Updated: 23 Nov 2004
Part 1 - First leg - 1 to 16 October
Part 2 - Second leg - 17 to 30 October
SATALLA, NEW YORK, NY, SAT 13 NOVEMBER 2004
I attended the 8pm show. First time at Satalla for me. Club has a great world vibe. Staff very cordial. Nice place - I'd go back. Dave Cousins was almost boisterous with his between song patter. Extremely funny mentions about being on the road. This is my 5th time seeing the band and I have to say, it was the first time I experienced him happy. It was quite nice. No, make that it was very endearing. In this live setting instead of Dave being on stage and me over here I felt I was part of his world. And that vulnerability caused the show to take off fast from the starting gate.
For me Chas was the rock, quietly holding the bottom guiding the ship. A nice combination of power and grace on stage.
As I sat there listening to the performance I had the thought; "Is this the last time I will be seeing the Strawbs?" And right behind that moment was a thought of all the room, space, hope, warmth, happiness and inspiration that this band has provided and will continue to provide for me. And for that I'm grateful. I was also grateful to the people that were in the seats last night supporting the band. and I'm grateful to the people that are on the Witchwood site; the ones who actively participate and to the ones that don't (Which has been me up to this moment). Thanks for doing your part in keeping this band vital. Because as the world turns faster and faster And we slowly become unconscious to our own lives I know I can always take a step off the ride, put a Strawbs record on the turntable and get in touch with my heart again.
So even if I do not see the band perform another song, I know they will always be with me.
Funny thing, there was no encore and that was ok. The show was so 'complete' that there was no routine stomping of the feet or continuos clapping for more. It was what is was, and what is was, was perfect. There was no need for more.
After the show as I was leaving I came face to face with Dave Cousins. I wanted to thank him for a wonderful evening and a lifetime of great music. Well, whatever I said didn't come out that way and at that exact moment a fine looking lass happened to walk between us and before I knew it Dave was gone. I laughed to myself and headed into the night a happy man.
Last night I attended the late show at Satalla, in New York City. This show was also the final show in the recent US Tour for the band.
The club is a relatively small music hall/restaurant. Probably seats a couple of hundred. Overall, it's a nice place to see a concert (if not a bit quirky). Seats closest to the stage are on stools. Some tables a bit further back have chairs, and there's a balcony that seats maybe 15 people. Acoustics in the hall were so-so, at best. I felt that the volume was way too loud for an acoustic trio, and the mix between voices and instruments was off. Also, there was an intermittent rumble through out the evening. However, none of this is critical. On to the show …
Pre-show, I ran into Dave C. and asked him how he was doing. He responded that it had been a long tour, and that the band was tired and looking forward to flying home the next day. I'm glad to say that for the last show, the band managed to overcome their weariness (adrenalin must have kicked in) and put on a fine performance.
As I noted in my review of the Towne Crier performance, the boys looked like they were genuinely having a great time. This kind of feeling was infectious. There was the usual by-play with the audience, including a bit of good-natured heckling from John Hawken, who was sitting in the Balcony. (After the show, John said that he'd had an urge to come on down and join in on a few songs - but it was Dave, Dave and Chas' night. Really, John, I think we all would have been thrilled if you had played a number or two, and hopefully we'll be able to see you play sometime soon.) Here's an idea – maybe if a piano (or a keyboard set to piano setting) were added we could have the Existing Line-up plus John H, and still keep with the acoustic theme.
The set-list contained many of the songs the band played at Towne Crier and other shows. However, probably because it was the second show of the evening (and much of the audience had stayed for both shows) there were a few changes.
"Benedictus", "Glimpse of Heaven", "Simple Visions", "Blue Angel" and "Ghosts" were missing. Added were "Witchwood" and "Tears & Pavan" (when the group does two shows a night, each is somewhat shorter than when there's a single set, but I knew this coming in).
Vocally, the group was as good as I've heard them, and I was extremely to see that the group has come a long way in the last month in gelling.
After the show, the band, much of the audience (including John Hawken) stayed around for some time, drinking and having a generally good time.
In thinking about the two Acoustic Strawbs MK2 shows I've seen, and comparing them with the MK1 shows (memory refreshed by watching the Hugh's Room DVD this morning). Though admittedly, I lack the musical training of some fans, as a layman, I've come to the conclusion that the change is more revolutionary than evolutionary.
Originally, I had (naively) thought that it would be a simple change. Chas takes over for Brian and learns his parts, so it goes .... However, what we see on stage is much more than that. Both Chas and Brian are extremely talented musicians. However their talents lie in different directions. Brian is a lead guitar. For most of his career Chas has been the bass player. The two are clearly not interchangeable and adding Chas has taken Acoustic Strawbs in a new direction.
First, from listening to the songs played by both incarnations of the band (as well as Baroque & Roll), it's clear that the arrangements on many of the numbers has been changed. My perception is that, in general (but more on this lately) Chas is still fundamentally doing the job of the bass player (even when he's playing 12-string), and in many cases, the second lead guitar role has been moved to Dave C.
