Updated: 15 Oct 2011
Benedictus/Simple Visions
New World
Oh How She Changed
Ghosts
Copenhagen
Autumn
Lay Down
WED 28 SEP - STATE THEATRE STATE COLLEGE PA
Since the announcement of the Acoustic Strawbs /Zombies tour dates, and the addition of State College, Pennsylvania to the tour schedule, I have marked down the days of the calendar like a kid waiting for Christmas. What can one say when the stateside Strawbs arrive in your hometown on the cusp of Autumn. State College/University Park is home to The Pennsylvania State University, a large university of over 40,000 students and my employer (faculty member). The university town is situated in the geographic center of the state and ensconced in a gorgeous valley facing Mount Nittany to the south and the Bald Eagle Mountain chain northward. The Grand ole' State Theatre originally dates back to the 1930s New Deal/WPA era; but owing to a spirited civic campaign it has been transformed into a state of the art music, movie, and live performance venue with seating for about 500. Such performers as Dr. John, Leon Russell, Richard Thompson, Roseanne Cash, Billy Bragg, Arlo Guthrie, Gaelic Storm, and Cherish the Ladies, among others, have performed here and have gushed about the acoustics of the theater. My favorite seat to view groups at the STATE is in the balcony where the music soars to the ceiling and cascades downward. There are also gallery box seats on the upper sides of the Theatre giving the venue the ambiance of minstrel gallery hall.
A nice mix of young and old, and a near capacity crowd greeted our boys when they took the stage to launch into "Benedictus", followed by "Simple Visions". The Acoustics were at the top of their game this evening with spot-on harmonies, superb interplay between the intricate guitar parts, and nightmarish projections from the pedal synth-mellotron of Chas Cronk on "New World" and "Ghosts". Considering the length of this tour I anticipated that the Strawbs might be a little weary and go through the motions. But this was not the case. They seemed energized by the college community crowd and played to great applause and appreciation. Standout tracks for me included "Oh How She Changed" and the beautiful guitar work on "Copenhagen" — the first time I've heard both of these live. It is gratifying to see Dave Lambert put his own stamp on "Oh How She Changed". Dave Cousins was in great form as a story teller and raconteur and coaxed chuckles from the audience by his humorous promotion of STRAWBS produce shortly before the end of the set. I am very pleased to report that the Acoustics received a standing ovation from the packed house after which David C. proclaimed, "We'll see you all in another 30 years."
Following the Strawbs set Dave C. came out to chat with the fans and autograph CDs, DVDs, and posters. I had a brief moment to introduce myself and tell him how much I appreciated their appearance in our Happy Valley (State College's nickname). Next time around I told him we were going to present the Strawbs with Penn State Football Jerseys as souvenirs. I also got the chance to tell Dave how much I loved his session banjo work on Mary Hopkins' Earth Song/Ocean Song album, and that my long-time dream was a new recording project involving Dave, Ralph McTell and Mary Hopkins. What a night!
Benedictus/Simple Visions
New World
Oh How She Changed
Ghosts
Copenhagen
Autumn
Lay Down
MON 26 SEP - CITY WINERY NYC
A nice venue, but we got our tickets late, so didn't have great seats. Given the alternatives, I hope they play here more. The boys put on a stand-out show. The same 8-song set as played in the other Strawbs/Zombies shows. I attended with a friend, who loves music, but had never been to a Strawbs Concert before, and he was blown away, by the musical craftsmanship that was displayed. The one drawback to the show -- it was clearly a Zombies audience, who wasn't as open to the acoustic Strawbs as the crowd at Tarrytown had been. Still, everyone (even Zombies fans) seemed to enjoy the show, and the applause at the end was certainly much more than polite. I will say that the Zombies shone at this show. Much more energy and stage presence than at Tarrytown, and I think that everyone walked away charged up.
Yes, it's a short, support act set of about 50 minutes so obviously designed to "introduce" Strawbs to a wider audience and it does that very well though I, personally, would have thrown "Hero And Heroine" in. It seems as though the audience at the sold out show was pretty evenly divided between Strawbs and Zombies fans.
Now, I must mention what has to be one of my ultimate Strawbs moments! At Glenside, Lambert mentioned his guitar and I told him that I had a shirt that always reminded me of the guitar. An ocean background with dolphins in the same color as the body of the guitar and how Lisa saw me in it one of the two or three times I ever wore it and said "You MUST give that to Lambert NOW." But that was about five years ago. Fast forward to last night. I brought the shirt to the show, gave it to him while he was outside before it started and told him not to look at it then and if it works, it works, if not, no big deal since it's too big for me and blah blah blah. You probably guessed the rest: Strawbs were introduced and BAM! There he was, on stage, in the shirt--which, I might add, looked fabulous! Way, way, way cool.
