Updated: 10 Nov 2004
Part 1 - First leg - 1 to 16 October
Part 3 - Third leg - 31 October to 13 November
PAINTED SKY STUDIO CONCERT SERIES, CAMBRIA CA, SAT 30 OCTOBER 2004
Photo from Bruce Bell.
The crowd was very responsive and there were approximately 60 in attendance. Many were longtime fans, four were local disc jockeys who played the guys music on their shows -- but what was very cool, was that nearly half were "Strawbs newbies." Many had never heard of the band and approximately 25% of the audience were in their Twenties. Most bought CDs when the show ended. One man and wife who were vacationing in Cambria saw the article on the band in the local paper and came and bought tickets because he knew many of the groups "historically around" Strawbs that the article referred to and when he left he had bought two CDs and the Live in Tokyo 75 DVD and he thanks Kathlyn and me for bringing them and said that he had found his new favorite band. There were many stories like these.
The guys started with "Benedictus" and that really seemed to bring a smile to the faces of the hardcore fans -- one of the disc jockeys who sat with many of the original pressings of the A&M catalog of the Strawbs in his lap, smiled his approval as he had wanted to see them for 30 years he later told me. The dulcimer seemed to set a tone for the evening and many of the newbies later asked what was that instrument that David played in the first song? Many had never seen or heard a dulcimer before and it quickly established for the newbies present that this was a band with an artistic flair that was far from ordinary.
During the set, they played many of fan favorites like "Autumn", "Cold Steel", "Midnight Sun", "Blue Angel", "Hero & Heroine", "Shine On Silver Sun", "Ghosts", "The Flower & The Young Man" and many others that I am far too exhausted to recall right now. But the thing that surprised me most was the way that the acoustic version of "Hero & Heroine" cooks live. It was fabulous. I never thought that "Hero & Heroine" would ever be acceptable to me outside the full electric line up but it is a great song and the total rework of the song in the acoustic version is fabulous. A personal favorite of mine was "If" which I think is one of the most beautiful songs that Dave Cousins has ever written. It was a beautiful version and many of the women present told me after the show that that song made them almost cry, a couple did. Hell, I almost did -- but then I quickly thought about the Oakland Raiders football season and that fixed that. (Just kidding, I don't watch football and I don't mar the beauty of great music by refusing to allow it to touch me in special ways.)
David Cousins told us that he felt that their version of "Blue Angel" was very weak last night but the fans -- me included -- did not think so and one of the early Twenties attendees bought the Blue Angel CD last night and told me that these guys were incredible -- he was literally blown away and he said that the Strawbs were the best band that he's ever seen. That from a guy who is maybe 23 or 24. When I told David Cousins that story over breakfast this morning, he smiled and felt better for the performance of "Blue Angel", I think.
There was a woman present whom Kathlyn and I have known for years who has been going through some really rough times lately and whom we hadn't seen smile in months. But she was smiling ear to ear last night after the concert and said to us how much she enjoyed these guys and that their music was remarkable. She had never heard of them either but she bought one of the albums and had the guys sign it. She left grinning and thanked Kathlyn and me for bringing the Strawbs to Cambria. Twice during the show the audience thanks us for bringing them here and that amazed us as the guys had such an impact on those present that following the show, we had so many of them coming up and thanking us and Steve Crimmel (owner of Painted Sky Studios where the concert was held).
Chas was incredible on the 12 string and the bass, as well as his Roland pedals that he played with his feet. That really blew the audience away, I think and Steve Crimmel and many other present told me that Dave Lambert is one of the best guitarists that they've ever seen perform. Steve Crimmel told me after the show that he had to sneak out of the booth where he was running the sound and go into the studio just because he said that they sounded so incredible live and that even his $8,000 speakers couldn't reproduce what was happening in that room.
It was a magic night and the enthusiastic crowd let the guys know what they'd be back if they came back. When they left the stage following their rousing version of "Hero and Heroine", the crowd's standing ovation brought them back to do the one song that if they had come back onstage and had asked me what song I wanted them to play, it would have been the one they did play -- "Oh How She Changed." It was a perfect ending to the show and I told David, Chas, Dave and Neil (their road manager) this morning over breakfast that if I could have picked the encore song it would have been "Oh How She Changed" -- I even told that to Kathlyn before the show but I didn't think that they'd play it here. But they did and did such a masterful job on it.
