Part 1 - First leg - 5 to 14 May
Benedictus
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Shine on Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Antiques
Oh How She Changed
New World
Lay Down
Hero and Heroine
Bonus encore with Fairport Convention: Meet on the Ledge
DARRESS THEATER, BOONTON, NJ, SUNDAY 29 MAY 2005
Photo from Jon Buryk - more.
Fairport Convention and Strawbs singing "Meet On The Ledge".
Photo from Cinnie Morgan.
JOE'S PUB, MANHATTAN, NY, SATURDAY 28 MAY 2005
As I arrived at Joe's Pub for the 9:30 show on Saturday, I saw a group of fans from the early show who were still milling about. They were raving about the high-energy show that had been put on, and how it would be hard for the band to do this twice in one night.
They were convinced that they had been to "the" show of the night, and probably 'the' show of the tour. When I got inside, and ran into old friends who I knew from prior concerts, I heard much the same, and suspected that they may be right.
Then, a few minutes before show time, Chas came over and said that the band was going to do something 'different' for the second show ... oh yes, and different it was.
The boys took the stage and Dave C told us that tonight he was going to explore the band's 'folk' roots (though he had never thought of Strawbs as a folk band). Those of us who have been to more than one Strawbs concert are fully familiar with the stories that go with these songs. We know, for example that the War Memorial in Indianapolis, is the prelude to "Ghosts", other stories, we've heard many times.
Last night, they departed from the usual preludes. It was more like an intimate living room chat with the band members explaining what they were doing, rather than going through a well rehearsed show.
We learned, for example, from Dave L. and Chas how they met each other and how they came to join the band.
We learned the 'secret' of how Strawbs make it sound like there are more than three guitars on stage (when our eyes tell us that there are only three playing). Without this secret, by the way, it's probably impossible to play many of the songs exactly as they sound in concert (even with chord charts).
We learned how Dave Lambert was somewhat surprised when the band wanted to record what became "Cold Steel" (since he hadn't actually written the song they wanted to record yet).
Of course, no evening with Dave Cousins would be complete without his incomparable stories as to how the songs came to be. Tonight, we heard different versions. With one song, Dave Cousins took seemingly unrelated elements as Rick Wakeman, Trevor the "Thatcher" and the band U2 and wove them into a single story.
Of course, there was the music too. As stated, it was a softer performance, with songs like "Benedictus", "The Flower and the Young Man", and "The Antique Suite". It wasn't wholly a folk evening as "Cold Steel" and "Simple visions" were included.
Overall, it was a truly amazing evening. The kind of concert you fondly remember years later as a special night. The only downside to a night like this is that it ended too soon.
I owe Joe's Pub a big apology. The same venue that I detested for the electric line-up proved to be perfect for the Acoustic Strawbs.
Now, to the show. Or make that shows, plural. The early show that night was possibly the best AS performance I've ever seen, rivalling only Tin Angel on the Blue Angel tour. (I was happy to see that that guy...oh...what's his name...maybe Bill??...also said this since I always wonder if when I say it was the best , it might be just because it was the most recent.) Cousins' voice was stronger than I've ever heard it and Lambert was powerful as hell.
To this first show I'd brought three friends, one of whom was into Strawbs in the 70s and the other two only aware of them from that time. Result? Total converts. Spoke with one of them the following morning and he said after the first show the three of them went to a big record store on St. Marks Place and bought a ton of Strawbs stuff. The three of them are definitely on for the October Satalla gig.
Now for something completely different. The band, or Joe's Pub, added a second show just days before and its late addition meant pretty meagre ticket sales. I suppose Cousins assumed that the small audience would be comprised of the real die-hards who might be receptive to something new. When they took the stage, he spoke about it being an intimate group and maybe a good time to talk about the history of the band and such. What followed was a show in a format that was like the Toronto DVD Strawberry Hill Tour or whatever it's called come to life, interspersing a handful of songs with chit-chat. We've all heard Dave C talk about the three guitars and the various tunings, but here they demonstrated which, as a definite NON-musician, really helped me appreciate what he's always going on about with tunings. All three participated in giving their own history with Dave C leading and sometimes asking questions of the others in order to flesh out more info or clarify. He divulged a few secrets like the fact that Woody Guthrie's "So long, it's been good to know you" was inspiration for The Antique Suite's "Hey, it's been a long time..." Really like a chat in the living room.
