Updated: 5 Jul 2009
SELLERSVILLE THEATER, SELLERSVILLE, PA, THURSDAY 2 JULY 2009
Haven't seen any noise about the concert on Thursday at the Sellersville Theater last night, but it was the first time I have seen the acoustic arrangement and was just knocked-out by the band.
I first saw the group in 1975 at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, and I need to say that Cousins' voice is as good as ever and Lambert's guitar work is even more impressive than I remember. Cronk did a nice job with backing vocals, 12 string, and an always interesting bass.
Keep on keepin' on, guys!
The show at Sellersville was terrific. Everyone played well and this is the first time I heard DC crack so many jokes on stage. It seemed that there was just as much laughter from the audience as there was applause!
I do not recall all the order of the set list, but the highlight of this tour, for me, is "Hangman and the Papist." It was the first Strawbs song I ever heard and I just love it. I'm always happy when they include it in the set.
I met up with some of the Witchwooders at the show, Joe(Philly), Cinnie, and Joannie. Unfortunately I never did see Maryanne.
This was also my boyfriend, Johnny's first time seeing the guys. He is a big Yes fan and he liked the music, bought a CD and said he would go again. One for the win!
Benedictus
Simple Visions
New World
Hangman and the Papist
Oh How She Changed
Glimpse of Heaven
Midnight Sun
Ghosts
Josephine(for Better of for Worse)
Shine on Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
THE STRAND, LAKEWOOD, NJ, FRIDAY 3 JULY 2009
Oh the irony. On the eve of the 233rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, some 200 Americans surrendered themselves to three Brits bearing acoustic guitars painted the blue and red of the Union Jack.
It was great to see a full length acoustic Strawbs show after the abbreviated set with Van der Graaf. The boys were in top form. All in strong voice and good spirits. Cousins seemed more relaxed in this environment knowing this was his crowd.
I won't comment on the majority of the songs as they've been in the set for awhile. It ws good to hear "Glimpse Of Heaven" back in. My two favorites were "Josephine", which had a nice arrangement, very sweet lead by DL. The other was "We'll Meet Again", done very much like the BHB version (of course no keybd and percussion), but strong tight harmonies and just a great way to close out the night.
Opening up was Amanda's Dad Dave's group, Larry Friends and Family, a 4 piece folk goup that performed a mix of originals and covers (Cat Stevens father and Son, and Everytime You walk in the Room (Searchers?) Dave sang, played dulcimer flute and guitar. Very nice performance, they had to be nervous in front of a Strawbs audience, but well done, nevertheless. By the way, no ones' name was Larry and their not family, but they are friends.
Benedictus
Simple Visions
New World
Hangman and the Papist
Oh How She Changed
Glimpse of Heaven
Midnight Sun
Ghosts
Josephine(for Better of for Worse)
Shine on Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
TOWNE CRIER, PAWLING, NY, SATURDAY 4 JULY 2009
The fire works on display this traditional July 4th holiday were surely from THE STRAWBS. The weather was as perfect as can be. This after one of the rainiest June months on record. I met many Witchwooders there including Judi, Joannie, Deborah, Carl, Ron, the always charming Bev and Bill (sporting Nektar and Hawkwind tee shirts) Well this is a prog audience after all. I saw a few Strawbs shirts there not counting my own, 'One Day This Summer" shirt. Upon approaching The Crier, I spotted Cousins wandering toward the car wash on the other side. I thought he was trying to polish his act. When I got in he was already sitting out front with Neil. After being seated, I was stage left up front., I wandered into the bar area and met up with Chas.
We were a bit early so it gave us all a chance to wander outside in the beautiful view of the NY country side. Well it was stage time. The boys took their places to a rousing round of applause from a packed house. The boys were on fire tonight. Cousins voice was the best I've heard yet. In fact vocally, they were all on. The Strawbs just keep getting better and better. Lamby is just a power house. It's amazing the guitar is in one piece . Chas Cronk is just finesse incarnate; so busy and so precise. Quite often Chas does double lead work with Lamby, while manning the foot pedals as well ! After the gig, they kept the bar open where we heard the world premier of Dancing To The Devil's Beat. It is a stunner. I only heard 3 trax and had to leave. But what I heard has me full of anticipation. This album is a beauty for sure.
Cousins was hilarious saying sure it's the summer but there 140 shopping days till Christmas, why not buy your grannie a nice Strawbs album. We hit the bar and sampled the new album. Lamby says that he used his Stratocaster a lot on TGBHB but the lead tones were the Les Paul through a Marshall. Chas says the electric Strawbs will be back in the States next spring. So no autumn US tour. Well, another great night of the Strawbs, unstoppable, creative as ever and better than ever. It's no secret why we love them so much.