Updated: 28 Oct 2004
Part 2 - Second leg - 17 to 30 October
Part 3 - Third leg - 31 October to 13 November
The October 16 show at Stephen Talkhouse was really, really incredible. After a little gaffe by DC to start the show off, they were absolutely flawless. The energy was there again, and the inter play was brilliant and perfectly displayed.
After seeing the Strawbs 5 times in the last year, I have to say, this was as good as the very 1st comeback show in New York when they performed at Stephen Talkhouse last year. That was truly exciting and this show was just as exciting and as well done.
Dave Cs voice was in beautiful working order and DL was back and kicking as usual. The 3 voices provided sweet sounding harmonies all night. I found my self asking if I were dreaming and had to pinch myself a few times. The new songs added were a real treat and offered some refreshing surprises indeed!
Brian was missed but Chas filled in admirably, if not differently. He added a little different twist to things and that worked out nicely. I didnt know what to expect, after seeing the last acoustic set of songs done with Brian an the last US tour but I have to say, the different song selection makes me want to own a DVD or CD of this set of live songs as well! Hopefully, this acoustic tour will also be recorded so we may enjoy these wonderful Strawbs songs as often as we all would like.
I can only hope the boys will continue to tour the US because I could see them every year for the rest of my life. 30 years for me now following the Strawbs but it all seems like yesterday, and they are asgood now as they were then!
By the way, I'm the one in the crowd with the funny sounding yelps, hoots and exuberance!
Again, just a stunning performance! Thanks!
The change to Chas Cronk in the Acoustic Strawbs' lineup was just what the doctor ordered. Three part harmony, Chas's capable 12 string and bass playing brought this act to where it should be - at it's very best! This show was the best Acoustic show I've seen from the band in the last two years, and I've seen four of them!
Benedictus
A Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower And The Young Man
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Blue Angel
Cold Steel
If
Lay Down
Oh How She Changed
OUTPOST IN THE BURBS, MONTCLAIR, NJ, FRI 15 OCTOBER 2004
The last time I posted comments about a show it was Philly. At that time I said it was the best I'd ever seen them, including the electric format. I think I wondered if it would all be downhill from there but, au contraire, based on the Montclair show, it now appears perfection might just be the norm.
The band was introduced by Pete Fornatelle, a NY-area DJ who's really a legend in these parts. God! I remember him introducing bands at the Schaefer Music Festival shows in Central Park when I was so young I had to go with my older brother and sister! The audience was thrilled with his appearance which prompted Cousins to quip "It's pretty bad when a local radio personality gets a bigger reaction than the band," or something like that.
Again, I have no discipline when it comes to set lists but it seemed as if they played everything but "Hero & Heroine": "Blue Angel", "Grace Darling" and "Oh, How She Changed", all in the same set--and one with no intermission this time.
Except for one annoying period during "Cold Steel", the sound was outstanding. In fact, maybe it was where I was sitting, but Chas' mike seemed to be a bit stronger than usual which resulted in his voice having more of a lead in the harmonies and, damn, he's a fabulous singer. I always liked the addition of a third voice but, in Montclair, it was the first time I was ever able to isolate it and it has great emotion and depth. (After the show, I scooted out to a little balcony to smoke and Chas came out moments after to do the same. I told him what I thought and he looked at me like "yeah, yeah, yeah." Seconds later, Lisa came out and first thing she said was "You were in great voice tonight, Chas" so I hope he believed both of us.
Other stuff: A few new song intros by Cousins. He also divulged that it was Hawken who came up with the title Deja Fou. Never heard that before, but it certainly sounds like Hawken's wit.
Speaking of whom, John Hawken attended the show and sat next to me so I got a chance to chat with him a bit. What an amazing, amazing man. So polished...yet irreverent. I was surprised when he turned to me after "Blue Angel" and said he'd never heard the song before. I assured him his life would be forever changed and he said he could see why.