My overall opinion? Dave C was right: It was the perfect setting and audience for such an experiment. I and the others in the audience were captivated by the content and probably the fact that we were seeing the concept tested for what I believe was the first time. If, however, I didn't see a lot of Strawbs shows, I'd probably have felt cheated by the somewhat mini set list.
I seem to recall in the early 70s Richie Havens doing a show that was entirely narrative. I didn't attend but I remember reports of the audience being outraged. Dave C's too smart to ever entirely eliminate the music and with so much attention paid to his revealing, humorous and colorful song intros (something I sorely missed at the Santa Monica show), this might just have a place depending on the audience. Maybe they can even open it up to audience questions.
The weekend was really a Strawbs extravaganza with the Boonton show the day after the NY one. God! I love/hate these back-to-back schedules. Pounding the beer the night before in NY left me rather fragile for my pilgrimage to NJ but the dry Darress Theater gave me a chance to experience my first totally sober Strawbs show! And I'm happy to report they're STILL incredible!! How great it was to see them perform before a very enthusiastic audience of several hundred. It was like a 70's show with people shouting out requests and cheering. I half expected the crowd to whip out cigarette lighters when encore time came around.
Benedictus
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Shine on Silver Sun
Glimpse of Heaven
Simple Visions
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Antiques Suite
Oh How She Changed
New World
Lay Down (audience sing along!)
Hero and Heroine
MAYFAIR FESTIVAL, ALLENTOWN, PA, FRIDAY 27 MAY 2005
I got there a few minutes late and may have missed a song or two of the master class, but the set list, as I know it is below. The songs were performed without pedals but with e-bow and an interesting explanation of how no one really knows how it creates Dave L's lovely violin-like sounds. Dave C explained things like how Wakeman was initially baffled by the non-chord chords he was using. He also discussed how three guitars become exponentially much more than three, through tuning, and thus that trademark richness comes about. And who was it who called it Magic? No amount of explaining and teaching takes away the magic. The crowd was small and very intent, the sound was clean and crisp, and it was an excellent prelude. I understand that the band did something similar for the second show in NYC on Saturday. If you ever have to opportunity to attend such an event, run twice as fast as you normally would to get tickets.
Photo from David Chernicoff - more
Photo from Gordon Roberts - more
This was an extraordinary event. Most of us have drifted back to the Strawbs, having been fans at one previous time or another. We have found Witchwood at different times and settled ourselves in, as we have travelled, in general, through Strawbsweb, to here. Every day, it seems, there is a new name we get to know, and we welcome the newcomer joyfully.
Now, imagine being in a tent with at least 500 of those people, who have just now found their way back, all at once, celebrating the return of the Strawbs! That was Mayfair. A handful of us, and HUNDREDS of them, hooting, cheering, stomping and going wild for what they thought was forever lost. The autograph line -- people clutching new CDs and ancient, worn covers of vinyl -- went on forever.
As for the concert itself, it was exactly what you would expect -- the more enthusiastic the crowd got, the more it roused the lads. Dave C was in his energetic and animated mode, and offered up one of his more spirited performances. Dave L and Chas were clearly pleased and rose to the occasion as well.
You can never predict what kind of sound you will get in a tent, but it worked. Some people felt it was a little tinny up front, but I disagree and found it deep and rich, particularly the bottom, bass notes.
While you would expect this kind of audience to hungrily devour the older songs, they gave a standing ovation (one of many) for "Cold Steel", and I think the edgy sound surprised the audience.
All in all, one of the most memorable Strawbs shows I've seen in my 33 years of seeing them perform. And you can tell 'em I said so!
Photo from Cinnie Morgan - more
The band on the air live on WMUH-FM, Allentown
Photo from Karen Warren - more
BIRCHMERE TAVERN, ALEXANDRIA, VA, THURSDAY 26 MAY 2005
Strawbs opened last night for Fairport Convention at the lovely Birchmere concert hall in Alexandria, Virginia. There was a very large crowd, I would guess about 300 or more. I saw Neil when I first got there and ran up and gave him a big hug. He said the tour was going very well, and the band was in good form.
I had only one problem with the show. Too short!! The set was very abbreviated, since Strawbs was the opening act. It took a song or two for the sound to be adequately adjusted. Dave Cousins has such a hearty voice, that I think the venue soundboard person realized that they really don't need to turn his microphone sky high. On the second song, Chas reached over to Dave C and adjusted some knob on his guitar, and the soundman then instantly adjusted the sound as well, and after that it was smooth sailing.