Photo by Judi Cuervo - the very shirt !! more photos from Judi
Benedictus
Simple Visions
Glimpse of Heaven
Josephine (For Better or For Worse)
The Hangman and the Papist
Witchwood
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
New World
Oh How She Changed
Ghosts
Copenhagen
Golden Salamander
Queen of Dreams
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay Down
Shine On Silver Sun
SUN 25 SEP - STRAND THEATER, LAKEWOOD NJ
Another grand old movie house left from the Cinemascope days. Even though it's a two hour drive from where I live, I always love the Strawbs at the Strand. The Strand's "Back Stage Pass" series puts both the audience and the Strawbs on the stage. Audience facing the auditorium, Strawbs with their backs to the auditorium. I believe there are a maximum of 125 seats available. Whatever the number, it was a sellout. The Strawbs at the Strand is a sort of family reunion. People come from beyond New York City, the Philly area and elsewhere, and during the intermission and after the show, we hurriedly catch up on our fellow Witchwooders' lives.
Because of the unusual set up, the acoustics were unexpected. There was a crispness that I never heard anywhere else. There was also a pleasing mellow quality that I found unique. It had the qualities of a small room without the deficits. I always tell people that if they can go to only one Strawbs concert, this is the one. I would hate to think that this is the last time I will see the Strawbs in the Strand, but if it is, I will hold it in my heart like the treasure that it was.
What a wonderful location. The owner here, another friend of the band really appreciates music. The theatre probably seats about 1000 +/-. For smaller groups, the owner sets up with about 250 seats on stage (so the audience is facing and the band has their backs to the open auditorium). It makes a very intimate and altogether wonderfully strange experience, being on stage with the group. There was an expanded set list which was three songs longer than Towne Crier ("The Hangman And The Papist", "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus" and "The Golden Salamander"). A lot of the Witchwooders were present, so everyone knew the songs, knew the band, knew the stage jokes and stories, etc. Really a very warm evening with friends!! Despite the 2 hour plus drive, I was glad I went.
The concert Sunday night in Lakewood, NJ was wonderful and progressed chronologically from late 60's onward. I purchased Dave's book and had a chance to express my appreciation of all the wonderful Strawbs music my wife and I have enjoyed over the past 40 years.
Photo by Matt Condon - more photos from Matt
Benedictus/Simple Visions
New World
Oh How She Changed
Ghosts
Copenhagen
Autumn
Lay Down
SAT 24 SEP - WOLF DEN @ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO, UNCASVILLE CT
This was a free concert -- they overcharged. I think I can say that this is the first Strawbs show that I didn't enjoy. This has nothing to do with the performance and everything to do with the venue. An open area in the middle of a casino. The sound had to be cranked up (way too loud for an acoustic band) in order to drown out the bells from slot machines and ambient crowd noise. The mix (which actually sounded pretty good -- in the sound check) was off, and the lyrics were unintelligible. I've been to enough concerts to know that this isn't a problem with the group. Though I really hate to get down on a venue that was nice enough to book them, I'll make an exception. I walked out mid way through the Zombies. With the background noise, it just wasn't a fun experience, and the gaming tables were beckoning. One other note -- during the sound check, they played most of "Grace Darling" and parts of "Glimpse of Heaven".
My wife Camille, daughter Katie , my son-in-law Matt as well as myself attended the Strawbs/Zombies show at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville CT this past Saturday night 09/24. I have been a fan of the Strawbs since the 1970's and I was thrilled to finally have a chance to see the Strawbs perform and they did not disappoint! What a fantastic show! And our seats were great as well. Their version of "Autumn" was out of this world! They played a 45 minute set and I could of listen to them all night.
I turned my son-in-law Matt onto the Strawbs earlier this year and he is now a big fan of the band. After the show, we were able to meet the members of the band and were fortunate to even get autographs from the band members.
We can't wait for the Strawbs return visit to our area.
Photo by Steven W. Lytwyn - more photos from Steven
Benedictus/Simple Visions
New World
Oh How She Changed
Ghosts
Copenhagen
Autumn
Lay Down
18 SEP - TARRYTOWN MUSIC HALL, TARRYTOWN NY
I thought the band were on fire. Vocally, about the best I'd ever heard them. Instrumentally, couldn't be better. Chas moved seamlessly between bass, 12 string and pedals. Lambert was the real show stopper here, really the best I'd ever heard him acoustically. Dave Cousins in fine form all the way around.. vocally, just impeccable.
