TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Fairport are looking for reviews and piccies from us for the Wintour... 

So am I !!!!!!!!!!!!  ;D
Come on you lot get scribbling and gives us an account of the first night  [;-)

Otherwise it will be a bash on the bonce from crutches fer the lot of ye!!!!!!!!!!! ;D

Morning all.

I shall emerge from the shadows for my annual posting, having been to Tewkesbury last night. It was an excellent night, with a (mostly) refreshingly different setlist.

PJ Wright was fine (though not really my cup of tea), but I did enjoy his song with Fairport (Lilly of Barbury?). Fairport set proper started with Sir Patrick Spens, which made a nice change. The rest of the first half (someone can correct me on this I'm sure) had only two songs from any one album (OTNH). They included Wait for the Tide, Banks of Sweet Primroses (I counted that from it's first release!), Canny Capers, and ended with Red and Gold (which I hadn't heard outside of Cropredy for years). All were on good form, with none of the technical glitches that occured last Tewkesbury, and only one false start (Red and Gold - Simon starts, stops after the first three words and says - I am doing the right one aren't I? - Peggy replies - yes, we're all right behind you! - behind being the operative word, as none of the others came in!).

Second half began with Mr Gaudie. Can't remember the whole setlist I'm afraid, but I did see Chris photographing Ric's setlist, so I'm sure he'll fill in the gaps. Undoubted highlight for me was the return of Tam Lin, which I don't remember hearing since Vikki Clayton did at Cropredy (whenever that was). This version is complete with modulations between verses to allow Simon and Chris to both hav a go at the vocals. It rocks! Also great to here again after a break was the Western Wind (a personal favourite).

After such a different setlist from the past few tours, I was surprised (though not disappointed) to find Matty still present in his usual place. This was the 'normal' arrangement - no reggae or MASH (or helicopters, thankfully). There was then a conspicuously long pause before they returned to stage for MOTL, with PJ. I also noted the absence of a shuffled-together-arms-round-shoulders-lined-up-bow at the end - I can't remember when I've last seen them not do that. Another strange-ism was the absence of Ric's name from the Love Simon, Chris etc bit at the bottom of the first page of the programme. Mistake?

Anyway, a great night overall - got the t-shirt, got the CD, got the programme. If you haven't already got tickets, do - you will enjoy!

James

Thanks for your review James, looking forward to seeing the chaps in Basingstoke tomorrow night.

The question I always want to know at the start of each WinTour is how much electric was Simon playing, or indeed Chris. Was it really rocking, especially Tam Lin, or was it with the acoustic turned up louder than usual?

Jackdaw

Simon played a fair bit of electric, but I'm afraid I wasn't keeping count! I'm pretty sure he was on electric for Tam Lin.
Anyone else more observant?

James

Thanks for the review Jmaes, sounds like a good start  ;)

now, this tour sounds more like it1

Thanks for the great review James.  Sounds like a great set for my newbies, excellent!

Did anyone get a note of any other instrumentals?  Although Canny Capers is possibly my favourite at the minute, it's great when they all swap instruments half way through!

Note to self: Must find camera...

The other instrumental that sticks in my mind was Summer in December - one of my favourites.

Oh great.. always loved that tune.. one of Ric's best  8)

To those attending the Swindon gig tonight, enjoy! [;-)

Have to agree that Tam Lin really rocked - I too seem to remember that Simon was electric for this and probably more than half of the rest of the set. From where we were siiting(Row H just in front of the wide aisle/middle exit for those who know the Roses) the sound was excellent - I can't remember hearing Chris' vocals and instruments with as much clarity as I did last night - although there is still a bit of residual deafness this afternoon, they were loud!!

Steve

I'm guessing that answers the "is it alright to take pictures at gigs?" question then?
Sounds great so far - if I hadn't already bought a ticket I'd be signing up now...

Take care not to fire the flash into the lads faces though....it can upset your fellow audience members too.

The set list fromlast night is.....

Lily of Barbury - with PJ
________________

Sir Patrick Spens
Wait for the Tide to Come In
Canny Capers
Banks of the Sweet Primroses
Jewel in the Crown (boy, that rocked!)
Edge of the World (new Chris L song)
Red & Gold
---------------------------------------
John Gaudie
Crazy Man Michael
TamLin
Rocky Road
I'm already There
Summer in December
Western Wind
Who Knows Where the Time Goes
Swirling Pit
Matty Groves / Rutland Reel / Sack the Juggler
---------------------------------
Meet on the Ledge

And a couple of photos....the second one illustrates the t-shirt - which has small pix representing each track played.


[attachment deleted by admin]

And, as it's the first few pix, here's a couple more!

[attachment deleted by admin]

And when can we start complaining about what they're not playing on this tour....?  ::)

ROTFLMHO ;D ;D

Further to Chris' advice about not using flash, even without flash, don't take more than 6 or 7 pictures per half if you are sitting in a seat. (I can't wait for the day when a camera firm invents a camera with a silent shutter).

Most digital cameras actually have a "fake" shutter sound.

You'll never get a silent SLR, they've got a whacking gret mirror to move.

Paul

Ric's looking on fine form there - good job we didn't wear him out in the Studio yesterday morning while he was recording on the Leatherat album!  ;D  :D  ;D

I see Peggy is back, almost as though he never left...

He doesn't look all that happy, though.

 i thought that as well

Glad you said that, cos I wasn't fully convinced at Tewkers on Wednesday - I was thinking "brave face" for most of it, though he played as well as ever.

He's probably been read the riot act ...

As far as I can tell, it was the same set for the Anvil.  Including false start in Red and Gold(though I could be corrected on that!)

Can we launch a competition for matching the pictures on the t-shirt to the tracks played? If so, please tell me what the minibus is for!!

James

It could be "Rocky Road" or "Who knows..." for completely different reasons.

I've had a few days to mull things over after the Tewkesbury gig and it seeemed to me to be a game of two halves.I was interested to se how PJ Wright was  going to rework his album material for an acoustic setting and I think he achieved this admirably. Fairport joined for Lily Of Barbary and this one really rocked.

And so to Fairport........they sounded superb as always, the clarity of the instrument separation and sound never ceases to amaze me. Ric and Chris were their usual selves, plenty of fiddle melding moments, and Gerry thrashing away on the kit as only he can. But in the first half Simon and Peggy looked like they were going through the motions; Folk-rock by numbers and both looked extremely tense .

Second half and what a transformation. Perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson had delivered one of his famous hairdryer half time team talks because they reappeared in fine style. More relaxed, more humour (love the multi-tasking quip) and a quite superb Tam Lin. Peggy still had the slightly bewildered look of a deer trapped in the headlights of an oncoming car but the fire seemed to have returned in the second half and they left in the usual style.

Maybe it's just me and I'm sure if I'd just chanced upon Fairport, their musicianship would blow me away, but having seen them in concert many times their musicianship is a gimme. Perhaps I'm looking for something that isn't there and in the words of the song 'If you really mean it , it all comes round again' It's  just that I wasn't really convinced they really meant it.

Cheers Nigel

Tonight at Tunbridge Wells:

WOW!  THAT  WAS  BLOODY    BRILLIANT!!!

I haven't had so much fun in ages and I can't get to sleep now as the songs/tunes keep going round and round inside my head.  You lot have got such a treat coming to you!  Oh, I wish I was going again tomorrow night, and the night after that and ...

I think the set list was the same as the one Chris posted earlier.  The first three - Sir Patrick Spens, Wait For The Tide To Come In and Canny Capers really rocked and just blew me away.  Simon played the electric for Tam Lin and at least on three other occasions.  I particularly liked Simon's guitar accompaniment on P J Wright's Lily Of Barbary.

It seemed to me that all the boys were enjoying themselves.  There was the usual banter, some exchanges between audience and band, and even a joke about Essex.  Dave Pegg mentioned the Radio 2 Folk Awards and Liege and Lief.  Someone from the audience shouted, "What about, What We Did On Our Holidays?"  Simon replied, "I don't know about you, but I went to Frinton.  It was closed!" ;D  (I rather like Frinton actually - especially in winter.)

And now for the trivial ...   ::)
Ric had some snazzy red shoes with black studs round the edge.  From where we were sitting it looked as though his toes were poking through. ;D  Chris Leslie wore a t-shirt with the CND logo on the front (I remember going on the march  :o)  but daughter informs me that it is generally considered to be a 'peace' symbol these days.  And Simon was sporting a pair of boot-cut stone coloured jeans - very flattering on the maturing figure!  ;)

P J Wright was great!  I haven't enjoyed a support act so much since Bob Fox.  The acoustic versions of the songs from Hedge Of Sound were quite different but worked just as well.  He achieved an instant and natural rapport with the audience with his between-songs chat.

To all of you who are lucky enough to be going to the Wintour, I hope you all enjoy as much as I did.   ;D

   Blimey! You mean, he's got black toes??!!   :o :o

Well, ( and I'm definitely not casting aspersions on Ric's personal hygiene) that's what it looked like from the back row, which is where we were sitting!   :)

I'm not sure about the black  studs (!!), but he's wearing red plastic or rubber (very comfoirtable, he says) sandals - which would explain the vision of his toes.

