Updated: 1 Nov 2012
FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 - LOVIN' CUP, ROCHESTER NY
Photo from Ken Prospero
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2012 - LOVIN' CUP, ROCHESTER NY
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2012 - TRALF MUSIC HALL, BUFFALO, NY
www.rockmusicstar.com - Review of Buffalo show
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
The Weary Song
Copenhagen
New World
Oh How She Changed
The Hangman And The Papist
Benedictus
Ghosts
Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)
Cold Steel
Midnight Sun
Autumn
Lay Down
Our Lady Of The Highway (duet JWH & DC)
WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2012 - TUPELO MUSIC HALL, LONDONDERRY NH
also webcast live on www.concertwindow.com
John Wesley Harding in a heartfelt introduction to the band commented that being on the tour was "a privilege and education and a good laugh" and that he watched all of every show, not something he usually did. He's clearly a big fan of the Strawbs, and the two acts obviously make good touring companions - Cousins' intro to the JWH set is full of warmth as well, and the encores .. well, read on.
It's weird to reflect how the world has changed - when some of these songs were recorded, the internet wasn't even thought of and it was a major exercise, even for world-class broadcasters like the BBC, to beam TV transmissions to and from other countries. Now, we regularly hold "telepresence" face to face video meetings or have Skype video calls with our colleagues and friends in other countries, and I'm being treated to a live Acoustic Strawbs concert, without all that bother of having to get on a 747..., and all for the princely sum of $3!! Really very pleased that I was able to dial in for this webcast - many thanks to the venue and Concert Window for making it happen - it'll be the only show I get to see on this tour.
The videocast is fairly straightforward - one single camera from slightly stage right pointing down towards the stage. Those of us who wanted to make certain of getting any technical difficulties out of the way before show tuned in early and watched while Neil set the stage up (some folks with nothing better to do [grin] watched him and Chas break it down again). Lighting subdued but good, and a good view of everything.
I'm new to John Wesley Harding - he's obviously a good songwriter and has lots and lots of stage presence. Songs range from ragtime-style "I Love The Buzz" to more standard folk fare "Starbucks" and "The Devil In Me" (the latter dating from his very first album in 1988). Highlights for me were the traditionally-flavoured "Sussex Ghost Story" from his 2004 album Adam's Apple, and, joined by David Lewis (who introduced JWH to the Strawbs' music) for a duet part, the Bruce Springsteen written "Wreck On The Highway". Plenty of releases to explore on his website http://wesleystace.com.
grabbed from live webcast
Powerful opening riff of "Jesus" to open the Acoustic Strawbs section of the show, over the cello chords generated from Chas's bass pedals, with Cousins' characteristic vocals following soon. The vocals are crystal clear - you can hear a little chuckle from DC gracing the line "Well try a church ..." - and the mix of everything else is very good indeed.
"The Weary Song" brings out the first massed-Strawbs chorus vocals, with a nice counterpoint running with Dave Lambert's rhythmic picking, Cousins' non-standard tuning strum and a Chas bass part most reminiscent of Ron Chesterman's double bass. Lambert's understated acoustic solo, and that splendid accapella repeat of the chorus just with the pedals in the background: a superb rendering of one of my favourite.
Chas switching to 12-string for the delightful "Copenhagen", DC's vocals beautifully upfront over the tinkly intricate backing. Switching gears for their powerful (can you believe it's acoustic?) treatment of "New World" - strident strumming from DC, guitar and bass dynamics from Lambert & Cronk, and some great keyboard replacement stuff from Chas. Cousins really is in very good voice tonight - "May you rot" comes over with real venom, and the closing growled "world" is fantastic.
"Oh How She Changed" brings Lambert to the fore vocals-wise - his soulful delivery slightly overpowered by the Cousins harmony when it joins in. Another great acoustic solo from DL. "Hangman And The Papist's clever opening with eerie menacing synth noises, Cousins guitar figure and Lambert impersonating the church bell, building verse by verse to the emotional finale. Perfect balance for the duo vocals.
At what would have been the half way mark of a two set gig, Cousins reaches behind him for the dulcimer for a stately and tuneful "Benedictus". I'm enjoying hearing this recently as the full dulcimer-led version (not that I don't like the accapella opener leading into "Simple Visions", mind).
Another Strawbs trademark track follows - the epic tour de force for the acoustic line-up, "Ghosts", performed as convincingly as I think I've ever heard it in all my years of seeing the Strawbs. Continuing to play to the popularity of the Ghosts album in North America, we get another song from the album - the welcome return of "Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)", another of my favourites, which we didn't get to hear this side of the pond. The delicate notes of "Remembering", written by Hawken for keyboards, but rearranged for the classic three Acoustic Strawbs guitar treatment. A nice quiet classic, reaching a crescendo with the "brushing through the fallen leaves" section.