At the conclusion of it all after the Strawbs were all gone along with the crowd and we were in the studio with Steve Crimmel who was shutting everything down and cleaning up -- he looked at us and said "Thank you." He loved the Strawbs and said that it was an honor to have them in his studio -- this, coming from a guy who was a 15 year staff engineer at Ocean Way Studios and has worked with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Supertramp, Ry Cooder, Neil Diamond (for whom he engineered "(Turn on your) Heartlight"", Talking Heads and far too many other bands to mention them all here. Steve said it was one of the best concerts he had ever seen and he had the guys sign a poster for him that will surely join the Gold Records that are on his wall for Heartlight and some of the projects that he engineered for Lionel Richie. Steve worked mostly on pop albums but his heart was always into progressive groups like The Strawbs and he told me that this was one of the nights that he will never forget because "it was art."
Well, San Francisco, now it's your turn...
Photo from Bruce Bell
Last night I went to see the Strawbs in Cambria, part of an audience of about 90 people filling a very small private recording studio. The "Acoustic Strawbs" line up was Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk. We--my ex-DJ buddy, Nightman, a major prog. head, and myself, sat front row center, less than five feet from them, REALLY. It was that close and intimate.
It was a very special show, all three in fine form, dressed in casuals and feeling very warm and welcome, Dave and Co. let into a fantastic two hour set of classic and a few new songs, all sounding fantastic - closing my eyes, it was like stereophonic headphones with the most brilliant sound ever. Opening them, Dave Cousins was looking right through you, singing his heart out to words that we knew like old school friends.
Upon walking over us to get to the stage, Dave picked up a dulcimer and started the opening cords to "Benedictus". The others joined in and a joyous sound was heard, instant transport into the mus(e)ic. Flawless three part harmonies, and Lambert really rocking out on acoustic lead guitar. Cronk was on acoustic twelve string ways off left -and he was a little under mixed, where as Lambert was loud, in your face, literally in spittle range.
They then launched into a brilliant, shimmering "Glimpse Of Heaven", with Cousins now on a beautiful red acoustic Gretch, which he played for most of the show.
Next was a long intro, to a song from more recent times, unknown to me, but vaguely familiar, with images of winter and a flower poking through the snow, beautiful tune. [DG – this was "The Flower And The Young Man"] Dave then introduced "Cold Steel", a new song off Deja Fou, the "Fou being French for mad". Cousins played the banjo for this and the next tune [Shine On Silver Sun next ???]. Lambert took lead vocals on his own "Cold Steel", a nice song passionately sung, but probably the weakest track in the whole set.
Next followed a long introduction to "Grace Darling". He said it doubled as a love song, and sang it so sadly and sweetly, one was nearly moved to tears by the passion self evident.
Next, Dave spoke of the last four weeks of touring the east coast, and they played "Autumn". An early highlight, this and the other Hero and Heroine songs were done impeccably, with passion and clarity. Every nuance of this epic opening from 1974 was played to perfection, with heart. I was in heaven.
They then launched into "Ghosts", another brilliant performance.
Dave put his guitar down and said he'd like to play a song that meant much to him - "Simple Visions", was sung with his hands waving in the air, conquering some manna, and really singing with even more feeling, it was like he was willing light into his life. This latter day Strawbs song was obviously one of those benchmarks in his life, when a song saved him from the darkness. His performance was hypnotizing, waving away the darkness, and reaffirming the warmth of life long love.
Dave then told of touring Europe and a bus ride over the highest passes in to Swiss Alps, and coming into a serene, peaceful valley, and seeing a lone bell tower. Somehow it inspired one of his most beautiful songs. They then performed, perfectly, the sublime, "Tears and Pavan".
Thirty years on from its release on Hero and Heroine, the sublime, "Midnight Sun", was performed to perfection, including effects by Lambert. It was another highlight for me. To sing along (softly) words for wisdom with the man that wrote it five feet away singing his heart out, was an amazing experience.
Next came the undisputed highlight, "Blue Angel", maybe my favorite Cousins song after "Witchwood". I held Two Weeks Last Summer tightly in my hands the whole way through, singing softly to myself, words known by heart. Cronk switched to acoustic bass for the grand finale, "hold on to me..." It was a truly transcendent moment, one I will never forget. "Blue Angel" is up there in the heights of timeless, epic tracks, and this live version will sustain me through many a dark hour.
It was followed by "If", "I lived a thousand years", off the new one Deja Fou, and it was beautifully sung also. A highlight off the new album, it suffered from following "Blue Angel", and from slightly clichéd lyrics. Still sung with passion, and sweetness.