Another great show but I'd like to go on record here: If I EVER, EVER, EVER post on Witchwood that I'm planning to go to a show in New Jersey, please, everyone, talk me out of it! I decided to do Montclair ONLY because I kept hearing it was only 12 miles from NYC. Well, maybe as the crow flies but certainly NOT as the bus goes--NEARLY TWO HOURS. Thank God Lisa and her boyfriend drove me back to the city or I'd have had to dash for the last bus back even before the show ended.
What would make two sane people drive an hour and a half, spend a half an hour looking for a parking space, and then walk three blocks in the pouring rain?
(Yep, that's right, one thing....the Strawbs)
While the air in Montclair hung cold and dreary, Strawbs music was the exact opposite. The guys seem to get more lively every time I see them, and the energy really showed in this show. So far I have seen the Strawbs seven times, and I never heard "Simple Visions", sang with such gusto until Friday Night. Even the 9 minute "Blue Angel," which I heard for the first time that night, looked effortless for them!
I overheard a good deal of the audience mention that this was their first time seeing the guys, (Mr. Hawken, who was in attendance, mentioned that he too was seeing the acoustic lineup with Chas for the first time as well.)
It was easy to see though, the audience was NOT disappointed and several standing ovations were given.
The Strawbs did a show at a local venue here a couple of weeks ago. One of our good friends is on the entertainment committee of this very nice venue--it was she who influenced the decision to bring the band here. Unfortunately, we couldn't attend, but you should know that the guys sold the place out at about 130 people and they went over VERY well. The audience and the folks from the venue all loved them--I'm sure they'd have them back at some point--if you're speaking to the guys tell them that you've heard great reports of their show at the Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair, New Jersey!!!
Photo from Paul Pfefferkorn - more pictures from Paul
Benedictus
Glimpse of Heaven
The Flower and the Young Man
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Grace Darling
Autumn
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Blue Angel
If
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
Witchwood
Oh How She Changed
THE ARK, ANN ARBOR, MI, WED 13 OCTOBER 2004
Fifteen years ago, when I was five years old, my family and I were living in Durban, South Africa. My dad bought Grave New World and every night after work he would play 'Benedictus', dancing with my sisters and I in his arms. That song became rooted deep within my soul. Five years later, when I turned ten, we left SA and moved to the suburbs of New York. My folks live there now with my youngest sister, and I attend college here at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This is my last year at school, and for the past three years I've passed Grave New World on to many of my buddies. I didn't meet any students though who were as passionate for your music as I am.
This past Sunday my girlfriend and I booked a table at a restaurant downtown. The wait was about 20 minutes, so I pulled her along to the Ark so we could see who was coming to town. A poster advertising the California Guitar Trio was immediately noticeable, and I thought it was pretty cool that they were coming to town. Amy walked off ahead, and I soon followed. As I turned my head away from the display case I saw STRAWBS out of the corner of me eye. I shook my head in disbelief and stood frozen, staring at the mini poster of you lads. If 15 years ago you told my dad that I would be seeing you guys at a tiny little venue in Ann Arbor, Michigan he never would have believed you. Neither would I!
Nevertheless, I saw your show tonight with Amy and another good friend of mine (who's a converted Strawbs fan). When you opened up with Hymn 157 ('Benedictus'), my hair stood on end. I have a very strong liking for 'The Flower and The Young Man', as well, and had a similar reaction when you played that. I plan on venturing outside of Grave New World to your other albums, especially after tonight's show. It was quite a surreal and indescribable experience seeing you three perform songs that are so entrenched in my heart.
Thank you guys for such incredible music. I truly hope I can see you again in the future - maybe when you come back in 25 years ;)
A brilliant show last night in Ann Arbor!
The Ark is a cosy little theatre in downtown Ann Arbor. The only slight criticism I would have of the venue is the bar arrangements - apparently you have to be a member to get a drink. I was there with 5 friends so one of them took out membership for the evening and every time a round of drinks was purchased the member had to sign up and put down all the names of the people that had been bought a drink!!! Anyway, moving swiftly on to the gig itself....