Cousins hands on the baton to Lambert for his rollicking "Cold Steel" from Deja Fou, the driving acoustic guitar riff, Cousins' unusual banjo lick mixed with high notes from Chas's 12-string (mandolin on the recorded original) in perfect counterpoint. Another re-entrant, the return of "Midnight Sun", to reflect the success of that album over there, it's the same arrangement we've enjoyed before, DL featuring the e-bow, with Chas's and Lambert's backing vocals nicely up in the mix.
Staying with the epic Hero And Heroine album, "Autumn", DC's guitar a bit high (or DL's too low) in the mix for the delicate opening part of "Heroine's Theme" (after the slide guitar seagull noises, which work perfectly. The balance is great however for the intricate intro to "Deep Summer's Sleep", nice dynamics when Lambert joins in at the end of the two verses, and Cousins raising the volume for his solo delivery of the closing phrases of this section. Slide guitar from Lambert again, and cracking Lambert vocal - good and loud, verse (instrumental) and choruses - the whole thing crescendos with the massed Strawbs vocal finale as both DC and Chas (and I suspect, many of the audience) join in the chorus.
Thanks from Dave to all the webcast viewers for tuning in, then the band finish the main set with "Lay Down" - the accapella opening perfectly done, before the driving guitars kick in, followed by Chas on bass. Its familiarity (it's hard to think of a Strawbs show which hasn't included it) should never breed contempt, it is a superb song and the Acoustics have always handled it well (especially with a little accapella "revisit" before Lambert's solo. The closing riffs and then cheers from a delighted audience.
Neil returns to the stage with an extra mic stand, and the audience whoop and holler for more, to be rewarded with Acoustic Strawbs AND John Wesley Harding, opening the encores with "Our Lady Of The Highway", Harding plays guitar and handles the main vocal for the first verse, with Lambert adding tasteful slide. DC joins in for the chorus and takes the second verse. Playing to the strengths of Acoustic Strawbs, there's an accapella section, where the Harding plus Strawbs vocals are strong and dense.
And to close the night, Cousins solo vocal intro to "Will Ye Go", JWH contributing a little tasteful harmonica between verses (and during choruses, but it's hard to hear) before taking the second verse in flamboyant style. Forceful four part vocals for the choruses. Cousins back in the lead for verse three. And, of course, a final accapella finale/slowdown, with a standing ovation from the audience. Great to hear this one live again.
A truly great evening's entertainment (well, early morning for me), but well worth staying up for!! Now, where's that airline booking page ....
grabbed from live webcast
TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2012 - BB KINGS, MANHATTAN
New York Music Daily - Review of BB Kings show
New York Music Daily - Dave Cousins interview
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
The Weary Song
Copenhagen
Josephine for Better or for Worse
New World
Oh How She Changed
Witchwood
The Hangman and the Papist
Benedictus
Blue Angel
Ghosts
You and I (When We Were Young)
Cold Steel
Shine on Silver Sun
Autumnn **
Lay Down **
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow **
** with John Hawken on a real (rather battered looking) upright piano
SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2012 - STRAND THEATER, LAKEWOOD NJ
Misquoting two of New Jerseys favorite sons, Yogi Berra and adopted son, John Hawken, "it was like Deja Fou all over again" at the Strand. (For those of you who only know Yogi Bear, Berra was a great catcher for the New York Yankees and famous for such quotes as "It's not over till it's over").
It will be tough to beat this show on this current U.S. acoustic tour. This being one of the few shows without opening act John Wesley Harding, it allowed for a longer Strawbs set. Then, the topper of it all, was the addition of John Hawken, on the final songs of the show. Paraphrasing Dave Cousins, "They found a banged up piano on the stage and it needed a banged up piano player" while introducing Hawken. This was 4/5 of the Deja Fou line-up (and Hero And Heroine, Ghosts)
One new "old" song in the set, "The Weary Song" was a nice addition with its three-part harmonies. "Blue Angel" was back in the set and always great to hear. It was nice to hear a full length "Benedictus" with dulcimer after so many tours with it only as an intro. Hawken contributed his piano artistry on "Autumn", "Lay Down" and the encore, "Here Today Gone Tomorrow".
Photos by Matt - More of Matt's pictures
More authorised Strawbs and related videos on the Youtube pages maintained by Pete Bradley.
A journey through time and space is what Dave C promised us as he took the stage at the Strand along with Dave L and Chas. It was an evening that was perfectly suited to the Strand - a magificent old theatre that has been restored to its original grandeur. Just being there on the stage looking out into the audience one could picture what it must have been like back in the old days. Old days being a relative term of course.