Nearing the home stretch, Dave said the next one was for those who remembered the old protest days, and offered us to sing along. "Lay Down" followed, well sung, but rather not the shining moments of "Blue Angel", "Tears and Pavan", "Autumn", and "Midnight Sun".
Finally, Cousins intoned that we'd come to the last number. Lambert, brought out a Bhodran, with a Guinness logo on it, and Dave launched wholeheartedly into a jig-like smoking version of "Hero And Heroine", which fully explored all the song's possibilities. Hearing Dave spit out the words: "He knew his life was incomplete for he had yet to suffer...'" was another highlight for me. Half way though, Lambert stopped bashing on the Bhodran and picked up his guitar, to play another tortured solo. It is worth noting that Lambert played with passion and fire throughout every song, only occasionally veering into Jimmy Page rock star wailing on the stool acoustic misogyny; mostly he played with a fire in his soul, amazing stuff., and he sang well too.
Set proper ended, they walked off stage, I literally had to move the mike stand to let Cousins by. The [prerequisite ?] encore begging applause lasted a few minutes before they returned.
He introduced the final song as being their first single. What followed was a beautiful heartfelt rendering of "Oh How She Changed", from Strawbs, another album I held in my hands. The duet vocals by both Daves on this track were truly moving. It was a tasty, subdued, ending to the night's festivities.
He said he would see us in about thirty years and off they strode.
We waited with many others awhile for autographs. I had brought five albums and a pen, hoping to get Dave's John Hancock. The promoter had said before the show, "buy the lads some beer and they'll gladly sign anything". So, shortly before the show, I spied the tour manager exiting the studio headed for the liquor store. Catching up and introducing myself, I offer to buy the beer. He picked out two six packs of Red Hook India Pale Ale, and said he'd pay for one. I said nonsense, and paid for both, noting that with all the joy the Strawbs music had brought to my life, the least I could do was buy the beer. And indeed throughout the show, both Daves were regularly seen pouring Red Hook IPA into their glasses and parching their well worn throats, singing with passion, while Chas drank his straight from the bottle. It gave me great pleasure to have them drink on me while playing for me.
After the show, after a long spell, Dave stepped up and signed my albums, and we spoke briefly. I told him how much I'd loved the show, and how his music had moved me since my youth. I told him that my favorite songs were "Witchwood", "Blue Angel", "We'll Meet Again Sometime". I mentioned my love of Miller Anderson, and he smiled.
I walked away with signed copies of Strawbs and Dragonfly (the first two Strawbs albums on A&M, never released stateside, and very rare these days), a beautiful mint signed UK laminated copy of Antiques and Curios, and my fave Strawbs album, From The Witchood, US original now signed by Cousins. Finally, he signed my Canadian copy of his first solo album, Two Weeks Last Summer. I'll treasure these forever as reminders of a great night in my life.
We went home happy campers, having enjoyed a great night of food, musicians, and the muse. T'was very special.
LITTLE FOX, REDWOOD CITY, CA, THU 28 OCTOBER 2004
I saw the best concert of my life on Thursday in Redwood City. Dave, Dave, and Chas could not have been nicer later. I think they really appreciated the extended applause after each song. A small, dedicated and hearty audience that really returned the thanks.
I have to go to the San Francisco show tomorrow as a result of this exquisite night of art. Dave Cousins told me that Nomadness will be remastered with bonus tracks someday soon. I'm sure you won't announce that until it's ready but what great news! I also can't wait for the electric band's recording to come out from this year's tour. It's all so exciting! The only disappointment was not being able to purchase Dave Lambert's solo cd. I'll have to order it now.
Benedictus
Glimpse of Heaven
The Flower and the Young Man
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Grace Darling
Autumn
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Tears and Pavan
Blue Angel
If
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
Oh How She Changed
FREIGHT AND SALVAGE COFFEE HOUSE, BERKELEY, CA, WED 27 OCTOBER 2004
Having only just seen the band a couple of weeks ago in Ann Arbor whilst on holiday, I was fortunate enough to get a business trip to the San Francisco Bay area, allowing me the opportunity to see them again in Berkeley.
