: Dick Greener and Judi Cuervo, Back Row: Mike Gebhardt, Chas, Amanda Baughn, Joe Langer, Doug LeBlanc, and Gerry (from Florida)
Doug LeBlanc very kindly organised a Witchwooders brunch at a local restaurant - great to see folks and put faces to e-mails:
Well, it's back in San Diego and back to work I go after returning from a week and four wonderful shows in Ontario. My wife, Alice, and I arrived in Toronto last Wednesday night and drove to Belleville the next day. After a fine dinner at Paolo's Trattoria, we had to walk the six or so blocks back to the Empire Theatre in a thundershower. As we scurried from alcove to awning to alcove, ducking in and out of the rain, we passed a familiar face. I turned to Alice and said, "Wasn't that . . ." She finished my thought ". . . Dave Cousins!" He was heading the other way, AWAY from the theatre. A quick look back down the street verified that there was, indeed, a pub on the next corner. As it was pre-show, we didn't bother him, of course.
Arriving at the Empire Theatre, we were impressed to find an old, apparently vaudeville-era house beautifully restored to all it's glory and then some. Hats off to Mark Rashotte for this labor of love! If any of you have a chance to see a show at the Empire, do not pass it up. It's truly a wonderful venue. This was a good omen for the show to follow. And what a treat it was to hear so many old favorites. The set list has been posted before, so I won't repeat it. The venue was only about half full (maybe 250 people present), but an enthusiastic crowd we were! Post-show, at the bar, I had no albums for signing as it didn't seem feasible to lug them on airplanes. But Andy, the Empire's publicist, presented us with a commemorative copy of their opening night brochure, which I had signed by everyone.
Friday night's show was back in Toronto, at Hugh's Room, just a short subway ride from downtown. It was quite a different experience from the previous night, due to the cafe-style seating and atmosphere. My friend, Mike, had driven up from Chicago, and joined us for dinner and the show. We were also joined at our table by an old friend of Rod Coombes, who hadn't seen him for 30 years! There were a few sound problems throughout the show (guitar cutting out, bass feedback, and keyboards AWOL) and Dave C's voice gave out when reaching for several notes, but that didn't dampen my enthusiasm, nor apparently anyone else's.
Photo by Gregg Derrett
The Saturday show was definitely the highlight for me! The place was jam-packed, and there was electricity in the air. The lads were greeted with a standing ovation -- one of only many that night. The sound mix was better than the night before, and John Hawken's keyboards were present when needed. "Autumn" brought a chill down my spine, it was so beautiful. John and Dave L. nailed this one! In the second set, as they were "rushing through the fallen leaves together in the autumn" I almost had a tear in my eye. When Dave and Chas and Dave hit the mikes together on this one, it's just a thing of beauty! "Hero and Heroine" was one of the best renditions I've heard. The new songs from Deja Fou bode well for this forthcoming CD. Quite a few laughs arose when Dave C. was questioned about it's availability. "It's not here," we were told. "Then why did you record it?" one wag replied. I certainly hope it's out soon, as I have "This Barren Land" running on an endless loop in my head this morning. I need a Strawbs fix already!
Sunday seemed a bit more subdued, but maybe I was just tired. I'm not used to staying out late! We actually hadn't planned on attending this one, as it was added late, I had no tickets, and figured three shows in three nights would suffice. It was Alice who decided on Saturday night that we HAD to come back for one more! After all, who knows if they'll ever get together again?
The entire trip was a memorable experience. The graciousness and hospitality shown us was heart-warming. My thanks to Dave and Dave, John, Chas, and Rod for making this not-so-old man very happy, indeed. Thanks also to Mark and Andy at the Empire Theatre, and Richard, Anthony, Peter, and Debbie at Hugh's Room. To Victor, I'll be waiting for that acoustic DVD! You are all wonderful, and I hope to return for another round or two next year! In the meantime, I look forward to the acoustic tour in October, and hope for a San Diego appearance.
After show photo from Gregg Derrett
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO ON, 3 JULY 2004
Was it the Canadian beer that caused the extra limb to grow?
Webmaster on tour in Toronto - photo from Gregg Derrett
The place was jammed to the rafters. They couldn't have squeezed more people in with a shoehorn. My sister Kathy and I walked in, and saw the distinguished Dick Greener at the bar. Possibly the greatest pleasure of the night! I welcomed him to Canada, then went to greet the others from Witchwood, and various others from other groups (long story!). Had a great time before the show even started!
There was a difference on this night, though. There were a few, um, non-believers in the crowd. Now, let me admit right here, I am prejudiced. I don't like non-believers at a Strawbs show. There are too few seats in the place to give up to people who aren't dedicated followers. That fact that they were drunk before the show ever started annoyed me to no end, I must admit. I wasn't going to let them spoil it, though, and for the most part, they didn't.
