Updated: 16 Jun 2015
Turn Me Round
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
Copenhagen
New World
Oh How She Changed
The Hangman And The Papist
Benedictus
Ghosts
Midnight Sun
Cold Steel
Shine On Silver Sun
Autumn
Lay Down
We'll Meet Again Sometime
VILLAGE HALL, HARMANS CROSS, NR SWANAGE, 13 JUN 2015
Haven't seen the boys much so far this year, as most of the year's gigs so far have been on the package tour with Carl Palmer and Martin Turner, and you just don't get much Strawbs bang for your buck on those. But when I heard that my pal Jody from Staten Island was thinking of coming over for this one gig, it just had to be done.
Travelling down to the West with Jody from Staten Island, we headed from Bournemouth where we were staying, through Poole and its rather attractive harbour, then through the stunningly picturesque Corfe Castle - castle and village are perhaps the most quintessentially "picture postcard" sights I have ever seen. We headed on past the gig to Swanage for good old British fish and chips with a view of the picturesque harbour. A lovely start to the evening, before heading back to the venue.
When we arrived there was already a queue outside the doors to get in - always nice as well to see the legend "SOLD OUT" pinned over the poster. We learnt later that the hall was a relatively recent build, re[placing a much smaller affair, and that these very successful and well supported music nights were there to help with the upkeep of the hall. The hall was nicely set out, chairs inn rows with a scattering of tables, a bar at the back with very well priced bottled beers.
After an intro from the organiser who listed those who had travelled from places far and wide to see the show (but missed out New York, so I shouted that from the front row). Opening with the splendid realised acoustic "Turn Me Round", Dave took us on a timeline of the Strawbs' history over two sets, starting with the days of the White Bear and "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus". He had the very appreciative audience in the palm of his hand for the whole evening.
Musically, what came over to me was just how strong the Acoustic Strawbs are in terms of vocal harmony, whether just the two Daves ("Hangman"), or DC and Chas ("Midnight Sun"), or the whole deal, all three together - the blend of voices on "Benedictus" and "Lay Down" is just stunning, and the encore "We'll Meet Again Sometime" with its accapella close is a really uplifting closer, Fabulous stuff.
Another great acoustic gig, in great surroundings, followed by a few drinks and a long chat with Dave and Geraldine back in the palatial surroundings (not!) of our hotel.
Harmans Cross photos by Dick Greener - more photos from Dick
Turn Me Round
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
Copenhagen
New World
Oh How She Changed
Hangman And The Papist
Ghosts
Benedictus
Shine On Silver Sun
Cold Steel
Midnight Sun
Autumn
Lay Down
We'll Meet Again Sometime (DC/CC only)
WOKINGHAM MUSIC CLUB, 15 MAY 2015
I hadn't seen the Strawbs live for a while, so was well pleased to find out that they were playing only a few miles up the road from me here in Reading. The venue, a cricket club social, didn't look too welcoming as we approached, but on entering was a lot bigger inside and had a nice, friendly atmosphere. The local music club have a gig night here about once a month, so will keep an eye out in the future.
Support man Andy Matthewson opened the evening with some ragtime blues before The Strawbs took to the stage, opening with the unexpected pleasure of "Turn Me Round", a first outing maybe in an acoustic set? Dave Cousins was on fine storytelling form between songs, and the choice of material was good – including "Copenhagen", "New World", "Autumn" and "Midnight Sun".
The sound was pretty good, and if perhaps some of the sparkle from other occasions was missing, much of this was understandable as poor Dave Lambert was suffering from food poisoning, but who did a brilliant job as usual nonetheless, only making a slightly earlier exit after the last number, "Lay Down", leaving Dave and Chas to close the evening nicely with "We'll Meet Again Sometime".
So, a very enjoyable evening, as Strawbs gigs always are, and a couple of new converts from the bunch of friends who I cajoled into joining me!