A beautiful autumn day.. perfect for The Strawbs.. who played perfectly. I stayed for The Zombies who were terrific. I admire Rod Argent and really think Colin Blunstone rocks.. But, The Strawbs stole the show I know it's adolescent etc. to think that way, but it's my opinion and it happens to be very,very correct.
Probably the highlight of the tour for me. Despite the short 8-song set. This was a show where I thought everything worked. Also it was held in a truly lovely theatre. The audience was fantastic, and was as appreciative of an opening act as I've ever seen. There were two or three ovations after instrumental work, most notably for the guitar work before Dave L's last verse in "Ghosts". And they got a standing ovation at the end, with the crowd honestly calling for an encore. Unfortunately, the Zombies were off (actually, because this was the first time I saw them, I thought the Zombies were just not great in concert) -- later shows in the tour show that the Z's are exciting performers, just having an off night. It happens. I agree with Ken #1 that the Strawbs stole the show.
First, let me start by saying that this review documents my first trip to Tarrytown, NY and the Tarrytown Music Hall. What a beautiful town and a pretty little theatre. The entire place had a very "Strawbs-like" atmosphere. (Strawbs fans will automatically know what I mean when I say this.) For those who have not yet been indoctrinated, I am referring to a small, sleepy town located near a river where you can feel nature and the seasons envelop you and poetry effortlessly comes to mind.
Back to the review... I was deterred at first when I entered the small theater because many of the seats were still open. I feared the worst, that Zombies fans would decided to skip seeing the opening act and show up late to the show. I was very happy to be proven wrong. "Phew!" The theater seats filled mere minutes before the guys took the stage. While the band was still on fire as they were the previous night at Keswick, their mixes were not always perfect. Fortunately the magic really happened on "Copenhagen," which stood out as particularly beautiful and sounded lovely, perfect balance on that song. "Autumn" and "Lay Down" were magical as well.
The best part of the night, it seemed, is that Strawbs and Zombies fans did not seem to mind that the sound guy wasn't the greatest, they absolutely LOVED Strawbs. A standing ovation for the second time that weekend and Dave Cousins was mobbed at the merch booth with fans all wanting autographs and pictures. Proving once again, they're the best!
17 SEP - KESWICK THEATRE, GLENSIDE PA
The Keswick Theater, is a grand, old, huge refurbished movie palace less than ten minutes drive from my home. To my knowledge, they have never played there before. Not much point in giving the usual rave review. Of course they were brilliant, as always. What was most interesting was the crowd and attendance. 1374 people. The Strawbs had them from the first note of "Benedictus" to the last note of "Lay Down." 1374 people on their feet for the Strawbs, begging for more, many of them astounded as Joannie and I sang "Lay Down" with great enthusiasm. In the the long line at the merch table, the buzz was: "The Strawbs...never heard them before. They were great." They wrote my review for me.
While some Strawbs fans may be disappointed that their favorite band was an "opening act," this review is testament that they need not feel that way.
Upon arriving at Keswick and seeing a large lot of unfamiliar faces, I was certain I was in "Zombie land." Wonderful.., I thought to myself, this is now a great opportunity to see how they react to Strawbs!. I was thrilled, what a marvelous opportunity to present their music to "un-christened" ears!
As soon as Dave, Lambert, and Chas took the stage, and the first strums of "Benedictus" begun, I knew that everyone in the theater was in for a real treat. The band was "on" that night. Dave Cousins' voice was possessed on "New World", Lambert channeled the Rock gods on "Ghosts", and Chas was harmonious perfection. Not only did all three men put on a spectacular show, as they usually do, but the energy, heart and soul they put into the songs that night was almost tangible. A concert is not a contest, but if it was, Strawbs were out to win, and they did. They won the ears of Zombie fans that night.
When they closed their performance with a sing-along of "Lay Down", every head in the oom was bobbing along in delight and then a standing ovation was given. Groans were heard throughout the theater in defiance when their applause was not rewarded with an encore. Theyleft the stage with everyone wanting more.
Just a quick few words on the gig last night: A short (50 minutes) but fabulous set that seemed designed to give the uninitiated a "taste of Strawbs," so to speak. And what a reception! They truly, truly captured the largely Zombie audience and filled the theater with both the music and DC's humorous comments--there was no undercurrent of impatience within the audience at all. The songs received thunderous applause and Dorie and I both spoke with people who had never heard of Strawbs before but were going away impressed. The merch desk business was brisk!