The first thing I noticed when I sat down was the bodhran beside DLs stool. That could only mean one thing - that "Hero and Heroine" was in the set tonight! The lads were in fine form and the audience was extremely warm and appreciative. On several occasions people stood up to applaud at the end of a song, and the mention of the Hero and Heroine and Ghosts albums drew more applause from the audience. For me personally, the really outstanding songs were "Simple Visions", "Blue Angel", and it was also a delight to hear "Midnight Sun" added to the set list since the UK tour, which drew more applause from the audience when they realised what the song was after the elongated instrumental introduction.
After the gig the lads spent some time signing autographs - a number of the audience had brought copies of albums on vinyl to be signed. Due to the early closure of the bar at the Ark itself, they then repaired to the Irish pub next door - Conor O'Neil's - where they graciously spent ages chatting until Neil dragged them off to their hotel. I think DC had the best evening - he got numerous hugs from the ladies and was positively beaming with pleasure as he left!
I'll leave the final comments to my friends from Ann Arbor - various quotes they scribbled on a piece of paper were as follows:
"You touched my soul. Considering I'm born and bred in Eire you aren't too bad".
"First time hearing and seeing you - you are incredible on the bodhran !".
"tasty multidimensional acoustic guitars, tight harmonies, floating lyrics...".
"Wonderful ! Lyrics touched my soul and made me dream of..." (not sure where that one was going !!!).
THE TIN ANGEL, PHILADELPHIA, PA, SUN 10 OCTOBER 2004
I've never been prone to exaggeration, I swear, so believe me when I say the Philly shows were the all-time BEST I've ever seen them--and that includes the electric band! Compared to the Charlotte show...well, there was no comparison actually. Last night's shows were just so tight, the harmonies were amazing, and the set list between the two shows included...well, maybe not everything you could ever want to hear, but a lot. "Blue Angel" in the first show and not second; "Grace Darling", "Hero & Heroine" and "Oh How She Changed" in the second; not the first. I actually made an attempt for the second show to write the songs down but after three I just realized it was distracting me too much. Met two guys who love the Strawbs but don't really follow the website or Witchwood. They weren't aware Brian had left and were a bit disappointed to hear it when we talked before the first show. Mid-show, I leaned over to one of them and asked what he thought of Chas and he Said "I like him better! And he sings, too!"
Great crowd at both shows. Hung out with Neil, Cousins and Cronk at some bar they discovered called...oh, God I was doing this all night--either Hummingbird or Dragonfly. Very trendy. Not your typical Strawbs bar.
Just made it back to NY at about 11:30 a.m. this morning. One more show to go--Montclair--before they swing out west. I can't wait until they do...I'm exhausted!
I was at last nights show at the Tin Angel in Philly (the early show). Although I've been a longtime fan, I had never seen them live before, so it was very exciting needless to say. The venue is basically the upper floor of a rowhouse, so it's rather narrow, but when you have a chance to see the acoustic version of a supergroup (well, they're a supergroup to us, anyway) doing what amounts to a greatest hits show in such a small club, you count yourself very lucky. I can't remember the exact setlist, but it was very similar to that previously mentioned at the Strand.
"Autumn" seemed to make the biggest impact on the crowd, getting a standing ovation - they did a great job on it. "Ghosts" was great too, as was "Simple Visions", which was the encore (Chas played 12-string on both, by the way). Have they done many of the same songs the last few years they've toured? That was a terrific sequence of songs. One last thought - Dave Lambert really rocked on "Cold Steel", I thought he was going to break a guitar string!
Benedictus
Glimpse of Heaven
The Flower and the Young Man
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Grace Darling
Autumn
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Blue Angel
If
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
Oh How She Changed
TOWNE CRIER, PAWLING, NY, SAT 9 OCTOBER 2004
Last night I had the privilege of seeing the Acoustic Strawbs play at the Towne Crier in Pawling, New York.