The band came on, and played exactly the same set as the night before, and will again tonight. They haven't had time to rehearse any other songs yet, you see, so they played the same ones. And they played them magnificently! The day's rest (of not having to travel, at least) did them the world of good. DC's voice was stronger, and Dave Lambert was hot as a freshly fired pistol! Chas's bass work really stood out for me on this night; subtle as silk when he needed to be, but he could hit with the force of a sledgehammer when he had to. Rod Coombes was simply magnificent, especially on the end of "Ghosts", when his cymbal work added whole new dimensions to the effect. WOW!
"Autumn", to put it simply, was awesome! A five-minute standing ovation greeted that one, and left the crowd in a buzz of excitement.
I don't know why, but tonight "Down By the Sea" took on a whole new life if its own, for some reason. The guys played it with spunk and fire, and it really got to me. The part where DC sings, "if you were me, what would you do? Don't tell me, I don't need you to, it won't help me now.", then DL brings in those power chords, it simply took my breath away. They nailed the passion in it like they were doing it for the first time. I hung on every note like it was the last time I would ever hear it. I was speechless when it finished, and it took a minute to regain my composure. Oddly enough, the song has never affected me that way before.
The new song, "This Barren Land" was a real treat to hear, and reminds me of the best work ever done by Bruce Springsteen. However, "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" as an encore is absolutely stunning! Such a powerful piece of music, if this one doesn't sell CD's, nothing will.
A great night, with the third one to come. I suspect this one might just be the best of them.
I apologize in advance for this paltry excuse for a review. For those of you persistent enough to read to the end, I hope you'll understand...
Where to begin? I saw the acoustic Strawbs perform last summer and was a little leery that they might not be able to capture the greatness of those shows. What was I thinking? Two vastly different types of shows, but one common denominator - great songs played with unbridled passion by great musicians! How could it not be special?
Doug LeBlanc gives a great summary in his two (to date) reviews of 'what happened' at the shows. I'll let his account speak to the details (i.e. songs, crowd, etc). For me, the experience is a little bit beyond words. The feeling you get as your privy to a truly special moment is hard to describe. So I won't.
I truly believe that music at its best is felt rather than heard. Isn't that why we listen? To be transported to somewhere wonderful without ever leaving where you are. The Strawbs last night made me feel their music and took me to a rather extraordinary place. I feel privileged that they chose to invite me to that rather mystical place. I'm sorry I had to come back.
To all who have tickets to their future shows: I envy you!
I can't wait for their return in the fall, and I suspect that a review of that future show will be eerily similar to this one. RUN, don't walk to see them if they're in your area!
P.S. Go with someone you really like - it just feels like doing so enhances the whole experience. It's good to share.
I am probably going to be slightly unpopular after this but hey sometimes honesty is the best policy.
I was at the Saturday night show at Hugh's Room in Toronto and the boys were great but not at their best. A large part of this was the venue's fault. It is really not suited for an electric act. Acoustic maybe but that's it. I was at the back of the main room where my host said the view and sound were superb. I beg to differ. I found the sound mix terrible with Dave L's lead guitar at times reduced to a whisper and at some points poor John Hawken's keys got lost in the translation.
The vocals did not fare much better. They suffered more in the rockier songs than the quieter. You need a big hall to adequately handle the Strawbs sound on these numbers. At times, both Dave L and Dave C's vocals seemed shouted rather than sung. Indeed the best sounding songs were the slower paced ones like "Shine on Silver Sun" and "Burning for You" (my favourite in terms of quality and sound).
All evening the room was hotter than Hades with poor ventilation and I was worried that Dave Cousins would faint on stage. I'm sure this did not help much and the owner of the hall should invest in an improved air-conditioning system or failing that a few floor fans.
The band themselves were good but maybe needed more time to get seasoned. After all they haven't played together for over 25 years. I was most impressed with Rod Coombes' drums. Extremely powerful with amazing cymbal control. Many of the Strawbs songs use cymbals as an added touch and Rod is a master. Dave Lambert's guitar sparkled but again the mix spoilt some parts. Nice to hear John Hawken's Mellotron again but it needs room to expand. I bet the Bellville show the previous night or two was awesome.
Out of the two sets I would say the first was best. I was rather surprised that "Autumn" was not the last song before the encores as it was a show-stopper. The new songs were a pleasant revelation and I was truly sorry the CD was not there for buying.