I'll ask him tonight, if I get a chance....

I've felt that for a while now. Is the winter tour really essential to the finances of the band? Simon has spoken before of the pressures which mean there just isn't the time to rehearse the sort of radically revamped setlist which a significant constituency of fans would probably like to hear; I can't help thinking that if they gave it a rest for a year and used the time to rehearse a real knock-your-socks-off setlist, it would benefit both band and audience.

If they have to time and finances to take a break for a set of rehearsals, I'd think they should delay it until just before Croppers 2007 - the 40th anniversary should provide wide and varied songs for the "Convention".

I hope that is mentioned to the staff at the Deco in Northampton as last night before the Thompson Twins gig they were coming out with the 'photography is forbidden' message

I hope so too at Chesterfield!!!

Saw the lads in Basingblob and had a really good time.  I thought they were musically on great form and I was very pleased to hear Tam Lin and Sir Patrick Spens in the set list... and I'm already there, John Gaudie and Who know where the time goes..  didn't take much notice of what guitar Simon was playing at any point but I thought it rocked  ;D

I get a bit frustrated at seated gigs sometimes because it would be good to dance, and for me that turns the atmosphere down a bit.  I've no idea how any of the band were feeling on that occasion, and I'm no mind reader, but Ric and Chris certainly seemed their normal happy and contented selves and I thought Peggy looked very well - I like the goatee and he does have great legs  :o  

All 5 of them were out at the end of the show signing merch and were very personable.  Simon was enjoying himself very much telling us about another act for Cropredy who he hoped to announce soon - 'contemporary and left-field' he said!   I'm too star-struck to do the 20 questions routine, but a good starter would have beento ask if it was an individual or group I guess!  Although I'd probably still be none the wiser as I ceased being contemporary around 1990  ;)

Biggest disappointment of the evening was the T shirts - I do like the grey/blue t shirts with the same design as Rick was wearing in Chris photo (earlier in the thread) and they are available in M, L and XL.  I asked for the M and it was HUGE with incredibly long arms!  :o   As I didn't especially want to spend £20 on a very nice T shirt which would only be useful as nightwear for an urangutan, I passed  :(    I do hope they do a SMALL for Cropredy this year..  anyway, I digress

Great show Issy {:-)

I'd always assumed that the red sandals were part of the effects pedal setup - not just footwear.

Steve

I don't normally feel like that but I certainly did the other evening at Tunbridge Wells.  I guess I wasn't the only one.  At one point our row of seats was rocking so much I thought the poor woman on the end was in danger of being bounced into the aisle!  :o

From what I remember, downstairs at the Corn Exchange in Cambridge is unseated.


I presume you were considering the long-sleeve version as the ordinary t-shirts were £15 at TW.  I think a fitted t-shirt would be the answer for most women.

Glad to hear you enjoyed it though.   :)

KM
(Normal transmission has resumed - I have at last come down from my HIGH!)  ;D

In my role as Imelda Marcos wannabe (I currently have something in the region of 60 pairs of shoes) and shoe-inspector to the stars, I managed to get hold of Ric's aforementioned footwear after the High Wycombe gig last night (I pulled them off his feet in the foyer!).  They are red, rubber and extremely lightweight. The black is not studs - they are holes in the shoes where you can see his socks.   Ric informs me that they are extremely comfortable to wear and it feels like "walking on air".  I did give them back to him after I'd inspected them and I will take his word for it on the comfort front. 

The gig itself was excellent.  I just wish somebody would teach PJ Wright the words to "Meet On The Ledge" though as I've seen the show twice now and he's fluffed it on both occasions.  I'm very happy with the show - choice of songs and the way that they are played. 

As for Peggy and co looking miserable, I am afraid that I have to disagree.  He looks like Peggy concentrating.  I went back and inspected photographs I've taken over the last couple of years and he looks like that in the majority of them.  To me it is an expression of concentration and I can't see any misery etc there at all.  In fact, I'd say that the fellas are more "together" this year than they have been in previous years.  I think that some of you may be reading far more into one photograph than is necessary; I could redress the balance by posting a picture of a smiling Peggy from the show last night and see what the reaction is. ;)

I would hazard a guess that Tewkesbury was a nerve-wracking gig for them: first night of the tour, a different set, first night nerves and so they are bound to be concentrating more whilst they perform.  Again, I think too much is being read into it.

Couldn't agree more. We've managed to catch the chaps on first nights, and then later, in a few tours and there is a  noticable relaxation as things come together - each gig is great in its own way, but different.............

I suspect(from a throwaway remark at the post-Tewkesbury signfest and the fact that he played from a seated postion quite a bit) that Peggy may have a bit of a back issue - but that's entirely his business and certainly didn't take from a superb performance.

Steve

A question, for the observant who have already been to a gig...

Does Peggy play his gorgeous blue bass guitar at all?  I notice from the photo earlier that he's got a new wooden-looking one...  Also, does anyone know what make/model that one is?

I'm dragging a bassist friend along and he's got a Crafter 5-string very similar-looking to the blue one, which is why I was hoping it'd be on display...

Anna, I think that is the Crafter 5 string that was presented to him by Crafter at Cropredy last year.  (But I could be wrong of course)

Having a heavy bass slung over your shoulders nearly every day for nearly forty years sounds enough to give anyone back trouble :)

Peggy did mention back trouble to a group of us after the show last night.  He was talking about his new bass as well.  I think Bluebottle will have to fill you in on the technical spec of it as bass-talk tends to whoosh right over my head.

Anna: he has a lovely two-tone coloured pine bass.  I think it was the one presented at Cropredy last year but I'm also sure I counted six strings on it. I will consult my photographs and let you know.

No one appears to have mentioned the new Chris Leslie song 'Edge of the World' ?  Well, I'm no clever music reviewer worsdmith, but I can just say I thought it was great!! Looking forward to it appearing on a recording one day.    All in all, the Wycombe Swan gig last night was a lovely evening, both PJ and the lads performed great. Nice to meet a few 'Talkawhilers' too, great photos Chris on the CD and in the programme.   cheers, Joss

Sandals and socks - a true folkie then!  ;)    :)

Go on then!

Okay peeps...

CAMBRIDGE FC GIG

Anyone interested in a meet-up prior to the gig, please IM with suggestions.

I know that Mic, Delfini, Martin Driver, Adrian and Pastieboy and Pastiemum will be there. Any others interested?

Get in touch and we can finalise details ;D

Gower Flower

Is that Pastiemum or Pastiegirl GF...  both are lovely laydeeeeeezzzz....

How about 6ish at the Eagle???

6 ish at The Eagle sounds good to me ;D

err.... where's The Eagle please?   come to that, where's Cambridge :o :o

Mic

1800 at The Eagle, Cambridge it is then. I'll probably have a severe nostalgia attack. If it is the pub I think it to be, I used to eat and drink there in 1969.

Mix and all who are going- the Eeagle is in the centre of Cambridge, across the road and on a corner from the main University Colleges; the famous Kings is about 3 minutes walk away. Interestingly, the pub is actually owned by one of the colleges. Although it is very much on the tourist trail now, I don't think the pub itself has changed very much since the 60's. Has a non-smoking room and also a very poingant ceiling in one of the other bars, decorated with lipstick and candle wax messages from American airmen based in the area in WW2, who were about to fly off on bombing missions, some never to return. The Corn Exchange (great venue in itself) is about 5-10 minutes walk away away from the pub and college,s towards the market square. Hopefully I will also be there.

Speaking of which...  The Stables, Wavendon, Milton Keynes.  Tonight.  Who's going?

I've lost my flashing badge (Cropredy tardis accident) but will wear the now-standard bright YELLOW Buell sweatshirt and glittery headgear of some sort although not a proper tiara...

See ya there!

Mave the Rave  >:( and myself  [;-) will be at the Eagle  pub 1800hrs  Fez dusted  and ready . [;-) Pastiegirl cant make it due to face painting duties at our god daughters birthday party  :( .

:)  Well, a successful night at the Stables last night.  Two newbies said they enjoyed themselves. :)  Some more autographs garnered in my Songbooks.

The set was solid, everyone seemed to be having fun.  Not much to add to the reviews above really (unlike me I know).  Peggy was mostly sitting down when he had to do flash harmonics things on the bass and needed to turn it a bit flatter to do so.  He seemed lively enough the rest of the time.  Ric & Chris put in some marvellous fiddle duetting, which the newbies really loved.  And according to them, the best song of the night was "I'm already there", apparently it sent shivers up the spine and goose-pimples on the arms - in a good way.

From our particular seats in the Stables the vocals and song introductions were a bit garbled which was a shame.  We were right next to the mixing desk too.  Still, I guess you can't have perfect sound everywhere in an auditorium.  And I'm probably just being picky because I so much wanted my newbies to have a perfect evening.  I could hear fine, but then I mostly knew what everyone was going to say anyway.

It was good to hear some stuff live that hadn't been out for a time.  I still don't really get on with the Early stuff, although Simon put in a marvellous effort on Who Knows Where The Time Goes.  That could be worth sticking on a live album sometime...  Ah, they've just released one of those...  Oh well.  No Hiring Fair, so I played that from the CD on the way home so we didn't miss out...  Red And Gold was fab.

