TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Kicks off on Friday...

Lots of gigs all over the country..

Tix still available for the Papplewick gig near Nottingham..  as organised by Farnsfield Acoustic.

IM me for details....

We're going to see them in Morecambe on Friday.

Does anyone know if there's a support act on the tour?

I thought they only had a support act for the winter tour. But someone will be along in a minute and put me right. ::)

They've already done one acoustic gig (not on the gig list on the website) in Maidenhead, and there was support in the form of PJ Wright. However, this was an accident, as only half the band were there (as mentioned in the thread Chris started about that particularly unusual and brilliant gig!) So my guess would be: no support, but hopefully four members of Fairport!

There won't be a support at the Papplewick gig.. there usually isn't on the Acoustic tours.

7 days to go to the Perth gig at the Famous Bein Inn - and my little adventure.  CAN'T WAIT!!  {:-)

Having only seen them at Cropredy, will there be a requests section like RT does on his acoustic dates?

We'd love to hear Rosie (in case SN is reading this!).

No support at the Robin2 gig. 2x1 hour show with interval.

Booked for Glasgow.  Woo Hoo!!! ;D

ColinB, there isn't usually a requests section, but after Cropredy this year well - anything could happen!!

Not usually, but it's happened before. I seem to remember the full line-up at Stratford Civic Hall 7 or 8 years ago when there was much looking at watches and a discussion as to whether a particular request was for Simon's or Sandy's "Deserter". Part of the appeal of live music, I guess.

Just back from the Morecambe gig and a great set it was too. Support came from Tiny Tin Lady who joined in at the end for Meet on the Ledge and the main singer (Beth?) sang some of Who Knows Where The Time Goes.

Afraid I'm not good at remembering song titles but they did Genesis Hall, a couple of Morris toons, a Hot Club number and songs about camper vans, fossils and lighthouses.

More tomorrow. I'm off to bed.

Here's an odd thing from last night's gig. Not long into their set Simon was talking about 1968 and said they were going to play a Richard Thompson song from their second album. So I was trying to remember what other RT songs were on Holidays apart from Ledge. But then they played Genesis Hall.

It's one of those moments when you're sitting there thinking your memory is playing tricks on you... "I'm sure this song isn't from their second album and Unhalfbricking was recorded released in 69 - oh well, never mind, just enjoy the music".  ???

Maybe he meant the second album Sandy Denny sang on or maybe his memory is playing tricks on him!

Some other song titles have come back to me - The Wood and The Wire, Canny Capers and Over The Next Hill.

We were sitting quite near the front and being a bit of a fiddle player myself I was watching Ric in action. He was playing some pretty amazing stuff, not just the solos but how he filled in at other times, including some nice use of delay.

Unfortunately I couldn't see much of Gerry as Simon blocked my view so I just saw his hands when he was playing the bongos and tambourine. Made me think of Thing from the Addams Family.  :)

Glad you enjoyed it, Colin. I grew up near Morecambe (well, in Lancaster, in fact), and when I saw the gig was on a Friday, I wondered about combining it with a visit to the relatives. But then I figured that even if I set off the moment work was finished, I might not get there on time.
Hope Anna manages her journey to Scotland and has a great time there.

It's been a busy year!

Unfortunately the acoustic line-up has never toured Scandinavia so I haven´t been able to catch up with them. ONBB is one of my fave 90`s albums so I think an acoustic FC could be an exciting live experience. Anna, I´ve been following your "Scottish Gig of The Year" planning so I look forward to a review and- especially- a set list. ;D

Actually, they have - and only about 4 years ago too. November-ish, I seem to remember, and I went around all three (four?) gigs.

unfortunatly i can't make the show in Witney....its 25quid a ticket.......sorry to say i just can't afford that much.......and i only live down the road. :(  



sorry! i'm just a working class lad.

That's very expensive!!

i don't know who decides the prices.....but i've seen acts at the wembly arena for less....

i wish i was lying-but heres the proof:

http://www.fatlils.co.uk/  

soz to sound like i'm moaning!

I have a ticket for the recital at Bury, Lancashire on Sunday, 21st October.  If anyone would like the ticket - no money or favours required in return - then send me an IM.

Be quick because I have offered it elsewhere! 

Sir Robert Peel

The Morecambe gig was only £15. We would have thought twice about going if it had been £25.

I suppose the venue has some say on ticket prices. Steve Howe at The Platform was also £15 and Capercaillie are charging the same for their November gig at the Dome, which looks like a Blue Peter version of the London Dome.