Everyone seemed in good form and the fans in the audience were very supportive, whistling and shouting after some of the most famous songs. I'll include the set list, but wanted to comment that "New World" was absolutely incredible this time around. Dave C ended it on a low note that was just spectacular! Even with the set so abbreviated they were called out for an encore, and played a rousing version of "Hero and Heroine". It may have been the best I've ever heard them play that one...and I've heard them play it six times in the past year...so I would know! Dave Lambert is such an expert with the Bodhran...and Chas was magical and brilliant with the pedals (as always). It was all very satisfying and the friends we brought with us were elated.
They all looked very well, and seemed relaxed and comfortable. I missed the first two songs of Fairport chatting with Chas, but I had come to see Strawbs, so I wasn't concerned about that. Dave Lambert joined Fairport in vocals on their final song and enhanced it quite beautifully. All in all, it was a short but satisfying performance by the band, and many happy fans!! Look out Mayfair and all you north of the Mason Dixon line...here come our boys as wonderful as ever!!
HASSAYAMPA INN, PRESCOTT, AZ, MONDAY 23 MAY 2005
I made a special trip to see Strawbs in Prescott, Arizona. It was well worth the trip. My wife had always heard me play their music and was very happy to see them play live. She never expected them to be so good. I got to have a couple of pictures taken with Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk. It was too bad only 20 people came to the show. Someone down their should have played some of their music on the radio and I know more people would have showed up if they made the connection.
I talked to Neil the road manager and he said he would hook us up with some shows and other things if we came to England. I can tell you that sometime next year we will make the trip over there and I hope we can get great sets for the next live show in England. We even got to sit in on the sound check before the concert started.
I was really impressed on the show they gave even with such a small turnout. They are well worth the drive and time off to see them. I also found out they were in Las Vegas but I never saw anything advertised saying they were coming. So I hope that doesn't happen again. Once again it was a great concert and Chas Cronk was a great person to talk to. Thanks again.
RHYTHM AND ROOTS CONCERT SERIES, TUCSON, AZ, SATURDAY 21 MAY 2005
Well I caught a glimpse of heaven after I attended the concert here. It's been over 30 years since I last saw Dave and the boys perform and they haven't lost it one bit. The harmonies were dead on, as was their musicianship. I arrived during their sound check and afterwards introduced myself and welcomed them to Arizona. They chatted with me a bit then autographed my copies of Hero and Heroine and Two Weeks Last Summer. They all were very friendly like they knew me. It was great to meet them, something one could not do during the seventies. The way they transformed the songs into acoustic was remarkable and well thought out. Chas's use of the pedals to get the Mellotron effect on a few of the numbers was a wonderful accent to the music. Dave and Dave were great as usual. The show was very intimate and relaxed which was refreshing. I liked Dave's story introductions to each of the songs also since I'm a rock trivia freak. The only problem was technical, the PA kept malfunctioning on the left side. All and all a great concert that brought back a lot of memories of younger days. Thank you. thank you, thank you !!!
GORDON'S CDS OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES, LOS ALAMOS, NM, FRIDAY 20 MAY 2005
Overlook Park is a verdant outdoor facility of soccer fields and baseball diamonds located next to the overlook of a narrow canyon that was cut by the Rio Grande river. 7500 feet above sea level, the setting is surrounded by high mountain ranges, and Santa Fe and Taos are almost visible in the distance. The sky was clear and blue as the concert started, with the sun was setting dramatically over the western Jemez Mountains.
There were 200-300 people sitting on the grass in front of the stage in lawn chairs enjoying picnic dinners and ice cream while listening to the music. Children were playing everywhere, and many were spinning blinking red and blue light sticks that were given out by a local bank. A small kite festival wound down as the band went on, but there were 10 or so large kites floating high above the stage area for most of the night. Kids attached the blinking light sticks to the kite strings, and it looked like the sky was filled with gigantic fireflies as it grew darker. In fact, at one point David Cousins suggested that we look around, and the field and sky was filled with the lights. He said he found it beautiful.
The concert started late due to sound problems, but once underway the band sounded superb. David Cousins introduced almost every song with an anecdote about how or when it was written. The set list was mostly the same as the others I've seen posted on this site. My two sons (9 and 12) are becoming guitar players, and I'm pleased to say that they were captivated by the wonderful sounds that the three guitarists made as they played. During the break, I bought the Tokyo DVD that was for sale, and my kids went backstage and got it signed by the three band members.