I think the highlight of the evening for me must have been the mandolin duet "The Swirling Pit" just before Matty.  Gonna have to track that one down now...

Bumped into someone from here at the signfest - I didn't catch the name so a guess - Katy's Mum?  I'm usually mostly deaf after these gigs, so I do apologise.

Must try to get to a standing up venue next time out...

Your best bet for that's probably 'In Real Time', Anna. I don't think it's totally available but I have a feeling it's available as one of the "on demand" CDs that you can get from Woolie's or Mood Music (go for the latter if possible! :)).

'Swirling Pit' started off as one of Peggy's instrumental spots with Tull, then he recorded it on 'Cocktail Cowboy', but it really took shape as the first part of the Matty medley for the reformed Fairport in 1985. That Matty - 1985 to 1988-ish - still ranks as one of the best versions, along with the Metal/Pink Floyd-esque one from the early/mid-1990s.

Sorry Anna, that wasn't me, although I wish it had been - I'd have loved to have been there.  I don't go in for the signing thing - too shy to chat ( :-[) and usually make a fairly quick exit afterwards.

Anna, I was at the Stables last night - sorry I didn't see your post yesterday.  I was 3 seats away from the sound desk (Left Door), back row.  Which side were you?  I met Kascade, and apparently Delfini was there but I haven't met her before.  I hardly know anybody.

I said hello to Peggy and Gerry, but was too shy to ask for my programme to be signed, but not too shy to ask PJ.  We had a chat about wrinkles and sheds   :)

I had a lovely time, and it was sooooper to hear TamLin.

Carolyn

Is no one else going to the Lincoln gig tonight???

I like their live interpretation of that song too

but is it only me who thinks it sounds like Martha's Harbour by All About Eve?

Cheers

Nick

No it's not Nick.  I thought it had strains of another song in it but I couldn't think what is was.  Thanks for telling me what is was. :-*

Anyone going to the Leeds gig on Monday??

Not read through all eth pages of the thread...sorry if it's been mentioned before...

You are so right.. it was positively spine-tingling and had a very weird effect on me..  quite emotional.. its a wondrous, massive song..

Issy

It was me Anna, but apologies, I was even more incoherent than usual after an FC gig :-[.

That was because I'd taken 'The Gift'  with the intention of getting Chris to sign it for me and I was delighted when Ric said Beryl Marriott was there - and even more so when I saw her as I walked out so I had a brief chat and got her to sign it :D :D. When I got into the foyer and walked into Simon and you, I couldn't talk straight and my 'joke' to Simon merely elicited a somewhat bemused smile :-[  Duh!

I was in the second row, so the sound was great, but visibility wasn't so good as the tall person in front was a bit of a fidgetter and kept moving around.  I love watching how they respond to each other and the serious expressions on all their faces when they were concentrating on playing was great as was the grinning (usually Chris and Ric duelling) I found it impossible not to respond by sitting grinning myself.

Having seen Richard Thompson last week it was interesting to compare the versions of 'Crazy Man Michael' - I like the chaps version best. Great to hear Sir Patrick Spens again and all in all it was an excellent evening - they rocked. :) And good to speak to them all afterwards.

Oh, and i think I may have encouraged the couple next to me to go to Cropredy as well. They'd seen FC several times and never been - I think I probably told them they hadn't lived..........oops.

Now looking forward to Saturday and meeting up with the Boardsters going to Cambridge.

Another fantastic night last night in Lincoln... what can I add to the above.. not a lot really.. except to say again that they really ROCKED!!

Each was well on form (despite Chris' cold) and it was brilliant to see Peggy again. There was a slight technical problem with Simon's guitar at the start..  when it was sorted Simon plucked a string to confirm...  'Well one string works' said Peggy!

The Drill Hall in Lincoln is an excellent venue..  there are a DOZEN ladies toilet cubicles.. so queues were fast moving.. always a plus there!! I met a couple of friends there from Grimsby and chatted with a woman on her own who goes to Cropredy.  There were NO TALKAWHILERS there which seemed strange as recently there are at least some everywhere I go!!!!

I sat there thinking just how lucky I am to be able to be there wrapped up in this great institution... thanks chaps... see you in Chesterfield!

I will be there. Seat A1 by some fluke!

Delfini, you did seem a bit flustered! :)  I wasn't quick enough to get a seat on the ground floor, but the view from the balcony was great.  Ideal for the newbies although the sound wasn't as crisp as I might have liked up there.  That's life, it's probably nearly impossible to get perfect sound everywhere in an auditorium.

Ethan's Granny, I was just the other side of the mixing desk from you! If only we'd known, we could have really wound Rob Braviner up by talking across it...  I've met a few boardsters, at Cropredy and so on, but to be honest I'd have trouble recognising them again.  That's why I always try to wear the yellow sweater, it's bound to be unique, which makes it easier for people to identify me and introduce themselves.  Even if I've met people once before I struggle to introduce myself just in case I've got it wrong...

I wish I was going to see them again on this tour, but I'll just have to wait until Cropredy I suppose...

Oh dear - chris has it already?.....Gerry started it by going down with it at Exeter on Tuesday! Rob did expect it to go round the tour bus quickly....

Just got back from great gig at Cambridge Corn Exchange -very nice to meet other boardsters there; Gower Flower, Mix, Delfine, Pastie Boy, Adrian and others. Corn Exchange, although not sold out, was a lot fuller than winter tour of last year.May be the "Folk Britannia" and "Folk Awards" effect. Great set, good sound, all performed with usual musical  acomplishment. I did think Simon looked knckered, but then Lincoln, Yeovil and Cambridge all in 2-3 days, is some travelling. I was totally knocked out by Ashley Hutchings Rainbow Chasers. Incredible music- all swirling, powerfull violins and viola with profound and reflective lyrics. Bought the CD and it made the journey back up the A11 much more enjoyable! Hope you boarsders who were there have/have had a smooth journey back home.

anyone going to be at Leamington tonight.

I was going to give this tour a miss but the reviews have swayed me.

Jackdaw

I will be at Leamington tonight.  I'm looking forward to it.

I'll be there too.....definitely looking forward to it.

Tis midnight--- I`m driving past the Alconburys with Mave The Rave by my side when it happened.  --- The twelfth chime . A blood curdling scream of a banshee and then BOOM its happened--- its over  .  Mave the Rave has re-metamorphosised back into plain old Pastiemum (Not a pretty sight). Boy did she/we  have a BALL that night in Cambridge . The only person she diddnt hug and kiss was the mayor of Oxford  -----unless I missed that . What a great night  . What great company . Truly ,many thanks  all there for making Mave the Rave happiest woman on the planet .
Got her home only to find she has lost a shoe ;)------She is praying Rik Sanders  will turn up with it ASAP. Now----THAT WOULD BE A FAIRY TALE ENDING . ---Fab just bloody fab . [;-)----The Gig was`nt bad either ;D

So pleased Mave the Rave had a great night.. and the rest of you... she's lovely!!!

It wasn't me - I wasn't home then ;)

Its the only piccie that came out and I diddnt take it --- ??? Cambridge Eagle  ----Good pub .  [;-)

[attachment deleted by admin]

Was a great night in Cambridge last night and it was fantastic to finally say hello to a few  people from this board ,the lovely Mix and Gower Flower  ;D ;D (very wonderful ladies)  :-* hope everyone got back home safely.My face still hurts from the grinning caused by Ric and Chris's fiddle-dueting (which was especially wonderful as it was on the stage area directly in front of where i was sitting with my friend and sister.) ;D 8) :-*

I was speaking to Peggy this afternoon. He mentioned you lot.  ;D

oops :-[

Got back a little while ago, still beaming from a fantastic time at Cambridge ;D
Fantastic to meet/meet up with delfini, Adrian, Martin, Pastiboy, Mave the Rave  (such a little raver!!! ;)) Shirl, cathy and peterryb!!!!
Not to mention Peggy and PJ Wright in the Eagle.... set a few ladies hearts a flutter that did ;D Poor Peggy, his wine was corked (I know that cos he asked me to try it...  blearghhhh!!!!) and had to be changed, no big deal until you notice the speed (or lack thereof) of the bar staff. Lovely pub, needs new staff.

The Corn Exchange is a smashing venue, and Shirl and me were lucky enough to be in the front row (in front of Chris and Peggy), it was quite packed but I noticed a few empty seats.
PJ Wright kicked the evening off, and got us going from the first note, he was followed by Ashley's Rainbow Chasers, who were on fine form. During the interval the merch stall was swamped under a happy crowd, but Ashley and his fellow Rainbow Chasers found the time to 'chat' with all who approached them.

At last the moment we had been waiting for....The Chaps were on!!!  You know better than to expect a set list from me, I get far too caught up in the moment (and have no memory of course)   what I can tell you is that the performance was electrifying, they rocked the rafters. In a way it might have been better without seating, because you really wanted to get up and dance and clap along (I got told by the man next to me not to clap, because he came to liste to the music, if it was standing I could have moved away from him)... however, there were some slower songs but mostly the beat was made to move to!
The banter between the chaps was light and happy, they all looked and sounded very upbeat, and there was no sign of Chris's cold, thankfully! It was lovely to see and hear Edwin joining in on Red and Gold, he's a lovely lad, I chatted to him afterwards and he says he's hoping to be at Cropredy again this year!!