Some songs I would liked to have heard and didn't? Probably "Golden Salamander" from Nomadness (would have sounded great here), "Queen of Dreams" from Grave New World (better than "New World" though it would be tough to top Dave C, Tony Hooper and John Ford's vocals on "Queen of Dreams") and Dave L's best song "The Winter and the Summer" from Bursting at the Seams...though "Tears and Pavan" would not have gone amiss (better than "Down by the Sea"/"The River").
I was very happy to see the band again. The last time I saw them was in the 80's and before that twice in the 70's. And after all these years, I finally got my copy of Hero and Heroine signed. What could be better!
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO ON, 2 JULY 2004
Absolutely incredible! Breathtaking performance! Sheer artistry! WOW! Magnificent!
I can roll out the adjectives, and they are just words. It seems so difficult this fine morning to describe what happened last night. When I arrived home, I used the word magic, but I was fresh from the show, with stars still shining in my eyes. It's now morning, and I look at what I wrote last night, and realize that I was absolutely right. There seems no other word to describe it. The power of the Strawbs performing live is simply incredible. Their music is alive; it lives inside their fans, who gathered from all corners of the world to be at this special event.
It's so hard to say, but when Hugh's Room does not feature the Strawbs, does it still even exist? It seems like the place was made for this band, and vice versa. There is so much magic happening; you could see it in my friend Bob's eyes, giving me the thumbs up for every great song they rolled out. You could see it in the sparkle of Amanda's eyes as she watched the show. You could see it in Ian's smile. You could hear it in Joe's voice as he knows instinctively what song is coming up next. vYou could feel it from Gerry's rapt expression as he saw the performance he travelled across a nation to see.
Performance wise, Dave Cousins voice seemed a bit weak at times, but there was no question of the passion, or that he loves doing what he's doing, just as we love to hear it. To see the power in Dave Lambert's playing, wailing away like he's fiery wizard casting spells in the depths of the world. John Hawken, cool and calm, played with elegance and grace, and showing the talent that inspired such great albums as Hero And Heroine and Ghosts. Rod Coombes played the drums, but his work on the cymbals brought the songs to life, and added another dimension to them. Chas Cronk kept everything on an even keel with excellent bass playing, coming to the forefront every so often, but always there, always dependable, solid as a rock.
This was only the first night of a three-night stand here in Toronto, at the magnificent Hugh's Room. I couldn't begin to imagine how they could possibly surpass last night's performance. Yet I know that somehow, someway, they will.
Just an extra comment after last night's incredible show. A very, very special thank you to a very, very special person who worked his tail off, ensuring the Strawbs had a great show, the one and only MIKE GEBHARDT!!!! (Hope I spelled it right!) He did a first rate, magnificent job for the boys, and deserves all the credit in the world. Your great work did not go unnoticed, Mike, and you deserve a big hand for your efforts! The thanks of a grateful Strawbs fan.
It's "Stormy Down" here in Toronto, as a magnificent storm is raging over the lakeside view from my hotel room. A couple of HUGE bolts of lightning just crashed to earth right next to the hotel, probably a warning to get on with things more closely Strawbs-related.
Strawbs' Hero & Heroine style lived up to ALL expectations and delivered a stunning rocking performance last night at a packed Hugh's Room. I was positioned in various places throughout the evening (I'm not really a paying customer and they get priority in the restaurant side from the maitre d'). I did find the jet lag was causing me problems - after all it was an 8.30 start, but 1.30am in my head, and I'd not had much sleep for the last 48 hours - but the band delivered a pretty effective wake-up call!! A welcome return of the Strawbs electric sound and a powerful reminder that, notwithstanding the band's recent acoustic leanings, Strawbs should definitely be "filed under rock"!
Freed from the tyranny of a seated performance, Cousins marshalling his men, with flamboyant hand gestures, just like the old days, flailing at his smart new Gretsch acoustic guitar with a passion and an energy, Lambert restored to his trusty Les Paul, turning in those irritatingly effortless note-perfect licks or offering up his characteristic Townshend-like power chords. Chas laying down a rock solid bass, and Hawken supplying those much-missed Mellotron chords (though sensibly not relying on such a treacherous beastie other than at the Nearfest show which is the apogee of the tour, for which one has been exhumed specially). And at the back of it all, those intricate Rod Coombes rhythms.
Having been used, of late, to hear the threatening opening sequence of "Round And Round" on guitar it was great to hear it delivered by Hawken, looking professorial behind his impressive bank of keyboards. "Shine On Silver Sun" really benefits from the full three-strong vocal harmonies. Full vent was given by Lambert to his guitar hero persona, thrashing out power chords like a man possessed for "Round And Round" as well as on a vibrant version of "New World", yet able to deliver restrained and beautiful music, as on "Autumn" which brought the audience to its feet at the close of the first half for the first of several standing ovations.