These special "back stage" shows that the Strand puts on provide for an amazingly intimate setting and with the weather being stormy outside, I felt caught in a capsule of time and we were the only people on earth.
They opened with The Man Who Called Himself Jesus and Dave skillfully meandered from the past to the present with a timeline that took us from the folk club days in West London to Copenhagen to where we now were. "Jesus" - the first song from the first album was followed by "The Weary Song",m the first song from their second album.
There were many delightful stories along the way, even some I had not heard before, but I'll keep silent so as not spoil the fun for all of you who have yet to see thim this time around. Though there was an interesting story about Las Vegas and Dave's career direction after the band went their separate ways in the late 70's. Fact or Fiction...? Enough said for now. They ended the first set with "The Hangman And The Papist" - that lovely little ballad" that they played on their first major British TV spot.
After they finished charging the pacemakers, and we the audience just hoped ours would make it through the end of the show, they opened Set 2 with "Benedictus" which was wonderful. Blue Angel - an all time favorite - followed. "Cold Steel" was amazing and is apparently a big hit in South Africa at the moment. After "Shine On Silver Sun" Dave brought on John Hawken. What a wonderful surprise. A few pacemakers were put to the test!
John sat down at the piano and effortlessly played through "Autumn", "Lay Down" and then the encore of "Here Today Gone Tomorrow". To me it was a most fitting close to the journey through space and time that Dave promised. From the simplicity of the 60's folk clubs to electric instruments and intricate arrangements and suites of songs back to simplicity with acoustic instruments.
The Strawbs Time Machine - I think STRAWBCO Industries should make a few more! What else can I say - I feel young again.
Just got back from Strawbs show at the Strand in Lakewood, NJ. This was a wonderful show! These guys seem to never lose the ability to get better every time they tour!
Thank you gentleman for providing a memorable show at the strand last night safe travels to all of you.
Great Tour guys. I was able to see you at the Sellersville PA show and The Strand in Lakewood. Thank you for some wonderful music and memories - w/ J. Hawken on piano.
Photos by Melinda Saminski - More of Melinda's pictures
FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2012 - OUTPOST IN THE BURBS, MONTCLAIR, NJ
Photos by Matt - More of Matt's pictures
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
The Weary Song
Copenhagen
Oh How She Changed
The Hangman And The Papist
Benedictus
You and I (When We Were Young)
Ghosts
Cold Steel
Silver Sun
Autumn
Lay Down
*Our Lady of the Highway
*Will Ye Go
*w John Wesley Harding
THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 - SELLERSVILLE THEATER, SELLERSVILLE, PA
Fantastic performance in Sellersville, PA tonight... thank you so much for coming out and enchanting us this evening!
WEDNESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2012 - JAMMIN' JAVA, VIENNA, VA
It's great to see the band on the first night of a tour, so much energy, fun-filled atmosphere, and a certain comraderie that just has to be seen and felt to be believed. Of the numerous times that I've been privy to see their Acoustic side, this just has to be one of their very finest performances, one that will stay with me an awfully long time.
John Wesley Harding's inspired set, albeit short, was a wonderful sign of things to come. His praise for the Strawbs, and their works, opened a doorway to a mutual admiration society, thus confirming how closely special artists feel towards one another.
From the very opening of the Strawbs first set, it was especially interesting to see the eager vitality that they were about to unveil, and though I know that this may not be one their favorite venues, they continue to excel, and delight their audience with amazement every time that they play here. They truly bring "them ol' walls to life."
It's always great to hear all of the new songs that they've incorporated, the great stories that Dave regales for us, with all of the fascinating folks that they met and played with, the innocent fun that they make for all of those members that have gone on to possibly more lucrative bands, and the great sense to take in stride the very meaning to their fans of how truly much that they mean to us. After all, literally hundreds of American couples have walked down the aisle to The Winter Long.
Although they continually pull out some of my favorite songs from their sets, I know that Dave likes to keep everything as fresh as possible in their shows, it's always pure enjoyment to hear the likes of "Grace Darling", "Lay Down", and the like at different points in the set.
My Favorites, They're All My Favorites, band and song alike ! I so awfully look forward to their playing in the Washington D.C. area, and try to plan my musical year around them, whenever a US tour is announced. As always, a true gem of a show, but aren't they all ?
My love for what these cats do just keeps growing. I picked up hints of Stones & Tull - something I hadn't really heard much before. The interplay was just wonderful, so if you've never seen Strawbs before - and this gig was way better than when I saw them at State Theatre with VDGG, GO NOW!
Photo by Sean Randolph
Photo by Matt More of Matt's pictures