I went along fully intending to buy the new CD only, I came away with CD, T Shirt and programme, oops... I must stay away from the bank for a while :-[ I'll not be customer of the month for sure.

Can't wait for Cannock and Oxford, are we nearly there yet?

Mic

Last night in Leamington Spa was, for me, the best show I've seen so far this tour (I've now seen 3).  Ric has the stinking cold now, Chris seems to be over the worst of it and Peggy was coughing.  But it didn't detract from anything.  the acoustics were excellent, the lighting was very good, the band were all cheerful and the jokes were thick and fast.  Seemed to be a responsive audience too which helped a great deal.

Heavens only knows what Chris L and Peggy thought at the start of the 2nd half when they came on stage to find myself and Chris Bates lying on the floor in front of them! :o ;D  Don't worry - there was a perfectly reasonable explanation: the importance of getting a head-to-head shot without disturbing other concert goers!

All photos welcomed here!

He looked very well until you spun him around in the foyer and complimented him on his pert buttocks ;)  :o  ;D

sorry...

(Hedgehog belatedly hobbles in with last Friday's Yeovil report........)

Early gremlins saw Simon swopping swiftly to leccy then tiddly acoustic guitar for the rest of the gig; hope the little beasts were taken out and shot!!  Lovely to hear Tam Lin again (I love it so much that our Border Binliner bears the same name).  There must have been some dust in the air that got trapped under my contact lenses during "Who Knows.....", can't imagine why else my eyes were leaking!  You can't beat holding hands with yer number one squeeze when that one's on, but Ric was playing at the time so I had to make do with my husband instead ;)! Apart from the problems at the start, it was the usual superlative performance from the chaps.

I'd been nattering to Chris at the acoustic gig at Honiton last December about a forthcoming major and scary op on my back, and was commiserating with the gip his was giving him at the time.  We were just on our way out to see the guys in the foyer after Friday's show, when a voice from behind me said, "how's the back?".  We turned round and there was Chris, with a very sore-looking nose, so we did a bit of catching up; I was knocked out that he remembered our previous prattle 'cos I had been bricking it to say the least! Glad to hear that his back is much better, and I hope is cold is clearing up now - didn't affect his singing voice that night, mind! I was too busy telling him to get plenty of Vitamin C down his neck to remember to ask how he's managed to grow so much hair in such a short time......

Then to the usual pleasantries and hugs before going-home time.  Great to see Peggy back on form (the bottles of water he brought on stage instead of the usual glasses of ale didn't go un-noticed, and now I know why I can do nowt else but wish him continued good health).  I suspect that he may come to regret mentioning his new venture in France as we're already making Cunning Plans....  Ric was sitting down so we nearly missed him in the throng, but he was able to show off his socks to interested parties.  Gerry was the chattiest I've ever seen him, we're winkling him out of his shell at last!  Still off the tabs too, cheers cheers!!!  And of course, Mr Nichol was the consumate charmer as ever; has this man got a picture in his attic a la Dorian Gray?

Just counting down the days to Cropredy now.  ATTENTION ANNA!!  - the usual Big Red Van will be in attendance, hopefully with hot running water and a shower installed!!!!!  ;D

HEDGEHOG!!!!!

I'll IM you when I get a minute - Jez lost his phone and your number, long story...  Catch you later!

I did no such thing :o I wouldn't dream of being so personal!

Mic

I'm fairly sure you would "dream of being so personal!", or if you wouldn't Amy certainly would  ;)

Jackdaw

In glowing terms I trust, Colin :-X ;D

Alas, the photos from last night are still on the camera :-[ , but here's one of the aforementioned sandals that Ric wears. They're not black studs, but holes to let the pong out.... ::) :-\

[attachment deleted by admin]

A late review of the Saturday gig at Cambridge. Late but not least, I hope.

Wonderful to meet up once more with good mates like Mix, Pastieboy, the fragrant Mave the Rave, Delfini and Adrian. We were joined by Peterryb - which I considered very brave of him, because we were quite boisterous by now. I guess Pastieboy's Flashing Fez badge gave the game away...... ;D

I spotted Martin Driver looking out for us from inside the pub. I waved, and when he emerged onto the patio, I realised that he was in the company of the lovely David Pegg and Mr P J Wright. Ooh what a treat...... Things got better when Peggy sat in the vacant seat next to mine. We all spent a happy half hour or so. Peggy and PJ happily doling out autographs; anecdotes about the time Peggy was mentioned in Viz magazine as a "celebrity scrounger",etc. Our boisterous party attracted the interest of others in the Eagle, mainly due to the presence of two fez wearers. I asked Pastieboy to stop "flashing" but would he listen?  Really Mave you should take the boy in hand.....

Okay, okay THE GIG

I felt thrilled to bits because (a) I had a front seat which I wasnt expecting cos the row number was H. Hurrah! and (b)  WE HAD THREE STAR TURNS FOR THE PRICE OF TWO!

P J Wright, also of Little Johnie England and Dylan's fame opened up with a solo spot. "Wait for the Whistle to Blow" and "Random Acts of Kindness" sticking out in my memory.

He was followed by "The Guvnor"  and his proteges, the Rainbow Chasers. What a fabulous tight- sounding set they played."Given Time" a song dedicated to the memory of the late Nick Drake was a favourite for me. Fabulous singing and musicianship! Key to all of the above so far was the clear enjoyment displayed by all performers.

At last it was FC's turn and as has been said many times now THEY ROCKED!!!

The set list was almost certainly different from those gigs prior to Cambridge because as I said, we got three bands/artistes for the price of two. However, for those who really want to know, I believe Delfini can help you out. ;)

Lots and lots of duelling fiddles, always something I enjoy. John Gaudie - a great favourite of mine - had me bouncing in my seat ::) Simon sang a wonderful Crazy Man Michael and Tam Lin, Gerrry played like a man possessed, and how Chris can remember which instrument to pick up for which  number and when is a miracle to behold! yes, I am sure he has it written down, but some of those mid-number changes are pretty fast.

Peggy caught my eye once or twice, me being seated so near him. I could have sworn I heard him mutter to Chris at one point..... "Oh gawd, it's the mad Talkawhilers I met in the Eagle" :o

Well done, chaps, and thank you. ;D

 ;D ;D  That says it all - thanks GF

 I can't add to it (except I've got Ric's set list ;))

A couple of pictures from Leamington....

.....and a couple more.


Enjoy ;)

I've little to add to the glowing reviews of the Saturday Cambridge gig other than:

Wearing a fez in public certainly helps you get noticed, talked about, and may have helped get a table in a crowded pub. The application of alcohol soon removes any embarrassment from the wearer, but maybe not from companions.

Mix's beer quaffing party trick apparently put a couple of local youths into shock.

Some of us were risking getting ourselves and FC locked in to the Exchange. Come to think of it, maybe that was the aim.

Many a time before a Fairport tour have I looked on Ebay and nearly bought one.... never plucked up the courage though!

Last Night at Leeds was fabulous!!!

I don't think I've ever heard PJ Wright before, and to be honest didn't have too high hopes...but I found my foot tapping along and that was definately a good sign!! Really enjoyed his set.

Fairport were fantastic, although the crowd were a bit sedate i thought, which made me less likely to jig around in my seat to enjoy it a bit more...
still, was fabulous!! A brillinat mix of new songs and old classics, with a few thrown in that I hadn't heard before, which was a tremendous addition to a fabuloous night:)

It didn't hurt that Chris said happy birthday to me in the second half...I went very very very red!!

During the new song (can't recall it's name - its been a long day!) it did look as though Simon forgot the guitat part and his words, but he soon got back into it..

Have been listening to the new cd since thsi morning - on the coach journey and on my cd player when i can, and I love it!! it's got a fab mix of all the sings I know and love (with the exception of i think 2 that were new to me)

Overall, a fabulous experience, (and the perfect end to an otherwise terrible birthday) all eth guys were friendly and chatty as usual...

The shoes that chris were wearing are from Canada, and someone sent them over for him - thats what he said last night!

*goes to try adn figure out if she can make any other dates*

St Valentine's Day - Burnley.  :o

PJ Wright got the evening off to a great start - Very enjoyable, but sadly no slide guitar.

Well the reports of a rockier Fairport set aren't being exaggerated, I was very tempted to nip down the front and do a spot of moshing during sections of 'Tam Lin' & 'Already There'.  I wasn't sure if the nice people sat at the 'cabaret setting' tables would have been too happy though, and stage-diving was definitely out of the question……………… ;)

It seems that every time I see Fairport on the Winter Tour I say "I don't think I've seen them play better" and last nights gig at Burnley was no exception.  For me the sets were nicely balanced with the mix of old & new(er) songs and also in the variation in tempo throughout the evening.  The highlights for me were the afore mentioned 'Tam Lin' really rocking out, hearing 'Red & Gold' outside of the Cropredy environment for a change, and watching Mr Pegg play harmonics on his bass during one tune - you sometimes forget just what superb musicians the chaps are.