There were many, many highlights. Among them would be "The Antique Suite", which sounded fresh, precise, and vibrant, two new songs "If" and "Cold Steel", and a very energetic and tight "Lay Down". As the concert ended, Dave Cousins said, "thank you for such a wonderful evening and beautiful setting - we'll be back in another 30 years!" After the encore ("Witchwood"), he amended it to 25 years. I imagine we'll all still be around!
TRACTOR TAVERN, SEATTLE, WA, SUNDAY 15 MAY 2005
This was my 3rd time seeing the Acoustic Strawbs and this was by far the most rockin' set I've seen them do. They played as hard and loud as their acoustics would allow. Twice I thought it was a miracle that Dave Lambert wasn't breaking any strings and Dave Cousins was belting `em out with fervor. I don't know if it was the aura of Seattle's rock reputation that was spurring them on or if they were just particularly feeling their oats on this night but even the quieter songs "If" and "Midnight Sun" were rather spirited. "Hero and Heroine" (2 guitars and frame drum) was played with the tempo and phrasing of the original album version and brought down the house.
There were several times I found if I closed my eyes there was simply no evidence of the intervening 30 years. This version of Acoustic Strawbs has really gelled and they seemed to be having lots of fun. The Tractor is in a section of Seattle that was settled by Norwegians and Dave C. told some stories about Norwegian drinking habits that went over well. Also all three took part in some good-natured ribbing of Rick Wakeman during the introduction to "The Antique Suite".
My wife, Yuki, and I just want to give a big heartfelt expression of gratitude to all of you for many, many years of enjoyment of your music and for a most wonderful and enchanting evening this past Sunday, May 15th in Seattle at the Tractor Tavern. I have considered writing and then put it off, wondering what I could possibly say that you haven't heard a million times before, perhaps hesitant in response to my own neediness to be special, no doubt doubtful that this letter will ever reach you. But the music from Sunday still lingers in body, mind, and heart. I return again and again to a deep sense of inspired openness made so palpable by the moving fullness of your wonderful compositions, the gracious and grace filled sentiment of your poetry, and the authentic good naturedness of your presence. Tears gather just writing this letter. It's such a marvellous thing. I have seen many great musicians live, but never have I been so influenced in such a perfect and positive and poignant way. A quietly restless and relentless desire fills my heart that I could offer something meaningful to you in return and hope that this letter and prayers for your well-being and that you live happy and peaceful and healthy lives will in some way reach you and take hold, giving back in some measure what you all gave so generously on that evening.
I have a confession to make, actually. I kept yelling for more, even after your second encore. I could have listened to your music all night. It wasn't greed; it was an exuberant expression of shear joy. Then my wife came to my side and started yelling, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." My wife is so delightful and amazing in so many ways. She has a very highly developed and sensitive appreciation for jazz and when we listen a live jazz she can be seen drifting into the music with eyes shut and body swaying. But she hasn't every experience prog rock live. I've never seen her, like, "rock out" before until at your concert. That alone was worth the price of admission. Believe me, she shares totally in what I am so inadequately expressing in this letter.
At any rate, please accept our prayers, our gratitude, our good intentions. May all the highest blessings abundantly wash over you all the days of your lives.
Cousins, Lambert and Cronk gave a monumental concert and showed their immaculate guitar ensemble last night at The Tractor Tavern in Seattle. I went there with my wife and 24 year old daughter that had never listened about the band or their music. They are the Strawbs newest fans. I'm from Ecuador, South America and probably the only Strawbs fan in my whole country. I'm lucky to have picked my first Strawbs album out of mere curiosity 30+ years ago and be able to listen to their refined and pure style. Thank to the Daves and Chas for an unforgettable night. After the show they came out to talk to the public and were kind enough to sign autographs and willing to have their pictures taken with me. God bless the Strawbs, hope they keep on rolling....
I was at Seattle's Tractor Tavern last night for the Strawbs. My ticket had led me to believe that they would be the opening act for the twin-bill, so I was surprised and pleased when I learned differently.
The trio were in very good form, and I thought Lambert in particular was amazing. I thought "The Antique Suite" came across particularly well, and I was very pleased to hear "Glimpse of Heaven".