Maybe it's just a compensation for living up north, or should that be oop north (accents are difficult type!).  ;)

I guess it's the capacity, Ady - like the Beinn Inn - who are charging £30 - it probly holds less than 100.....and even the acoustic line-up have a fee.

you're right chris-i haven't been in there yet but it is fairly small......shame as i aint never seen them before.

(i know some of you will think-why did you join this forum then?-its because this is the only lively folk community i know-and i'm a bit of a loner when it comes to my love of folk in the real world)

Wrong!  ;D

I hadn't seen Fairport live when I joined this forum, even though I was familiar with their early albums.

In any case Ady, the people "in here" listen to lots of different artists, not only Fairport. There's that mob over in McTell Mansions, for a start... ;)

But perhaps we shouldn't mention them. :-X ::)

McTell! Who? What?

I saw Fairport for the first time approximately 7 months after I registered here:

http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=22017.msg269125#msg269125

There there Cocker, back to sleepnow, all this McTell talk was only a bad dream   ^-^ ^-^

Likewise. Cropredy this year was my first Fairport gig though I've been a fan of RT for quite a few years. So my 1st FC gig was seeing the old line-up play L&L.  :o

And I bought my first Steeleye Span cd recently after reading on this message board that Peter Sellers played on one of their songs. So now I know there's more to them than All Around My Hat.  :)

As far as the Witney gig goes £25 for Fc acoustic is a hugely expensive rate - someone, possibly Canny Capers, need to have a look at what gigs they allow to take place and what prices are being charged, otherwise the band themselves will run the risk of alienating their audience.

Jackdaw

....and why not?!  ??? :-\

Hmmm.....if a band ask for a certain fee, and the venue are willing to pay it, and therefore ask punters for silly money, so no punters show up, and the venue is hugely out of pocket because they made a pigs-ear of the booking - will that alienate punters? I'm not so sure.

It'll piss the band off, playing in front of a couple of punters & their dog, and maybe a guestlist, certainly.

tickets still available for St.Helens Citadel, tomorrow (Tuesday) night. £17.50.

Support from Tiny Tin Lady.

Doors 7.30.
TTl    8.00
FAC   9.00

It'll proabably alienate a few, because not everyone knows how the system works as you do, and will just see Fairport, 25 quid. AND the band could end up in the situation you describe - in which case no-one's a winner.

Um. Expletive Delighted ( http://www.fcfansite.fsnet.co.uk/ ) shows:

Fairport Convention's first album was "Fairport Convention". Released in 1968 and recorded in 1967. I particularly like "One Sure Thing" and "The Lobster".

"Unhalfbricking" was their second, released in January 1969, and recorded in 1968.

"What we did on our holidays" was their third, recorded and released in 1969.

It was a busy time almost 40 years ago. I think minor slips of memory or tongue are forgivable. Especially for those of us of advanced years.

Not it doesn't and that's wrong (sorry for being a pedant) It shows

"Fairport Convention" - June 1968
"WWDOOH" - Jan 1969
"Unhalfbricking" - July 1969

Well that's odd. I always thought What We Did was no 2 and Unhalfbricking No 3.

Just goes to show....... ::)

I sit corrected. My apologies. I seem to have reached the state where I can't remember a few facts from one web page to another. Short term memory failure! Have mercy on an old man! Who am I anyway?

It's all right dear. Your name is Adrian and you're perfectly safe here.

Sit down and have a cup of tea. You'll remember everything in a minute....

Stuff it!!  If there are tickets left I might as well go.

The Bein Inn gig on Monday evening was superb.  I see there's been quite a bit of comment on the ticket pricing &, at £30 a pop, the Bein Inn is probably the highest ticket price on the tour but it was worth it!

The price was undoubtedly down to the venue which is very small (holding roughly 60 - 70 people).  It was like having Fairport playing in your front room - well maybe a bit bigger but not much!  It was extreme close up on the band who responded to the intimate atmosphere by playing a blinder.  

Highlights were many - too many to mention although, having said that, I must single out Ric's Ellington/McCartney medley which was beautifully played.  Chris & Simon were in great voice & a splendid time was had by all.

Nice to meet Anna after her epic journey - Hope you've got yourself back home safely or did you just stowaway in the band's van after breakfast?!?

;)

Good gig.  Home safe.

I need to have words with Anji about that Alan Garner bloke though, there was a lot of weirdness in my head yesterday and it wasn't good.  Proper review later, when I've reconciled the download of the sum total of human misery with some level of reality.  Oh my.  I would advise anyone NOT to read four Alan Garners in four days.  I don't do things by halves, me.