Simon even apologised for playing 'Matty'.  Don't get excited all you 'Matty' detractors, he just didn't think a song about adultery & murder was really suitable for St Valentine's Day, but as he said "it's on the list".

All in all it was a great night in Burnley (unless you're a Burnley football fan that is).  [;-)

Cheers
Dunc

Wey Hey....my turn tonight to see the boys at Southport, seems hard to believe that Cropredy was the last time I saw the full line up!
Saw the 'Acoustic' four in Radcliffe November, but it was not quite the same.  Was a bit fed up that would not be seeing Peggy on the Spring tour but when I read the news today re: Pegg and Peej I guess he opted not to do the 'acoustic' gigs because he had so much on with the duo thingy.  Ooh I am beginning to get excited.  Leaving work a bit earlier, yippee, hope to report back tomorrow with a review of the night....Mike C..guess you will be there tonight??  anyone else???

Bernie from Southport

Sorry, have I missed something?

Nothing to worry about Malcolm:

Whilst Gerry, Ric, Chris and Simon are doing an acoustic tour, Peggy and PJ will be doing their own little tour.  A bit of information can be found on the Fairport Convention official website where PJ has written a brief article called "From the van".

There is a report on the FC website from PJ on the road 'in the van' he mentions it in there.....

Seconded!

Not much to add from the above regarding the Southport gig tonight, although the gig was certainly the hottest ticket in town as I had to be squeezed in at the very back!!Set list was as described previously (As I recall) Good gig and the guys really seemed to be enjoying themselves. Our very own Bernie (Well I assume it was our one) had a dedication and a great time was had by all, by far the best I have seen Fairport Convention on tour for several years, great to hear old favourites dusted off and also a brand new song, what more could you want.  [;-) [;-)
Oh and I finally managed to pick up Joss's 'Festival Folk' book as well.  [;-)

Yes agree with you Dad Volt..excellent evening out....everyone on top form....missed the banter from Peggy though, thought he was  quiet on stage and did not get the crowd clapping like he usually does.....nice dedication for me...wow!!!.....

Did not see anyone resembling you at all, even weighing up the vertical to the horizontal, but did not see any person whatsoever with a fez stuck to their chest!!

Are you going to Blackpool???    Warrington????

Photgraphs at The Deco in Northampton

Before the RT gig the Deco announced that photography was not allowed

Given that FC appear to have invited people to take and share pictures and reviews of the Winter Tour I have just called the Deco to check to see what their policy is.

The lady that I spoke to was very pleasant (well, it's Northampton isn't it :D) and the bottom line is that the Deco seems to err on the side of caution and not allow photography as some performers prefer this to be the case.

If Simon, or anyone else, sees this  is there any chance of you mentioning to The Deco that you are OK with pictures being taken (if this is, indeed, the case)

Clearly, no-one wishes to cause offence or embarrasment and it's always good to have some pictures of the gigs.

Many thanks  ;)

Yes please it would be good to be able to take photos at the gigs without fear of being 'told off' by the usual jobsworths.. I had this at Chesterfield when a young usher ticked me off..  after the gig Chris L said he'd been trying to catch the lads eye to tell him it was ok for us to take piccies....

Mayhap you should drop a line to Martin Driver, who can check it out with the band.

Good point Andy...

The Deco could not have been more reasonable in their explanation, and I am sure that a nod from the right quarter will settle the matter

I will speak to Rob Braviner, perhaps he can have a quiet word with people at the Deco. 

What an all round good bloke !

Just home from a really FAB night at The Winding Wheel in Chesterfield...  band well on form.. wonderful  night...  maybe more later.. need to sleep now...  No photos.. Chris Bates was there taking them for us ;D

Good man! That'll get you a pint at Croppers!

The Stables apparently charges £200 for photography even WITH the band's permission!

Carolyn

That's disgraceful.. how on earth can they justify that??

I suppose people go to hear modern jazz and can afford that! (Johnny Dankworth & his missus own the place and it is ever so posh). Some of them probably wear suits ;D

Ch***t, imagine sitting in a suit listening to FC.

I can assure you I shan't be wearng one to St Alban's tonight

Malcolm

They can't.

Bleedin money grabbers!

well I was quite happy to miss seeing the chaps this tour (for the first time in years) as i thought it would be a bit more of the same. But based on all the reviews I must get to one gig this tour !! Anyone going to Warrington?? I'll be trying to book a ticket tomorrow.

See you there. Bernie?

St Albans on Friday night was great (apart from the bar having no real ale, nor much else by the look of it).

The chaps always get a good reception at St Albans and they responded in kind. The set list is actually a lot more exciting listening to it that just reading it on the board. Tam Lin worked well, Banks of the Sweet Primroses (not an easy song to sing and accompany at the same time), Summer in December (can't recall hearing that since the Jewel in the Crown tour), Red and Gold (likewise on a tour since its album debut, can it really be 18 years ago?)

The lights gleamed on Peggy's new Crafter bass - seemed to need tuning up more than his blue one, but I am not a bass player and it may have been new strings? Didn't get a chance to talk to him afterwards or would have asked.

Everyone seemed in good fettle and enjoying themselves.

Anyone in two minds about going, don't delay - buy today.

Malcolm

Another good night in Norwich last night, although it nearly didn't get started. The council have put in a trip sensor in the building and the band kept tripping the switch even with a moderate amount of noise. So everyone nearly got their money back. That would have been a disaster for the band, the audience and future of the venue. But after assertive negotiations common sense prevailed and we all got in to see a show that was superb.
PJ started the night of really well, his humour and guitar playing are always impressive and the songs he writes reflect both of those talents.
The gig just flowed into FC and what a good night it was. Plenty to take your memories back over the years and new stuff to show the band still writes and rocks. Norwich audiences in that venue can be a little subdued but the warmth and enjoyment from the band got things going. All the songs and tunes had the same impact as mentioned earlier in this thread. A great night was had by all.

 :) Alan

The band have always made it clear that they are happy for us to take photos during the show. If you intend to do so, just speak to the venue management well in advance of curtains-up, and explain that you know this to be so, and ask them to check with the band. This they inevitably do, and I've rarely had a problem.

The Stables is just money grabbing - they even run a raffle! As if they really need to earn that couple of extra quid, with their inflated ticket prices! However, legally I guess they're on firm ground - it's their venue & they can do & charge what they want to.....

I wonder whether the management are happy that they're getting a money-grabbing reputation though?....

I'm hoping to get to Warrington - can anyone explain how far the Parr Hall is from Bank Quay railwayt station? And whether there's anywhere recommended to stay close to the venue?

The Parr Hall is only a short walk from Bank Quay, in Palmyra Square   (see here (http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=360500.824290758&Y=388000.844491621&width=500&height=300&gride=360412.824290758&gridn=388001.844491621&srec=0&coordsys=gb&db=GB&addr1=&addr2=palmyra+square&addr3=warrington&pc=WA1+1BL+&advanced=true&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&keepicon=true&zm=0&scale=10000&left.x=7&left.y=93)).

There used to be a hotel across the road from the station, but that was when we lived there in the early 70's, but I expect its gone now! This one I found on the internet is very close http://www.4hotels.co.uk/uk/warrington21490.html. If you find one and want to know how near it is give me a shout.

Sandra

What's wrong with wearing a suit, Malcolm? They can be very nice.

THanks SAndra - that'll do *very* nicely.....see some of you there!

Just seen David Hughes walking down the quay. He's had a phone call half an hour ago from Peggy. Fairport are on their way from Norwich? to Canterbury. They're going to stop off at our local for lunch.

Now there's a thing. I better polish my boots.  ;D

I think they might rather that you spent your time looking for some nice soft cushions to relieve their 'van-b*m syndrome' Cocker ;D ;D

Mic

They don't want cushions, Mix! They're a rock band!  ;D

Ok... nice hard rubber rings then ;D ;D ;D

Mic

Here's one I took recently....

[attachment deleted by admin]

Chris, you've made Mic swoon! ;D

How did you know :o :o
Fantastic photo Chris!!!  You can even see the individual hairs of his eyebrows shining in the light :)

Ooh, I'm going again.......Crash!!!!

The manly stubble, the firm jaw.......

Mic? MIC?.......  ::)

I never thought of eyebrows as an erogenous zone, but hey, what do I know? ::) ::)

Whatever gets you through the night 8)

Gower Flower ;)

Really great snap and rare, because Ric hasn't spotted you, so isn't acting the fool.

Any more where that came from Chris??

Yes, Jen....look in the sleeve notes of 'Off The Desk', there is a similar, equally swoony one of Ric in there ::)

Manly stubble!!! I deliberately didn't refer to that, because it sends me all of a doodah......crash!!!

Oh yes I've seen those.. all signed the other night!!

Ladies!!! For goodness sake. Any more and you'll have us all thinking they are just s*x symbols to you.