I think it's fair to say that the Freight and Salvage Coffee House is not in the most salubrious area of Berkeley, however a warm welcome was afforded by the hosts at the door. Apparently the venue has a significant history and is the oldest venue in the area, but you can find out more for yourself at their web site. As the name suggests, the main beverage being served is coffee, and no alcohol is available. (This prompted a joke from Dave C at the interval about turning his water into wine). If you were feeling peckish your cup of coffee may also be supplemented by a light snack, including some delightful cakes. For reasons I could not quite put my finger on, I was reminded of coffee houses in Amsterdam. Anyway, moving on, I felt that the size of the audience was a little disappointing. Apparently there was a fairly important baseball game on that night, which may have had something to do with it. I did once watch a game live, and with apologies to my American cousins, I did find that it would have been a tough call between going to see another game and watching paint dry. However, as a member of a nation that plays cricket, I probably don't have any right to criticize. I did wonder whether Dave C was a baseball fan. I suspect that he may have been supporting Boston given the pair of red socks he was wearing. However, before I started sounding too much like Bill Bryson, we shall swiftly move on to the gig itself.
The lads were in their usual fine form. Since they are now so well rehearsed and the performances so tight, most of what could be said about the band has already been said in earlier reviews. The personal highlight of the sets though continues to be "Blue Angel". For me it remains the jewel in the crown, enabling each of the lads to show off their individual talents, including the extraordinary writing of the song in the first place by Dave C and from the delicate introduction by Dave C, the impassioned playing by Dave L, the angelic Dave L and Chas harmonies, through to the fine and so wonderfully restrained acoustic bass and bass pedal playing by Chas. I have never seen Dave L anything other than 110% committed on stage, and tonight was no exception. I particularly enjoyed his chord playing on "Hero and Heroine" (How does he do that ??!!). I noticed that he appeared to be playing a new guitar, and after the show he admitted that due to a misfortunate incident with his guitar courtesy of an US Airline, he'd been obliged to go and buy a new one. It certainly did not seem to detract from his playing though.
My wife, Katharine, and I saw the show in Berkeley, CA last night. It was so good. I was a Strawbs fan in my youth nearly 30 years ago in New Jersey, somehow lucky enough to stumble onto them. It was only by chance that I discovered that the Strawbs had re-issued on CD and were still making music. I suppose I never expected to be listening to their music again 30 years on, two marriages and two kids later in my 40's - what a surprise.
I decided I had to see them live, God knows, it'll probably never happen again. I asked Katharine, my true love, to come along, she hadn't heard a note of Strawbs music before the show. Our taste these days runs the gamut from French/African world beat to house music, so I was a little nervous that she'd once again find out something strange about me. It was a full moon, made magical by a total eclipse, the "blood moon" occuring right at show time. Out came the Strawbs, smiling and relaxed and into the hymn "Benedictus". I couldn't believe the sound and the passion of these men, it was much better than I'd expected.
This is what I wanted to say. The band ended the first set with "Autumn" and by "The Winter Long"'s closing - the emotions of Dave Lambert and the band, had tears running down Katharine's face - and I would swear Dave had tears on his cheeks- I don't know. Please thank the Strawbs for a special night, for making this music and keeping at it for all these years. How lucky they are to have this blessed talent.
P.S. My wife really liked Dave L's smile. Thanks again.
Benedictus
A Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower And The Young Man
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Grace Darling
Autumn
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Tears And Pavan
Blue Angel
If
Lay Down
Hero And Heroine
Oh How She Changed
THE BLUEBIRD THEATRE, DENVER, CO, SAT 23 OCTOBER 2004
Not even fighting an hour-long traffic jam on my way into Denver from Wyoming could dampen my spirits tonight, as this was my first chance to see The Strawbs after listening for 32 years. The site was the "intimate" Bluebird Theater, a place small enough to give everyone a good view. The sound was quite good and I managed to find a seat in the first row, which pleased me no end, since I could see the looks on the band members' faces as they played.
Things started out badly, as Dave Lambert's guitar pick-up wasn't working. They sang "Benedictus" to open, which was marvellous. They then left the stage while the technical problems were worked out. Once that was behind them, the rest of the show went off without many glitches, though Dave Cousins was obviously not happy with the false start.
I was impressed by the vocal blend by all three players. Their voices really made the close harmonies work. As always, Dave Cousins' voice was distinctive and emotional. The electric "acoustic" performance had just the right amount of energy to it, even on the slower, softer songs. In fact, I was impressed with the arrangements from top to bottom. They captured the essences of the songs while giving the audience something new to chew on.
Dave Cousins introduced most songs with a short story about what inspired them, some of which were really quite sensitive and sweet. Dave has always had a knack for putting his appreciation of nature and emotion into his lyrics, and his introductions enhanced that for me.