What we're missing is the unique intermeshing of dual lead guitars that we had with Brian and Dave L. (think River/Sea). This line up led to a radical reinterpretation of many of the songs, giving them a very different feel than those familiar with the albums might have expected. With Brian, what were originally Rock songs, became true folk pieces in many cases. The compensation we receive with Chas in the group is that by adding the rhythm/bass part, you have a more traditional kind of line up, and one that, while still performing songs acoustically, comes closer to the feel of the songs on the album ("Lay Down", for example is so much stronger with a bass line than previously). While still clearly an acoustic band, there is more of a rock feel throughout the set.
However, the new line up seems to still be in its early stages of development. Over the few weeks between the Towne Crier show and the Satalla show, Chas seems to be making the biggest change, and although in many ways he still does the Bass role, in a number of instances, he's beginning to step it up and strut his stuff on the 12-string. (Last night, his work on "Midnight Sun" was particularly impressive). It will be exciting to see how this development continues.
An additional change is that the group seems to be playing more pieces from He/albtrack/ghosts and fewer from Grave New World/Bursting. Looking at the set lists from last year, we see songs such as "Flying", "The Winter and the Summer", "The River/Down By the Sea", and New World are missing from the list. On the recent tour, "Tears & Pavan" was played less frequently. Additions to the set list include "Midnight Sun" and "Grace Darling". These additions seem to fit the personnel well (after all, Chas was on those albums).
Overall, I feel the changes are neither good or bad per se. Rather they reflect emphasizing one facet of the group to a somewhat greater extent than another. While I loved the musical interplay between Brian and Dave L, there's a lot to be said for the current approach of cranking it up a notch or two and providing a bit more of a rocking evening.
MILESTONES, ROCHESTER, NY, THU 11 NOVEMBER 2004
As a man in my early 20s, back in the mid 1970s, a friend and I explored some marvellous obscure waterfalls located in the western part of the U.S. State of New York. We had to slide down steep slopes of the gorges in which the falls were located. There were many times more than one waterfall to a stream and in order to reach all of the falls, we climbed along the rocky sides of the falls, where the water was not falling. To get out of theses ravines, we scrambled up the sides, and, for support, held onto the roots of hardwood and hemlock trees that grew there. I recently had the occasion, as an older man, to do all of this once again. My senses, this time, were more heightened of the experience; I was not as afraid as I had been in the past and I handled it all very well. It was this experience that struck in me a certain chord.
With similar heightened senses, I attended the Acoustic Strawbs concert in Rochester on November 11 and saw a parallel between the matured and improved waterfall climber in myself and the older better-sounding Strawbs. I say better-sounding Strawbs because I was disappointed in seeing a Strawbs performance in the late 70's. Admittedly, I carried the prejudice of that earlier show, and the thought that they probably had passed their prime, with me into the show. That discrimination stayed for the first song, one of my absolute favorites, "Benedictus"; I thought that it was good but missed the keyboards I've become used to hearing. By the second piece, however, my opinion did not fail. As I have not lost my waterfall climbing ability, Dave Cousins had not lost his distinctive Cat Stevens-like charming voice; Dave Lamberts' tone was also crisp and Cousins, Lamberts & Cronk were all sharp and complemented one another wonderfully as they played. The small and intimate venue, a first for me as far as attending the concert of favorite performers, was also fine. I liked the idea of an intermission and it was rousing to see them return for an encore. I was also pleased to see them affably appear later to greet the crowd. It all made for a memorable evening.
My appreciation of waterfalls and Strawbs performances is greater now as a more mature person. Despite the passage of time, God has not extinguished the beauty of those waterfalls or of the musicians that are the older yet still talented Strawbs.
Glimpse Of Heaven
The Flower and the Young Man
Cold Steel
Grace Darling
Autumn
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Blue Angel
If
Lay Down
Hero & Heroine
Oh, How She Changed
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO, WED 10 NOVEMBER 2004
We arrived for the Strawbs show a bit before 7, and who should I be seated beside, but our own Roger Hill, and his brother! Ah, the evening was starting off well. Bob was with me, being a Strawbs fanatic of long standing, as well as my best friend. To the other side of us were a terrific couple named Tim and Helen, both very friendly, and both adding to the delight of the evening!
The boys arrived precisely at 8:00, each handsomely sporting a white tuxedo, with a red poppy (a tradition here in Canada to mark our war veterans). A nice gesture by them, and one appreciated by yours truly.
Before the show began, all three came up on stage to say a few words by way of introduction. They thanked everyone for coming, and to those who helped create the DVD. Dave Lambert spoke about how much the Strawbs music means to thier fans, and you could see he was deeply moved by the experience.