As promised I spoke with Rob Braviner, this is what he had to say.
At all gigs he (Brav) has much the same conversation with the respective F.O H. managers. He always explains that the band have no problem with audience members taking photos during the performance. At the majority of venues that is enough and there is no problem, however if the venue has a strict NO PHOTOGRAPHY policy, there is little he can do to convince them to change their policy for the night the Fairports come to town.
Brav went on to explain it this way  "When the Fairports visit a theatre, they are guests of that theatre, therefore they are obliged to abide by the house rules, much the same way as we would do when visiting a friends house."

To summarise, on the night Brav will speak to the F.O.H. manager at the Deco, he will explain that Fairport don't have issues regarding audience photography but at the end of the day, if the venue says no, that's it I'm afraid. It's their house, they make the rules.

Nothing much to add really, one or two board members have aired their views as to the rights and wrongs, but whether we agree or not, at the end of the day it's their call and we as guests will have to abide by their decision.

Fair enough Martin, if their policy was indeed No Photos, but £200 for the privilege is just a wee bit over the top, especially when none of that goes to the band.

Andy I think we have our lines crossed, I was answering a question posed last week about photography at the Deco in Northampton.

I believe you are referring to the policy of charging for the privilege at the Stables. The Stables are by no means unique, I don't know enough about the subject to attempt an explanation but I it is reasonably common for theatres etc. to charge for photography and/or recording of a performance. It's possibly a copyright issue ?

Whoops, sorry.

Carry On, Sgt Major!

After soundcheck in Canterbury last night, Angela's son Dennis went on stage to meet Ric and Chris, he also got to play a fiddle duet with Ric.



[attachment deleted by admin]

That boy will be in Fairport in 2015!

Martin...

Thanks for asking on my\our behalf - and thanks to RobB for taking this on as well.

It never hurts to ask... even if you don't always get the answer that you want. While it may be disappointing, it is better to have it cleared up before causing embarrasment to all concerned (which would just spoil the evening).

All the very best....

Well done Dennis!!! ;D ;D

Catch his eye? Blimey...I remember them stopping in the middle of a song a few years back to stop a couple of ushers hassling someone trying to take a photo  :)

Many, many thanks Martin, Chris and Ric,  Sorry I've taken so long to write this, but its been one of those days, first day back at work after the half-term etc.  Dennis is still flying high above this universe, and I'm not far behind. will write a full review tomorrow.....promise

Wow! Wow! Wow!! What a night…where do I begin?

Review of the show first, although I cannot add a great deal to what has already been said Absolutely incredible, anyone still thinking about buying tickets, stop thinking and buy them!  ;D Tam Lin was awesome; I really do hope that a recording of it appears at some time, and the new song Edge of the World was captivating from the very first notes.  A truly brilliant performance by all the chaps, Simon and Peggy in great form dancing and leaping about the stage. I almost caught the moment on film but as I was taking photos without flash most of them came out blurry, though there are a couple of good ones that I shall have yet another attempt at posting later when I have more time. Brilliant rapport with the audience, someone even proposed marriage which was relayed by Simon. Happily the answer was yes! ;D

I do not think I can put down in words the enormous impact that the chaps, especially Ric and Chris, with the help of Martin Driver, have had on Dennis.  He is absolutely over the moon, and I know it shall be a very long time before he comes down again! :o It was a great privilege to watch the sound check, and then the great moment when Ric called Dennis up on stage and they performed their duet together; The Trumpet Hornpipe (Captain Pugwash to me!) and PJ played along with them. Both Ric and Chris were extremely encouraging to Dennis, which I know will keep him motivated for a very long time. Just wish I could have captured the moment on video.  It was a night that shall be blissfully remembered for many years.  I’m sure that Dennis shall be telling the story to his grandchildren!!

Again, thanks Chaps and Martin :-* :-* :-*
 

What a lovely review, Angela!

Young Dennis is clearly ONE TO WATCH ;D

Gower Flower {:-)

Well I tried again to display the photos, and though I got further than other attempts, this time i was informed that the file was too big. I don't know how to make photo's smaller And I don't have any photo software. :'(

Also...I don't believe this.. someone trying to sell Wintour '06 flyers on ebay...for a fiver!!!! Just goes to show.......are they really worth more without the signatures!! ;) ;D ::)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FAIRPORT-CONVENTION-UK-Concert-Tour-2006-HANDBILL-FLYER_W0QQitemZ7592146743QQcategoryZ90838QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

  photo taken by Angela at Canterbury

[attachment deleted by admin]

Hi All,
I don't post much but read a lot, but just thought I'd say how much
me and my brother enjoyed the Croydon concert tonight.
We were lucky of course to get both PJ and the Rainbow Chasers
which was a real bonus.
Not too much to add to what's been said before, Tam Lin was certainly
a highlight with a great guitar sound from Simon it sounded very
fresh again. Some powerful drumming from Jerry on Summer in December.
Just a couple of things that stood out for me from a great evening,
Good to hear such a wide mix of material from so many different eras,
everyone seemed to have a great evening on stage and in the audience.

I'd not seen the Rainbow Chasers before but I've never been disappointed
in anything that Ashley has worked on and they were no exception.
I was tempted by their performance to make a purchase in the interval
and mentioned to Ashley who was sitting by the stand how much I'd
enjoyed the Radio 2 awards reunion and he began to tell me about
tonights Newsnight, he was surprised I knew all about it. I had to explain
if you lurk around in the background on this board you can't help but be
well informed, so I'd set my recorder to record yet another edition of
Newsnight ( third time lucky ) before heading off to the gig so I'm off
to watch it back now.

Bryan

Very quickly, because it's so late in the tour that I'm sure that it's all been said before:

Croydon last night was a really good show:

PJ was ace (love the new last verse to "LJE") but short by necessity.

Hadn't heard the Rainbow Chasers before - after one number I said to a friend "that bugger Hutchings has done it again!" Where does he find these talented youngsters, who so obviously share his vision,  all the time?

The Chaps were on cracking form, as they seem to have been (from comments here) all tour. It was great to be able to welcome back, after short absences, Peggy and Matty (emerging from the Swirling Pit  ;D),  and after a somewhat longer absence IMHO the "rock" part of the "folk-rock" equation. They really did rock last night.

Roll on August please

Here are another couple of pics from Canterbury Angela wishes to share with you all.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Just got back from the Sage, missed my last bus and had to wait in the rain for 40 mins for a taxi....anyway, the show was great.  I had a dedication but was backstage so I misseed it! Typical.  Was good fun though.  Met Chris, recognised him in the dark.  And was the only one to cheer any mention of Northamptonshire/Banbury (apart from mentions of Cropredy of course).  Anyway am sleepy and doing a quiz to find out what type of film should be based on my life...an indie flick apparently.

Bye El x

Yes, but well done Ellie for going. What's wrong with a bit of initiative and independence? - wait for a late bus/taxi home? So what, what else would you have wanted? Staying at home watching "Casualty"? Does that really compare to some great live music, and real excitement, real art and expression??

Here's a couple from Weston-super-Mud.....more to come hopefully as I finally find time to sort them rather than take 'em! :-[

[attachment deleted by admin]

Well indeed!  I think I confused myself the other night - I was working at the Sage and they usually provide taxis if you are working past a certain time, but as I was working for a different department so I didn't get one.  And the Chris I met was the Chris above with all the lovely photos.
El

Monday morning....Reflecting on Saturday evening at the Sage.  Drove 268 miles from a lovely sunny Aberdeenshire arrived in a bloody freezing Newcastle, hotel hosting three stag parties on Saturday night, one hours sleep then drove home.  Was it worth it?  Every single second!!!  What a show, what a venue.   Well done guys, well done staff at the Sage. ;D ;D ;D

Hello Tony and ?Michelle from Aberdeen , we were the two people from Carlisle sitting next to you! I agree it was a great gig, really lived up to all of the reviews so far. My daughter is just so mad that shw could not get a ticket for Nothampton 'cause she left it too late.  Will look out for you both at Northern Fairport gigs in the future......Anne and Bob

A couple from last night at the Deco in Northampton:



[attachment deleted by admin]

GC hiding in there somewhere...


[attachment deleted by admin]

Any chance of a review of the Deco gig Nuts. Can we also have a report on the days events/gathering, who won the golf etc. (as if anyone cares about such a silly game)   ::)

DP in Bass mode....



[attachment deleted by admin]

DP in Mando mode (with CL)



[attachment deleted by admin]

CL....



[attachment deleted by admin]

RS and CL..



[attachment deleted by admin]

RS..



[attachment deleted by admin]

PJ Wright..



[attachment deleted by admin]

Great pics Nuts, thanks for sharing them with us

PJW ans RS...



[attachment deleted by admin]

Hopefully there is something there to please everybody, and thank you to The Deco and Rob Braviner for allowing us snappers to grab a few shots as momentos of another great night of music.

In recent weeks we have had RT and Fairport playing and I hope that the Deco will build upon this - a smashing venue right in the middle of town, next to a car park and not far from the train station.... all power to the Deco !

The golf... see the Corporation Arms for both sides of the story. Honours even I would say but a return is being considered but maybe a foursome would be good - any more golfers out there ?

As for meet-ups, I think having the gig on a Monday made it difficult for people travelling but variously we had Skirky, Folkie & young chap, Ulla, SoN and myself there for the main event.