First a word on the venue. Previously, I've seen the acoustic and electric versions of the bands in New York City, both at the recently closed Bottom Line, and more recently at Joe's Pub. Though the band has played in Pawling before, for one reason or another, I've never made the trip upstate. This time, I decided to make the trip and found that from the suburbs, it really takes no longer to get to the Towne Crier then it does to get to downtown Manhattan. Second, this is one really great place to see a concert. Nice Pub, great food, not "TOO CROWDED". This venue has a great line up in acts. Also, for what it's worth, Dave C. said from the stage that it's their favorite hall to play in the US. Support places like this.
Ok, on to the show. With the recent change in personnel to the accoustic band, I have been anxiously looking forward to this concert. How would the band change? Would they still have the same high caliber performances? Fortunately, I can report that my there was no reason to worry, Acoustic Strawbs live on, and they're as good as ever.
This is not to say that it's the same show as with Brian, inevitably, any personnel change means a change in direction, and that was evident here. The biggest change that I saw with the new line up was that the boys seemed looser on stage. With Brian in the band, there was a masterful interweaving of the three guitar parts (for example, "Tears and Pavan" or the end part of "Down by the Sea"). On a technical level, this is he kind of excellent play that can only be achieved by master musicians who play together night after night and know each other performances cold. However, the price for this viruousity in Acoustic Strawbs Mk1 was a certain lack of spontaneity. This is something that I don't think I was consciously even aware of till I heard Mk2 perform last night. It was nice to see Dave L feel free to let loose at various times in the concert. All in all, I think it was the most fun I've had at a Strawbs Concert.
I found the performance to be truly refreshing. Everyone on stage seemed to be having fun and working together. Chas on his 12 string guitar provides a fuller sound than with Brian, and IMO, his addition gives the group more range. Also, the addition of a third vocalist enables the band to better reproduce the vocal sound from the albums. While there is less of the tight interweaving than we had with Dave L and Brian (possibly in part because Mk2 has only been playing together for a short period of time), this line up represents an exciting new directions that fans of the group should like.
One surprize, When I had heard that Chas was joining the Acoustic group, I had half expected him to be focusing on the Bass Guitar). In fact, for most of the show he's playing a 12-string.
Additonally, the addition of Chas brings together the original personal from Hero and Heroine through Deadlines (and the recent Deja Fou). Last night, nine of the fifteen songs played came from these albums. While not essential, it's always nice when you see songs in concert performed by the artists who recorded them.
The show itself --
Here I'll focus on highlights and songs that have been added to the setlist since Chas' joining the group.
In the first half of the show, two songs were added to the list -- Dave Lambert's "Cold Steel" (from Deja Fou) and "Grace Darling". "Cold Steel" is one of the better tracks from the new album, and highlights. "Grace Darling" has always been one of my favorite songs by the band. Given the limitations (i.e., limited orchestration and no back up choir) I had wondered how this song would translate. Although different, overall it's a great interpretation. Dave C's story about the background for this song is great.
In the second half of the show, I noted that the vocal arrangement to "Ghosts" has been changed and features Dave L more prominently. The play list now includes "Midnight Sun" (co-written by Chas and Dave C.). Here the new line up is at it's best, reinterpreting this great song.
The highlight of the evening for me was the addition of "Blue Angel", one of Dave C's masterpieces. This performance was truly moving (despite problems Chas had getting his Bass Guitar hooked up to the sound system). "Blue Angel" was followed by "If" (also from Deja Fou), a song that improves for me with every hearing.
The set ended with a rearrangement of "Hero and Heroine", Chas taking the lead in the beginning of the song while Dave L focuses on Drums!!! For the encore, the group played "Oh How She Changed", a Cousins/Hooper song that Dave C says was the group's very first single after signing with A&M. I don't think I've heard in at least 25 years. Nice to hear the old stuff.
In all, it was a great concert which may herald a shift in the concert direction of the Acoustic Strawbs. While Brian will be missed, the flexibility that Chas brings to the group is exciting. Dave L's guitar and vocals were splendid, as always. And one can NEVER say enough good things about Dave C's genius.
Dave Directs - more pictures from Erik.