The original plan was to show the entire DVD to the crowd, but apparently other opinions prevailed, and they only showed the opening clip, plus the song "Who Knows Where the Time Goes". Both were very well done, and very well received. Then the band came on stage, to the delight of the audience! By now they had shed their tuxedoes for less formal attire. Dave Cousins wore biege coloured socks, for those that are so interested in footwear. I was unable to identify the socks the other two were wearing, so my apologies to those who cared.
The set list held a few surprises, especially "Grace Darling", when he added the famous French verse to it!
"Blue Angel" was nothing short of spectacular, and I had been looking forward to seeing it played live for a long, long time, and I was not disappointed.
I was expecting it, yet when they played "Oh, How She Changed" for the encore, I was startled. It was not that they did a bad job of it - far from it! Yet for me, seeing the Strawbs back in 87 at the Diamond Club, and hearing Tony Hooper sing it live, well, there was no comparison. No one, simply no one can sing that great song like Tony. Again, the Acoustic Strawbs did the song justice, but it was going up against one of the most powerful memories I have. Bob felt exactly the same way. It wasn't a disappointment, but it was quite different. It also showed what a great, great song it is.
I bought the DVD at the show last night, and had it autographed by the guys, but I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I'm going to do that now.
A great show, with Dave Cousins at his story-telling best!
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
RHYTHM AND ROOTS CONCERT SERIES, TUSCON, AZ, FRI 5 NOVEMBER 2004
I had the good fortune to see the Strawbs in concert several times in the 1970's but some 25+ years had elapsed since I last had the pleasure. With the Strawbs were finally heading west and playing in Tucson, my wife and I decided to make the two hour drive down from Phoenix to see them once again.
Old Town Artisans is a square block of historic buildings in the old Presidio area of downtown Tucson which have now been converted into museums, gift shops and restaurants. Surrounded by these establishments is a small, picturesque outdoors courtyard with lush vegetation and trees, along with a fountain and pond. As darkness fell, the trees were illuminated by hundreds of small white lights creating a very magical setting. It was in this intimate environment, under the beautiful, temperate Arizona skies, that about 125 people experienced the Acoustic Strawbs. The band themselves were obviously charmed with the setting saying it reminding them of the "enchanted garden" and Dave Cousins stating that it was "probably the most glorious setting we ever played in". Additionally, during his introduction to "A Glimpse Of Heaven", Dave said that this courtyard was also a glimpse of heaven and that he may very well be inspired writing a song about it.
The Strawbs were just incredible! Hearing acoustic renditions of songs I had always heard drenched in electric guitar and keyboards, was like hearing them fresh for the first time. The band managed to maintain all the power and passion while adding more intimacy and emotion. The band clearly felt this emotion too as Dave Lambert was spotted wiping tears from both his eyes at the end of "Blue Angel". Similarly, at the conclusion of "If", Chas Cronk removed his eyeglasses to wipe away tears.
The guitar work of all three men was fabulous, but special mention must be made of Dave Lambert, who is one of the most incredible guitarists I have ever seen. At times, he attacked the instrument with such a ferocity that I thought the strings would break, while other instances found him playing very delicate lines. The guitar interplay between all three was perfect and they harmonized wonderfully. An especially strong performance of "Autumn" was probably the highlight of the evening for me, with "Ghosts" and "Blue Angel" not far behind. However, every selection was superbly done. The audience was very warm and enthusiastic throughout the show.
Dave's wonderfully descriptive intros to the musical selections were both entertaining and informative. Learning the inspiration for many of the songs led to an even deeper understanding and appreciation. At the conclusion of the main part of the show, Dave said that they'd be back again in another 30 years and not to be late; however, after the encore, he revised it to 25 years!
After the show, all three men were readily accessible and we had a very enjoyable time chatting with all three and getting some autographs. This was the finest concert I have attended in years! I hope they decide to include Arizona again in any future touring plans.
ACOUSTIC ROUTES, LAS VEGAS, NV, WED 3 NOVEMBER 2004
I had the immense pleasure of seeing the guys in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, there were barely 20 people at the venue. Frankly, I felt bad that there were so few people. There were three of us from Seattle, and we constituted the largest geographical quorum. We were in the front row, and it felt as though they were playing in my livingroom. The last time I saw them was 29 years ago, and Dave even remembered the concert! I even contrived to have him sign a handbill from that rather unsatisfactory concert years ago. He recalled (as I did) that Gentle Giant "blew them off the stage". I was surprised that he would characterize it the same way that I did...
In any event, the concert was wonderful. They played as though they had a packed house and did an encore as well. What particularly impressed me was the new acoustic version of "Hero and Heroine". Dave L was playing the irish drum as well as the acoustic guitar. It was a superb version, and I told Chas Cronk that I thought it would be a great new acoustic song on their next album. Dave C's stories between the songs made each song more memorable.
I hope that others have the same experience as I had. They are on a tight budget, criscrossing the US in a mini-van. Obviously, they love the intimate road experience. They have seen much more of the US than I have seen.