I am biased, I think PJ Wright is terrific in any incarnation and he was on form last night. Seeing Messrs Fletcher and Turner in the bar I skipped a beat to think that PJ may have been joined up on stage for a tune or two but it was not to be, but that is just being greedy  ;D

As reported on previous reviews, FC joined PJ for Lily of Barbary - as usual, a seamless and sympathetic flow from support to 'main event'

Fairport were their usual masterful self...quite correctly the award for Liege and Lief was mentioned and accompanied with Tam Lin and Crazy Man Michael. Who Knows was introduced with a reminiscence by Simon of meeting Sandy and with a request that she should be let into the room we were treated to a fine rendition of this classic.

As ever there were fret board fireworks from Ric and Chris and not to be outdone Peggy showed nimble fingers on bass and mando alike.

Gerry , as ever, was hiding behind the kit but boy, you knew he was there all right  ;D

Another class night.... for anyone who has seen them - you will know what I mean; for anyone who has yet to see them - you are in for a treat.

More pictures from last night can be seen at http://homepage.mac.com/stuartvincent/PhotoAlbum7.html if you still want more !  ;)

Great piccies Nuts!!!

 ;D ;D

"Tiger" Nuthouse (the chocolate Godfather himself) seems to covered pretty much all the bases ther - If I were to venture any further comment, it would be to echo something said about an earlier date in that everyone in the band seemed to be concentrating very, very hard - I'm not reading anything into it, but it wasn't exactly a party going on on stage. And I would say that whenever I've seen Simon introduce WKWTTG live, his comments are always very moving - it's easy to forget that these names from biographies and rock family trees were people's friends, bandmates and companions. He did rightly look and sound rather proud of L&L's recent recognition too. Great sound, great playing, and certainly one of the few bands where something that hasn't been signed after the gig is likely to be rarer than something autographed  ;)   Picked up a copy of the new live CD for the journey home - very nice souvenir, and does this mean that Talking Elephant won't be releasing OTNH with a couple of live tracks nailed on the end and calling it something different shortly?  ::) Also a very informative list of "Who we've booked for Cropredy so far" pinned up behind the merch stall.... Would I change anything (not that it's any of my bloody business, mind)? Dig out a Rickenbacker from storage somewhere Norm, and it was nice having a lead guitarist on stage at the end there too. I'm just saying. Oh, and the programme was a hearty read once I got home - nice work.

Oh well, no review from Weston - Super - Mare yet so here goes......

It was very good!  (but the wind was cold, the sea was grey, the rain was wet etc...) the band were great, not so keen on PJ but that might have had something to do with the bloke sitting next to me, letting rip every 20 seconds. Horrible it was. Probably had a draught bass intolerance!

We moved seats (not sold out???!!!!!!??) after a while. PJ sounded better,and the air was more breathable!

Otherwise, a very enjoyable evening, as always.

 ;D Just back from Worthing and a few thoughts. I was ready to be critical as I am aware of a certain bias on my part towards all things fairportly ... but ...what can say but "flippin' fantastic!"
A flurry of snow greeted our arrival by the sea, a staffy pup on the beach was trying to catch it all but we still arrived encrusted. Met a few familiar faces - I apologise to anyone I didn't recognise. Almost persuaded an old friend to bring his tipi to Croppers. And settled down into the front row.

P J Wright seemed a bit unsure at first but I felt soon settled into his stride - first time I've heard him solo and I enjoyed it a great deal(the wind was all outside!). His CD will go on my birthday list.

Fairport played a fabulous set! At each song introduced I thought "great, fantastic!" and it was (- I had deliberately avoided set lists before hand as I don't like to know how far through we are!)
It seemed to me as if all on stage were having a good time - jokes seemed to passing between the chaps as of old. Peggy looked leaner and had a uncharacteristic bottle of water. Also great to hear Simon's rendition of Tam Lin. After the recent discussions on guitarists I was watching his style - seemed bl**dy brilliant to me! Gerry drummed up a storm - I particularly love Western wind. I really regretted not having my camera with me for one of the fiddle duets - I'll check the set list for the song (yes - I had the gall to ask for a set list, which was duly signed). Mr Tarda particularly liked Chris's new number "edge of the world" - me, I'm blown away by the whole thing. And Ric ...

Thanks to all the band for signing the set list and particularly to Chris for his mandolin encouragement - cost me a bit over the past year that has!

And so to bed.  ^-^

Well said Tarda, am also just back from Worthing, saw you there, (behind you in the signing queue)
 Gig was unutterably fabulous. Words fail me... :)

Nice to see you at Worthing last night Tarda! - you too Steve (from Horsham).  ;)

The Boys were in 'Fine Fettle' although Peggy did seem a bit subdued on stage (chatted with him later and he did seem some what knackered!).

A great set list - with more earlier stuff than usual perhaps - Sir Patrick / Tam Lim / Who Knows ...or was it me, or were the Band in reflective mode after the BBC Awards?

Chris's new one was different - 'Edge of the World' almost 'bluesy' dying to hear it again (any bootleggers out there last night?)

Unfortunately - I took my wife Jane for the first time to a Fairport gig .... and now she's fallen in love with not just Ric .. but Chris too! She said they just came up to her and started chatting to her. She says they are such nice people  - no egos or anything! (Where on earth did she get that impression of the Band?)

Bought the new 'Off the Desk' CD and sent her round to all to get it signed! So we all had a great evenings music!

p.s. Hope she doesn't get any ideas of coming to Croppers as that would really messup the boys weekend away!  [;-)

A great concert in Worthing last night, with everyone in fine form. In fact, I thought it was one of the best theatre concerts from FC that I've seen in recent years.  Full of vitality. 

Simon was in fine voice and good humour.  And Chris seems to have really found his place in the band nowadays, singing with confidence and adding so much to the new material.  All together I thought they looked more relaxed and together than I've seen for quite a while, with some really tight playing.

The choice of material provided a really well-balanced evening, and I sensed they were enjoying playing, with renewed interest.  Yes, they're always good, I know, but I felt they'd cranked it up a notch or two on the coordination front, playing with renewed vigour.  (Like it was 'live' and 'now', man...)   

Overall I thought they all - Ric, Simon, Dave, Chris, Gerry - were one hell of a unit last night, and much more than the sum of the parts.  Fully functioning.     

The sound was also great - particularly clear and well balanced.  Rob does a great job.

Wasn't Peggy there? :o

I was there too (Worthing), and enjoyed it a lot. Except the snow on the way there  :-\

Not much to add to previous reports, except to say Peggy looked to be fitting in again.

The highlight for me was Simon's WKWTTG. Splendid stuff.

The sound was better than before too. Have they got some new gear?

Nice to meet you Jeff. Spotted Tarda in the distance too (I was at the back, booked at the last minute...)

A fantastic night at Newark..  all on great form and lots of friends there to meet too...

... just a pity my husband sent his messenger over to haul me away mid-chat >:( >:(

That was because he did a jam session with Clive Bunker till late (or early in the morning)  ;)

DOH  :-[ :-[

Funny.  I thought the sound was much better when I saw them at Preston Charter Theatre (with the fire alarm evacuation half way through!) than it was when I saw their latest tour at Blackpool last weekend.  To me, the vocals got a bit buried in the mix and the PAN settings were not quite right to resemble the on-stage layout.  Might have been where I was sat (front row upper circle) but the Grand is very good acoustically so it shouldn't be hard to make the sound good from any position.

Having said that, the sound on the 'Off The Desk' CD is superb (as are the performances).  I love the material on the CD as well and much prefer listening to that than hearing the band perform classics like 'Matty Groves' and WKWTTG which are so indelibly associated with Sandy Denny.  The show I saw wasn't Fairport at their absolute best anyway, but I thought the Liege and Lief classics were (in performance terms) the weak points of the show, whilst some of the newer songs (particularly those from the brilliant 'Over The Next Hill') came off well.

Picking up on somebody else's comments about Chris Leslie settling into the band, I actually think his vocals are much better than Simon's at the moment and I would have liked to have heard more of him in the gig I saw.  He is a brilliant musician (as is SN of course) and I think the band could make even more effective use of his considerable talents.

Matt.

I think you have incorrect expectations over Matty and WKWTTG. Sandy's gone, has been for years and the band have a perfect right to play those and others from their past repertoire.

I think Norms vocals are quite superb and that he is the glue that sticks their sound together.

Chris' vocals are great, but usually lighter. His musicianship and writing is a superb addition to the band.

Please don't think I am suggesting they shouldn't play those songs - of course they have the right and, whilst the Sandy Denny period was, for me, Fairport at their very best, I think its all too easy to forget what a short period it was in relation to the history of the band.