As for the Zombies? Not my thing. Colin has a wonderful voice and "God Gave Rock & Roll to You" was total fun but otherwise they didn't do anything for me. I seem to be in the minority though, as a lot of members of the Strawbs contingent seemed to love them. Some lucky Zombie fan will be hitting the jackpot at City Winery shows because I'll be scootin' out after Strawbs, abandoning my front center seat both nights.
Not sure about Mohegan Sun. Would love to go but to get back to the city and then up to Westchester to meet up with Bill and Bev for the Strand might be a bit ambitious and The Strand solo show is the important one. Still, if anyone's going to be staying over in CT and then traveling to Lakewood the next day, I'll donate the gas money in return for the ride. Let me know!
So nice to see the Strawbs at the Keswick, instead of making that horrid drive to Sellersville. Not a review, but a few comments.
Theatre is bigger than Sellersville and about half full. Crowds in Philadelphia are notoriously late arrivals and often ignore opening bands, but plenty of people there early for Strawbs set and they really held the crowd's attention.
Shorter set due to opening for the Zombies. Was hoping for Queen of Dreams, but didn't get it. As for the show, IMHO, good but not great. Very strong vocals but bad guitar mixes. DL started incredibly loud, got mixed down to inaudible, then perfect, then loud, inaudible, perfect, etc. DC could be SEEN playing guitar, but not always heard. CC was mixed perfectly throughout on 12 string, but when he switched to bass he almost blew me out of my seat. I play bass, so if a bassist says the bass was loud, you know it's loud!
When the mix was right the songs were great, but the mix was right only about half the time. Also, many of the "electric" songs sounded great acoustic, but again, IMHO, "Autumn" sounded very hollow without keyboards & drums. My first acoustic show since CC joined, but have been to every electric show here since 2004. HATE that drive to Sellersville. Only will do it for electric Strawbs.
Benedictus
Simple Visions
Glimpse of Heaven
Josephine (For Better or For Worse)
New World
Witchwood
Oh How She Changed
Ghosts
Queen of Dreams
Copenhagen
Cold Steel
Autumn
Lay Down
Shine on Silver Sun
14 SEP - TOWNE CRIER, PAWLING NY
Great kick off to the US tour, and one of, I think, only two [three actually - DG] shows where Strawbs will headline (the boys are the opening act for the Zombies at most shows). Great venue. I always like the sound at this place, and the owner is a friend of the band. The crowd was a bit small, but not bad for a Wednesday night especially considering that the venue would is in the middle of nowhere (actually, it would have to move 15 miles closer to nowhere to be in the middle of it).
One of the wonderful thing about Strawbs concerts is that they play a lot of old favorites, which is great for fans who don't go that often, but frequently change the arrangements, so the songs remain interesting for the faithful. I loved the songs chosen for tonight's set. "Josephine" is one of my VERY favorite songs. The rendition of "New World" had POWER (a highlight of the show). "Queen Of Dreams" is another favorite (one of the songs that drew me to the band way back when -- I don't think it's been played - at least in the US - in some time). Nice addition to the set list.
One pleasant surprise for me was Dave Lambert's vocal choices. At this show he was varying the way he sings the songs much more than I remember his ever having done. Especially with "Ghosts". The arrangement to "Witchwood" was also different from the past, with Dave Lambert taking the vocals on the last verse. OH -- BIG Strawbs news -- Dave Cousins broke in a new banjo tonite -- he said from the stage that he had just gotten it last night (I confess, I had noticed that the banjo looked different when the instruments were on stage before the show. That I noticed this undoubtedly says something about me, though I hate to think what!!! (smile)).
The sound was excellent -- I really do love the job they do at Towne Crier. The interplay of the three guitars sounded as good as I've ever heard it. Chas's bass lines sounded particularly strong to me, and his work with the pedals provides a really full sound.
My only criticism of the evening -- The energy which was Soooooo strong in the first part of the set seemed to wane a bit by comparison in the last couple of songs. I think we can chalk that up to jet lag, though. This is minor, almost to the point of being nit-picky, though. It was a great show.
Strawbs Trivia -- the last performance (to date) of the Hero & Heroi/albtrack/ghosts line up also took place at Towne Crier. This was the last stop in the US tour, and John Hawken retired from the band shortly thereafter.