Cousins has a shiny new Gretsch, lovingly attended to by Mike Gebhardt, whose role as guitar tech has mutated into full blown stage manager, a role he seems born to play! For a number of songs in the first half he relinquishes it, which gives him the freedom to move and sing more expressively that ever. "Burning For You" built over a piano riff, was masterful, and much appreciated by the crowd, as was "Simple Visions", sent along at a brisk pace by Chas on acoustic 12 string.
The second half opened with "Benedictus" again a reminder for those who've only seen it acoustically of late, that, with organ and electric guitar, drums and bass behind the dulcimer, this really rocks. A "ghostly" whisper ran round the room as Cousins mentioned that the next song had been written in Indianapolis. Another cheer of satisfaction from a happy audience audience led into the next sequence, the plaintive keyboard introduction "Remembering", then Cousins' heartfelt "You And I When We Were Young" starting with gentle piano from Hawken, and building to the powerful harmonies - "brushing through the fallen leaves". As the last notes of the reprise of "Remembering" fade, Lambert turned to face his amplifier - well Mike G's actually - to strike the feedback notes leading into "Heartbreaker", another guitar tour de force, nice too to see Cousins giving his all on the backing vocals for this.
The first new song "This Barren Land" came over extremely well, building slowly at first to a screeching solo from Lambert, the audience thrilled to hear something from the new album, sadly not yet delivered for sale ($%&%$!!!).
Discordant acoustic guitar heralded the epic "River/Down By The Sea" - there's new stuff happening in there which I'll listen out for more carefully next time - it was getting late by then for me - and then to the last song of the set, "Hero And Heroine" played as is needs to be played by the band that played it at the outset, seguing into a reprise of the ending of "Round And Round" just as they used to do back in '74/75.
Throughout the show, Rod Coombes rendered up sometimes complex, sometimes powerful, drums and tasteful percussion - I've never really seen Rod play before and am looking forward to watching him more closely during the rest of the tour to see what goes on. With Chas's melodic bass line weaving through the drums and other instrumentation, its definitely a rock sound, with nary a stool in sight!
A further standing ovation - there was never any chance that there wouldn't be - brought three of the band back to the stage - Cousins, Lambert and Hawken - for a tender new song from Deja Fou, "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" which touched hearts. The closer "Lay Down", started with an a cappella chorus and a joke, which I won't spoil, and was delivered with no little verve
Now, after the show, the obvious thing to do would have been to head back to the hotel for a good night's sleep and getting my head into the right time zone. But this is a Strawbs tour, so it's down the road we go, to a local bar, where Hawken amused himself by drawing little caricatures of me, himself and Rod Coombes, as well as Dave Cousins. And it's three in the morning before I finally make it to bed. Fou encore methinks. But at least when I wake up tomorrow, I'll be on US time. Hawken's also reputed to be writing a tour diary, just as he did in the 70s, and Coombes is videoing a tour souvenir, so there's going to be plenty of recollections of the time we all went deja fou.
After show huddle from Peter Rowe
EMPIRE THEATRE, BELLEVILLE ON, 1 JULY 2004
The weather outside was stormy, but the atmosphere inside the lovely Empire Theatre in Belleville, Ontario was festive. There were approximately 250 fans settling in for an evening with the Strawbs.
The first set opened up with "Shine on Silver Sun" followed by "Round and Round" which really got everyone going. Highlights from the first set included "New World", "Burning for You" and "Autumn" which received an astounding standing ovation. There was also a track from Deja Fou.
After the break we heard "Ghosts", "You and I When We Were Young", "Hero and Heroine", "Benedictus" and "The River" among others.
After a 5 minute ovation the lads came out for an encore. Dave Cousins sang "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" from Deja Fou with John Hawken and Dave Lambert. Then Chas Cronk and Rod Coombes rejoined them for a rousing version of "Lay Down". Dave C thanked all and many fans mingled with the lads afterword for a pint or two.
It was special night for a number of fans. The MC for the theatre pointed out that many fans travelled far and wide to see the show. Folks travelled from Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and there was even a couple from San Diego, California that travelled especially to see the Strawbs. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the control of the band, the merchandise did not cross the border from the US in time for the show.
What an appreciated Strawbs concert it was for us at the very beautiful Empire Theatre (newly restored) of Belleville where the guys played excitingly (see Setlist).
And of course, all five musicians went after to the lobbybar having a word with everyone and giving lot of autographs. Once again fully appreciated.
Every time (6) we take the road for the Strawbs it's turned out great! This time in Belleville was no exception. It revamped good memories (concert given at the Auditorium Le Plateau, Montreal; 07 february 1975) when this Strawbs line-up took the stage. That was the first time Chantal and I went together to a concert. Tiens, tiens!
We'll meet again sometimes.