Another great performance by the boys. "Midnight Sun" was stunning. Dave L. playing with his E-bow makes such wonderful noise. Ken already mentioned "Grace Darling". I really was interested in hearing "Ghosts", I considered this the test between the old and the new. Chas handled his parts effortlessly. There was no dropoff in quality.
All three were in fine voice throughout the night. I think the Dave's singing just keeps getting better and better the more they play. The wife said it was the most relaxed she has ever seen Dave C. Overall a great setlist, great performances, a great time had by all.
I was at the last Show at The Towne Crier With the electic band and thought that was great and was more then pleased with the acoustic show and happy with the fact that the set list was different at both shows. Hope to see the band again - I love Dave L's electric playing and the fuller sound but the acoustic arrangements were great.
Picture by Bill Laughlin
THE STRAND, LAKEWOOD, NJ, THU 7 OCTOBER 2004
I attended the Lakewood show last night. The band played a spirited but abbreviated set (since they were sharing the bill with Fairport Convention). Mr. Cousins was in fine voice & Dave L & Chas were outstanding. The acoustic format has really given Chas an opportunity to step forward. I spoke to him briefly after the show & he seemed very excited about the acoustic tour. Highlights included "Grace Darling ", "Autumn" and "Lay Down". After the show the band met with fans in the lobby- signed, posed, and chatted until all went home happy. Another memorable Strawbs event - it is what sets them apart from most other bands.
BELLVILLE OPERA HOUSE, BELLVILLE, OH, TUE 5 OCTOBER 2004
Picture by Michael Lippus - more pictures from Michael.
The Opera House in Bellville, OH is an intimate, family-friendly concert hall that has hosted the Acoustic Strawbs twice in the past; Tuesday's concert was the third, and first with new/old member Chas Cronk on board. Having had the great privilege of experiencing the US Electric Strawbs last Spring near Cleveland, OH, I was excited to see the Acoustic Strawbs (again), this time with Chas. My wife and two young daughters accompanied me for this very special event. As usual, the band did not disappoint.
"Benedictus" opened the show, followed by "Witchwood," and "Glimpse of Heaven." Dave C. was very relaxed and talkative, explaining the origins of most of the songs that night. "Flower and the Young Man" was next with Dave L. slowing down the song just a touch and adding a subtle and very tasteful jazzy/bluesy feel to the guitar solo. "Shine On Silver Sun" preceded one of the many standout songs from their new CD, Deja Fou. I'm talking about "Cold Steel" which they nailed perfectly: Chas on rhythm guitar, Dave C. snaking the banjo line throughout the song and Dave L. taking ownership of this one. He smiled broadly at the enthusiastic ovation following his song. "Grace Darling" and "Autumn" finished out the first set, with Dave C. excusing himself and the band so they could "recharge their pacemakers".
After a short break, "Ghosts" kicked off the second half of the evening. "Midnight Sun" was a pleasure, "Tears and Pavan" felt and sounded like an old friend. Then came Dave C.'s epic "Blue Angel". When the song ended the crowd rose to its feet as one with a thunderous standing ovation. Truly an inspired song and passionate delivery. "If" from Deja Fou was next and there were more than a few moist eyes in the crowd during this beautiful song. I hugged my daughters a little tighter after that one. "Lay Down" and "Hero and Heroine" closed the second set, but an encore brought us the sublime "Oh, How She Changed" and the uplifting "Simple Visions". As Dave C. sat center stage, arms waving about, conducting his own personal orchestra, my daughter leaned over and whispered, "He sure looks like he's enjoying himself up there." And, indeed, after countless miles on the road, they continue to play with joy and enthusiasm. The addition of Chas freed up Dave L. on many of the leads, and their vocals created beautiful harmonies. After the show, hugs and autographs were handed out equally.
Beautiful songs, peerless musicianship and lovely vocals from a trio of true gentlemen: that was this fan's "glimpse of Heaven". God bless them all...