Spoke to Simon last night and he said that the Perth gig was fab!!

Last night was pretty good too!  Only about 60 people in there (most of whom appeared to be TTL family and friends).

I even managed to stay in the room for some of TTL - which I think is progress.  

I have to admit that Beth was pretty good on WKWTTG (the first time I saw it - I boycotted myself from the wintour for that very reason).


The best thing about Alan Garner is that he writes wierd stories about REAL places.  When was the last time you visited Middle-earth?

Red Shift is a bit too wierd though!


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Weird is certainly the word!  And they're ALL Weird, Thursbitch, The Owl Service, Red Shift and Strandloper.  All WEIRD! And very disturbing to this unwitting psyche...  And I'm not visiting any of those places, I'll get stuck. Sucked in. Lost. See?  I'm off again...

I've written my review, but seeing as it's 8 pages long in Word I think I'd better strip it down a bit for the board...  It's more of a "What I Did On My Holidays" than a gig review...  Full text available on request... ::)

Big Dave phoned to say that he'll be at the gig tonight. He's still in plaster, but has resolved to make it.

Sign his cast if you see him!

Surely you can make it smaller than 8 pages.  And I don't mean by changing the font size!  


Not read Thursbitch or Strandloper. Have you read The Wierdstone of Brisingamen?  

Elidor is good too - that's set in City Centre Manchester.

I first read the Owl Service in a Youth Hostel in a tiny village near Corwen, aged about 15.  It was strangely like the place in the book!!!

You've got to tell us how you got on with the public transport in Perthshire or did you end up hitching? I can't imagine there's a very frequent bus service to and from the Inn.

The St Helens gig was a good one must admit, shame about the turnout though.

That's another 2 pages then!

You're right Breezestar, the quality of FC's playing was awesome, played with feeling.
Don't know how much the "enforced" change in venue had to do with turnout, maybe confused some people. Having said that it seems hard to get St Helens folk to shell out £17.50 for a midweek gig ::)
johnnysaint

I think that "Midweek" is probably an off-putter too.

You can attach word docs to a post, just like you can a photo....

Oooh, thanks Chris.  I've got it down to four pages (leaving out most of the angst).  I'll cut it down to just the gig and post that properly, then see about attaching the Word doc...  Hang on...

Bizarrely, the public transport that I used all went virtually perfectly to time (waiting 5 minutes for a bus is not unexpected).  Only one bus an hour from the hotel to Perth but that's not a problem either, so long as you know.

FAIRPORT ACOUSTIC CONVENTION AT THE BEIN INN, PERTHSHIRE

So, after travel and adventures…  I headed into the bar to find GS and his mate Lawrie just starting their first drinks.  We introduced ourselves to each other and started chatting about this and that, stuff, the weather, my walk, abandoned railways, Fairports old and new.  Lawrie ordered another round but they had to send someone down to the cellar for my bottle of Gaymers…  By the time the cider arrived the dining room of the hotel where the chaps are playing was absolutely heaving.  There aren’t three seats left together.  But I got landed with the seat right in front of Chris.  Oh!  What terrible fortune!  The hand of fate (or someone/thing) has obviously been guiding everyone else in the room to leave that end seat in the front row empty just for me…  Of course Chris spied my walking stick flute straight away and was suitably impressed.  It wouldn’t have been worth dragging it half the length of the country and back if he hadn’t been!

I could see most of Chris’s set list from where I was sitting.  Indeed, I could probably play one hand of his mandolin (badly) if he felt tired, the front row was that close to them.  Further along the row, other people were equally close to Gerry, Simon and Ric.  There’s no room for Gerry to be behind the others.  There seemed to be a lot of shoulders and elbows negotiating their way around cymbal stands – I don’t know how Simon could play at all, there really wasn’t enough room for him, let alone his guitar!  It really was just like having them in your front room!

I can’t remember the set list and am not cheeky enough to nick one.  But some highlights for me were Spring Song (tenuous Fairport link here – the de de de bit at the end is apparently called Rosemary’s something-or-other, and my middle name is Rosemary…  Anyway…).  Close to You was in there, which always takes me to Applecross in my mind’s eye.  Ric’s jazz interludes are gaining ground, I did enjoy Sophisticated Lady/Here There & Everywhere.  It’s amazing how much jazz Paul McCartney has written really…  And Hiring Fair/Summertime is always an absolute gem.  I think I’m going to have to hit another gig on this tour just to bootleg that.  It’s utterly mind-blowing and I can only aspire to play Summertime with such clarity and grace.  By watching Chris’ fingers I learned that there’s a triplet in Portmeirion that I never knew was there before.  If I got my head at just the right angle I could see what Chris was doing out of the corner of my eye and watch Ric at the other end at the same time.  That was educational too.  I could watch those two playing instrumentals all night!