Above all, though, these are just great songs, well arranged and well played. The pedal midi interface played by Chas Cronk at times really added some atmosphere. Dave Lambert's guitar playing (and singing) was consistently stirring. Chas played mostly 12 string, but brought the bass out for the last few songs. The band seemed to enjoy itself and Dave C. promised they'd be back to Colorado in another 30 years. After a rousing ovation from the crowd, and a lovely encore, he revised that to 25 years. I'll be there if they are!
I'll never listen to a Strawbs album the same way again. I only hope I get a chance to see them again soon! For those on the West coast wondering whether to catch a show, don't hesitate. This is a beautiful program which will remind you why you've been listening so long! It was particularly nice to meet the band members after the show and to get their autographs on the copy of their new disk, Deja Fou, that I couldn't resist buying during the intermission.
The set list is as best I can recall, though I think I may have omitted or mixed up one or two.
I could have listened all night!
THUNDERBIRD INN, FLORISSANT, CO, FRI 22 OCTOBER 2004
Now that they have made it west of the Mississippi River, we got to see them twice in Colorado. They had to drive as far to Florissant as we did.
When we drove into town the Thunderbird Inn was sitting in the middle of town, they had a big sign out front announcing The Strawbs - from England. Florissant is a mountain community about 30 miles northwest of Colorado Springs. We walked in the door and a guy with a cash box asked if we wanted to buy tickets for The Strawbs. He handed us 2 business cards that had The Strawbs, Fri. Oct. 22nd, 7:00pm, $15.00 done with a typewriter. A big change from Ticketmaster.
There were about 20 people there, just about the same size of crowd that Cousins and Willoughby had at the Mercury Cafe in the early 90's.
When they took the stage Dave announced that when he heard that they were playing a place that featured a fossil bed, it was fitting they were playing there. The first 3 songs suffered from a guitar behind Chas reverberating and coming through the PA system. I'll send the set list as soon as I get it scanned. They didn't do "Blue Angel", Dave cited problems with his voice, the altitude probably had a lot to do with it. A major glitch during Hero and Heroine, Lambert's guitar wasn't amplified when he started playing it.
I read Dick Greener's report card from the end of the British section of the tour. Chas strikes me as the typical shy bass player, Until they do material that he sings lead on, I don't see him changing and having a bigger presence. Adding him to the lineup enabled them to do more material from the A&M/Oyster era.
Even with the technical flaws, it was great to see them again.
Just wanted to say that the show was incredible. The harmony of both the instruments and their voices just totally blew me away. I had never attended a show at the Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair, NJ, but I am sure glad that I went.
Both Daves have beautiful voices. Now I am going to get tickets for the NYC show on November 13th. They put on a "MUST SEE AGAIN" performance.
David Cousins is such a colorful story teller....the show is pure magic.
Scan of the Thunderbird Inn setlist from Richard.
KCUV DENVER RADIO, DENVER, CO, FRI 22 OCTOBER 2004
On Friday, October 22, Dave Cousins did a 20 minute interview/performance at the studios of KCUV Denver--1510 on the AM dial. It was supposed to be with Dave Lambert & Chas Cronk as well, but as Mr. Cousins explained at the beginning, the other 2 men were emergency shopping for a guitar! He went on to say that when they flew into Denver, they checked their guitars at baggage and Dave Lambert's guitar was damaged in the flight, so he had to buy another one in Denver to make the gigs in Florissant & Denver Colorado that night & the next night...as well as for the rest of the tour! A note on the Denver Bluebird Theatre show--Greg mentioned in his review about the sound problems with Dave Lambert's guitar at the beginning of the show--this is probably the reason why there were some problems as the band had to adjust to the technical specifications of his new guitar.
Dave Cousins also was asked about his red Gretch guitar (he said he saw it online & loved it); the beginnings of the band; the difference between the electric & acoustic shows (he said the acoustic ones were much more difficult & required a greater amount of focus); different guitar tunings on different songs; & the Deja Fou CD; among other things I am probably forgetting. Dave also brought up about meeting Earl Scruggs--one of his banjo mentors--in Canada at a folk festival. Although he was without Dave Lambert & Chas Cronk on the radio, Dave did wonderful versions of the following 3 songs live in the studio:
Grace Darling
A Glimpse of Heaven
If
Dave had planned on only performing the first 2 songs, but the radio interviewer woman persuaded him for the 3rd one... So Dave played 2 verses of "If" & (as a tease) joked that the listeners would have to go to the shows to hear the final verse! It was a very pleasant interview & KCUV seemed like a cool station that specialized in quality music.
A Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower And The Young Man
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Grace Darling
Autumn
Simple Visions
Tears And Pavan
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Blue Angel
If
Hero And Heroine
Lay Down
RIVER HOUSE CONCERTS, WED 20 OCTOBER 2004
It was a dark and stormy night..ok..not really stormy..but it was dark and cold and rainy as all hell! We got lost on the way to the show which was wayyyy out in the country..and missed, "Glimpse of Heaven" and "Cold Steel".
I can't say it was the ideal venue, it was better than not hearing them at all. Despite the rain, and the bleak scene, the small audience was enthusiastic, and the band was gracious and wonderful and sounded like three angels straight from heaven. I could tell they were tired..all that travelling, and they had to get up the next morning to travel to NY to get a flight to Colorado!
They signed my picture from the website..not much chatting..it was cold and rainy and they were tired. Still the sound was great, the people at the venue were very nice, and the band performed beautifully. I was very close to tears a couple of times..and speaking of, they did finally perform "Tears and Pavan", which was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!
Didn't do the song list, there wasn't much change except they added "Hero and Heroine" this time..You know..I really can't say enough good things about them, of course musically speaking, but personally speaking, as well, they are just incredibly gracious and charming. I did finally manage to stammer to DC.."thank you for all the beautiful music"...I know..totally lame of me..but how do you say to someone..hey, your music has kept me warm and safe on many a dark and lonely night? I hope he realizes how much we appreciated them coming out there in the middle of nowhere in the rain and cold, and playing such a magnificent show for us..it was really unbelievable. I hope the rest of the tour will go smoothly for them, that they will get to rest some, and that they will be back before "25 years". I love them more than ever and have infinite respect for their grace and professionalism, as well as the music. I hope they don't forget me either.
Shepherdstown is a very small quaint town on the upper north side of the Shenedoah Mountains, right in the middle of Antietam & Harpers Ferry, well known historical areas from the great American Civil War.
The entire day was wet & dreary & cold until the Strawbs came in and decided to bring some sunshine into our day.
The concert site is in an old red barn on a 250-acre farm with a wonderful bed & breakfast. The second floor of the barn is the stage & overlooks some tremendous scenery that was blotted out by the clouds & rain. The crowd ended up being about 30 people but was very enthusiatic & happy. Most folks ate well because at this venue people that live in the area bring a dish with them. I work at these shows a lot & sell cds but tonight no selling just listening.
After Mr Cousins had some time to put on his game face he & the band delighted the crowd with the usual storytelling and classic musicianship. Dave even joked about the cold when he introduced "Cold Steel".
This was not a night to be out unless you were a Strawbs freak as most of us were, Blankets, heavy coats & hats helped but the band just easily warmed everyone up. Smiling faces everywhere especially Kate when they did "Tears & Pavan" for her & her friends. It was a pleasure meeting Kate finally. A few surprises in the sets.
The band did get a kick out of some photos I shot of them 30 years ago at Constitution Hall in D.C. when they opened for John Entwhistle's Ox. Mr Lambert remembered the gig very well.
If you have not seen the new acoustic Strawbs please do!!!!! . . Chas has added an entire new dimension to the band. A completely different band once again, the beauty of the Strawbs. . The songs have been changed quite a bit & it's great to hear newer versions of classic songs once again.
KROGHS, SPARTA, NJ, TUE 19 OCTOBER 2004
Witchwood
A 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
Oh How She Changed
BALDWIN'S STATION, SYKESVILLE, MD, SUN 17 OCTOBER 2004
My oh my what a night!
Baldwin's station is a small venue, seats about 72, and there were only about fifty in all.
The stage was practically microscopic..I can't believe they all three fit up there..and I could barely see Chas cuz he was stuffed in behind Dave C.
Our seats were, well, let me put it like this..if I had been any closer, I would have been in Dave C's lap. (I can think of worse things, I might add) course that would have made it hard for him to play guitar.
The crowd was enthusiastic, but no standing ovations, though they deserved many (I think there were some people there who didn't exactly know who they were)..for those of us who did ..what a treat!
"Blue Angel" was absolutely spectacular! Dave C's voice was perfect..Dave L and Chas blended so beautifully..it was just a musical feast extravaganza!
All that and I still haven't had enough..will see them again on Wednesday. I did ask them if they'd add "Tears and Pavan" next time too..DL says it's on the list..so hopefully, they'll play it..I don't mind tho' really..all the songs sounded just beautiful..the harmonies were fabulous!
I think I might have caught a glimpse of heaven myself tonight!