Benedictus
Witchwood
Glimpse of Heaven
The Flower and The Young Man
Shine on Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Grace Darling
Autumn
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Tears and Pavan
Blue Angel
If
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
Oh How She Changed
Simple Visions
REDLIGHT CAFE, ATLANTA, GA, SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2004
I got an early birthday present last night in Atlanta, watching my 3rd full Strawbs show in one year. I only saw the new Acoustic Strawbs briefly in Toronto at Sam the Record man, so it was great to see a full show at the Red Light Cafe in Atlanta. I love what Dave C. said about taking away the "noisy stuff" like drums and keyboards and breaking the songs down to their basics. As with the electric Toronto shows, I found "Autumn" so moving, my eyes moistened...
The Cafe is a simple venue in a strip mall, the crowd maybe 150-175 tops. Atlanta is only a 4-5 hour drive from my home in Tallahassee, Florida, a pleasant day drive through cotton fields is SW Georgia to connect to the large interstate highways. I hope lots of Witchwood items were sold -- it appeared so. Chas and both Daves were very pleasant after the show. Dave L. said more tours with Hudson and Ford are possible, so I think those will be my next show. (I will try and get RGM some venue information in Florida for future tours.)
Thank you Strawbs!
Caught the kick off show on Friday and want to assure everyone who might be thinking...awww...acoustic show...seen it before...this one is a must. Not only do we have Chas bringing a different approach to things but the new songs alone make it worth the journey: "Oh How She Changed", "Cold Steel" and...oh my God..."Blue Angel"! I've read how Cousins says doing that epic takes so much out of him, etc., but you'd never know it--he makes it seem so effortless.
Disappointment #1: The crowd was meagre. MAYBE 75 people. Still, what they lacked in number they made up for in enthusiasm.
Disappointment #2: No Toronto DVD. I know, I know, the premiere isn't until whenever but I thought it would be available.
They all were in a fabulous mood on stage and afterwards at the bar. I've never seen Cousins so damn happy...like borderline Jerry Lewis goofy at points. We were talking about Deja Fou and he mentioned NRG which I immediately said "What WERE you thinking with that??" and saying how much I hated it...yup, I had a bit to drink...so every now and then all through the evening he'd squish up his face and start singing it just to bother me. So funny. Really nice to see.
Great meeting Bobby Williams who just may win this tour's prize of miles travelled...Charlotte, Atlanta, Ohio and New York, if I recall.
Fab show. Fab night.
First off I was really disappointed that the turnout was so small, but you could tell that everyone who did come to see the Strawbs adored them and showed their appreciation.
Having seen them almost 30 years ago in Saracuse NY, I can say that although the electric band (Hero and Heroine, Ghosts) was superb, the Acoustic Strawbs was an absolute joy (I was the one sitting with a silly grin on my face the entire show).
Meeting Dave C. and Dave L. was special, even if they had to politely suffer the praise of idiots like me. I will not bore you with my personal favorites other than to say seeing them play "Autumn" was incredible.
This little note is really a thank you letter to the Strawbs for coming to my town, and if I was aware of their earlier tour I would have driven many miles to see them. Personally I think they are one of the unappreciated gems that fly under the radar and I wish they got the recognition they deserve. My brother and I and a few close friends have been fans for over 30 years. If only my long lost friends from NY, Timmy and Jimmy who saw them in Saracuse so long ago, could have been here.
Let's just say I can't think of one "supergroup" past or present that I would rather spend an evening with...I'm listening to Hero and Heroine for the second time today as I write this....
Thank you Gentlemen.
The socks were a classic pale beige (not striped) and I know this because I sat less than ten feet from the stage last night. What an incredible evening. The offerings were hauntingly and sweetly melodic, true to form, and I feel very blessed to have been in the crowd. After the show, I had the honor of meeting Dave Cousins. What a gracious, humble man.
I arrived back in Wilmington around 3:30 this morning and still wasn't sleepy. I feel as though every chord that I heard, every sensation and stimuli that I experienced last night is still right here with me. It was something I'll never forget. Until next time....