Neither is it my intention to belittle or criticise SN's immeasurable contribution to the band.  After all, he is one of the longest serving members and is a fantastic musician in his own right.  I'm merely stating my personal opinion about the most recent performance I saw - I do not harbour the misapprehension that anyone shares my opinion.  I'm just very fortunate to be in the middle of a run of excellent concerts - a brilliant set by Richard Thompson in Blackpool on 6th Feb; stunning performances by Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk as the Acoustic Strawbs at Morecambe Platform on 8th Feb; a brilliant concert by Maddy Prior + Carnival Band in Preston before Christmas etc. - and I enjoyed the FC gig the least out of all of them, whereas last time I saw them I thought they were absolutely spectacular (Preston, probably 2004 but correct me if I am wrong).  Lots to look forward to as well - Tull tomorrow night, Electriic Strawbs in Sheffield and Penrith in June, John Lees' Barclay James Harvest at Manchester and Leeds in November, and The Moody Blues in October, with rumours of Steeleye playing Preston towards the end of the year as well.

Neither am I belittling the hard work, committment and long term contribution Fairport Convention has made in its long history.  They are a national treasure.

I share some of your views Matthew. I was at the St Albans performance a couple of weeks ago, and although it was an enjoyable evening it wasn't the best Fairport night of recent years. For instance Simon's performance of WKWTTG was somewhat strained, and Chris's of I'm Already There seemed to be just a run through with little variation in the singing. There wasn't much repartee between the band, which I put down to the banks of empty seats in front of them. As I said, a good night but not a classic.

Cannock, last night.
Fairport were on fire, rocking, and as far as I could tell, happy as a pig in muck. 
I saw them in Cambridge and I thought they were great.... to my ears, last night they were even better!!!
and...
YAY!!!! Matty's back!!!! ;D ;D

Mic

Agreed. Best gig I've seen 'em do for a while. Loved the new arrangement of "Tam Lin," the key changes to facilitate Simon and Chris' vocals added even more drama to it  :)

I admit to never having seen Sandy sing with FC  :'( but for me WKWTTG has a life all of its own when I hear her sing it. And if you don't agree then just listen to Many Ears to Please to see what I mean. Simon sings the song extremely well but for me its Sandys song and she just lifts it to a different level for me. Apologies Simon if you read this.

As for Matty I was very happy not to hear it on the acoustic tour last year (for the first time in ages). I thought it needed a rest and a longer one than it seems to have been given. 

Here's a couple of photos from Warrington....

[attachment deleted by admin]

And a couple more to be going on with.....

[attachment deleted by admin]

And a couple to finish of with - smaller to save space!

[attachment deleted by admin]

Lovely photos Chris.  Chris Leslie one is really nice and Peggy ! ;D

Hear, hear!
Staffan

It was a superb night in Oxford last night and a stonking end to what has been a superb tour. ;D  Everybody was on superb form - including poor PJ who went down with the lurgy three days ago but still managed to deliver a great set.  Thank you to everybody on the tour for their hard work, efforts and for entertaining me every time I saw the show.  I will never tire of "Sir Patrick Spens" or "Rocky Road". ;D

It was also great to see so many Talkawhile members there and in Far From The Madding Crowd before the show too.  Bentley Ben says "hello" to you all as well.  He's lucky today: he's fast-asleep at home now whilst I am struggling to stay awake at work.

Now what am I going to do until the Acoustic tour starts? ???

Listen to "Off The Desk"?

It has to be said that I did not know what to expect last night, as there have been mixed reviews, but in the end it was one of the best sets I have ever seen Fairport do.

WKWTTG was particularly wonderful, even though it did leave me in tears. It was great to hear the songs from Liege and Leif, and even quite nice to have Matty back when attacked with the vigour with which it was last night.

A fitting last night to the tour, I would have thought, in just about the right size theatre that was packed out.

Nice to see so many Talkawhilers. Shame the traffic delayed Adrian and Mic and prevented them from getting to the pub.

Sandra

Nothing really that I can add to what's been said already about last night, other than to agree that it was fantastic ;D
It was great to see the Talkawhile crew :) and a great shame that roadworks/solid traffic stopped Adrian and I fron getting to the pub beforehand.   (you've never seen anyone elbow their way through to the bar in the interval, like I did last night... girl with a mission! ;))

mic

Just to say I thought last night was fantastic, highlights for me were Red and Gold and Matty.  The sound in the Playhouse I thought was very good indeed.  I was sat two rows behind Frank Skinner!  He seemed to be enjoying it all.

Lovely to meet Mix ,Paul , Adrian,Martin Driver (who I got mixed up with someone else :-[)  and lovely to see Sandy, Nick, Fi and Tony, again.

Thanks to Suzanne and her Mum who let me tag  along with them (Talkawhilers are such nice people.)

One thing I didn't get a picture of last night were the stage crew (who have also been brilliant) waving flags at regular intervals.  Oh and Frances' wonderful pink hair for the night which certainly attracted people to the merchandise.

Simon missed the final verse of "Crazy Man Michael".  He nearly solved it by starting "Rocky Road" with the final verse of "Crazy Man Michael".  "Tam Lin" nearly blew my eardrums out (that's what sitting next to a speaker does) and Gerry walloped that cymbal like mad.

Sian: it was a pleasure to have you along for the evening; I hope the family aren't too dysfunctional for you.  It makes a gig so much nicer when so many friends meet up and there was a great group last night which was fabulous. 

Meanwhile: I shall resort to exhausting my copy of "Of The Desk" and start sorting out pictures from the tour.  And start counting down the days to Nettlebed on 15 May (I can't wait *that* long :o ) and an acoustic evening.

You can always take a couple of days off & head for Keswick on Monday March 20.....

And no pix of Tommy Cooper yet?....mine are still on the camera!:-)

Not much to add to the reviews of last night that hasn't already been said - but to congratulate the lads (both musos & crew) for what I can only describe as the best Wintour for at least 5 years. They got the mix of the music spot on, I reckon. And off the desk broke records, I would think....

There are 11 of my pictures now in my Talkawhile gallery.  Please note (and admire) Bentley Ben's rather spectacular new head gear. ;D  Many thanks to Mix for the instructions and to my mum for actually assembling it (I just provided the materials and the bear).

^{For the record: it is Bentley Ben's very own Talkawhile fez and has nothing to do with Tommy Cooper (in spite of what a certain red-shoed fiddler thought).} :P

Thank you Suzanne  :-*
The photos are brilliant.

I especially like the line-up shot....

Just finished sorting mine.....

[attachment deleted by admin]

And l final three - two boardsters in the final one - I think they enjoyed it!

[attachment deleted by admin]

Great picture of Tony and Martin  ;D

Issy {:-)

    And no sign of a shotgun!

Shotguns haven't been invented yet - I use a matchlock musket  ;)

Terrific pics Chris. Especially the line-up shot. And the solo pic of Chris. And of Peggy. Oh and all of them really ::)  Thanks!

Gower Flower

Sorry to be late with this review of the Warrington gig 2nd March, but I flew to the States 10:00am next day and I'm only just back. Oh, the jet lag...

Enjoyed PJ - looking forward to his slot at Cropredy.

Now to the lads - have to admit to being a bit concerned about the lack of interaction between band members. This was my hubby Mike's 3rd FC gig and he noticed it immediately :( Didn't help that the 1st time he saw them they were exceptional (at the 100 Club in London 2004 which is a top venue with space to dance & jig to your hearts content - and we did!) but there was very little of the usual banter. Peggy looked almost miserable at times (OK I know he's had problems recently, but according to the programme his life's on the up) and Simon seemed, well, just a bit short-tempered >:( That said, Chris and Ric were superb and totally saved the day for me (love the new song, Chris). The two appear so comfortable playing together and their two-fiddle duets are a joy. Plus of course GC who is a brilliant drummer and should be on a little hydraulic revolving stage, with flashing lights, just like Carl Palmer... er, on second thoughts maybe that's not his style!

Can't remember the full set list (I believe it's been posted elsewhere anyway) but Crazy Man Michael stood out for me, as well as Red & Gold & WKWTTG, I'm Already There (goosebumps!), Chris's new song, Tam Lin (bl00dy brilliant) and Anything Ric Does. Good to see the old intro to Matty is back - brought a nice smile to Peggy's face  :D

Sorry if any of this sounds a bit negative. I really enjoyed the gig and can't wait for Croppers (only 142 days!!). Oh, and the beer was cheap at Parr Hall. And the new album is great. And Chris needs a haircut...

err?  no! he doesn't....his hair is lovely :) :)
 mic

Too right Mic...

No he doesn't!!!

;D ;D

Oh yes he does. 

Bring back the short-back-and-sides-besuited toff.   [;-)

Peel

Oh no he doesn't.

argument room ... now!

im with owd Bob on this one
get it off, its unseemly in a man of his advanced years

Personally, I think that Steve Knightley's is far better.  More .... bouffant.

RUBBISH!!!

yes it is isnt it

Leave it out Sir Bob.. old git...

Errr...well it could do with a trim........

Gower Flower (on the fence  :-\)

Naa get it permed like ole Kevin Keegan's was...

Definitely nicer short  ;)

Pah!!!!! some people clearly aren't up to date 'style-wise' ::)
mic

He appeared at St Mary's Church, Banbury a couple of years ago with it short and there were mutterings among the waiting audience of "Who's that carrying a violin case?"

Keep it, I say.  We'll know who he is then.

Carolyn

  Oh bloody hell.............now look what you've done! 

    I hope you've got plenty of space for the worms from all those open cans    >:( ;)