All too soon the gig was over and it was out into the lobby for a last drink and general chatting and stuff.  As the chaps were staying in the hotel it was all more relaxed than the usual finish the gig, talk to the crowd, pack up the van, go to hotel somewhere else scenario.  I bought a Cropredy hoodie (I may have been deluding myself but I think they have come down in price since August) and got a round in.  When the crowd had thinned a little Chris sought me out and asked about the walking stick.  He was genuinely interested in it and complimented me on the tone.  As bamboo goes, it’s got a very nice tone, for which I’m grateful to the maker.  Chris said he’d just obtained a *something* which is a transverse flute style thing, and he was intrigued by the finding the hole and the blowing angle thing.  It is something that a lot of people find difficult.  I have my method, but he was saying he was being frustrated by not being able to just pick it up and blow and get all the angles right every time.  I find that difficult too and have to get ready to play a second before I’m actually going to start, otherwise it just doesn’t work.  I’m sure he’ll suss it before I do though.

After that GS and Lawrie and I sat on the sofas in front of the fire and were just having a general conversation about stuff, I forget what, I’d had four bottles of Gaymers by then…  Simon joined us for a while but after a few minutes we all decided we were knackered and headed to our respective rooms and car.

That’s the gig part anyway!  It was a most marvellous evening. :)


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Shock of my life at the Robin last night, supposedly no support but guess what?................ :oTTL! for a five song set, brilliant!!!! ;D

Lovely review, Anna.
Couldn´t there be an "Acoustic Off The Desk"!?! There are some tunes and songs that seem to stay in the Acoustic repertiore only.
I´d happily buy a CD with today´s acoustic line-up!

Would have loved to have heard H,T+E and Summertime at Morecambe. That's the trouble of going to a gig at the start of a tour...  :(

Agree full heartedly.

Peter

I'm totally with you there!  Please, please, please?!!!

Or just a download?

.........................and Fairport weren't too bad either  ;)

steve

Anna -  the 'te de de de de' bit in Spring Song is called Princess Royal, not Rosemary's something-or-other. Sorry. It's a morris tune. Oh, and send the review to the chaps. Then they'll have something NEW to put on the site

I was on about this on the night of the St Helens Gig, FC's performance was superb and I for one would definately buy a CD of an Acoustic gig.

Yup! Just been listening to Princess Royal on Spiers and Boden's "Bellow" and it's definitely the "te de de de de" bit. ;D ;D ::)

Seconded, thirded whatever!

Monday was the first time I've seen the acoustic line up & they do a lot of things that would be great to have on CD so how about it chaps?

Anna's review definitely captures the atmosphere of the night.  As she said the 'stage' area was very cramped & Simon picked that night to burst two guitar strings (on successive pieces - The Hiring Fair/Summertime & John Gaudie) & on each occasion removing the offending string required a complicated manouevre to avoid knocking down Ric's mike stand or crashing Gerry's cymbal!

Roll on my next Fairport gig - well at least I've got RT in Glasgow on Monday to look forward to.

I'm very tempted to go to that. It's just the money. I'm kind of hoping my dear darling father would like to go and thus will take me!

Just home from the 100 Club. Another good show and another broken string for Simon (John Gaudie). No evidence of Tiny Tin Ladies - perhaps the Great Wen is deemed a bit too exciting? I managed to scribble down the songs - although the first half was done from memory so isn't in the right order. I won't post it here in case anyone doesn't want things spoiled but will try to write a longer review in the 100 Club thread tomorrow (or later today).

just back as well.enjoyed it.my first time there  and there was plenty of space for those of  us outside the main ring.

better leave it at that .i always come away thinking what if a certain female singer was still here.

Ah well, a mis-remembering thing going on there then.  Such is life.

They're only supporting on a few dates, next (and final) ones being Bury and Chester.

See http://www.tinytinlady.com/gigs/gigs.html

Looking at that gig list, I'm not sure about the Mill Banbury gig on 19th of this month - according to the Mill website, there's nothing on) - and where is "Chitade" on the 18th November?

Could it be "The Citadel" St. Helens ?

Oh, yes, quite likely :-)

Very likely!The Citadel have the Dylan Project with TTL in support listed on 18 November, not to mention Bernie's thread. See http://www.citadel.org.uk/site/whats-on/the-dylan-project-p173991, which the speeling daemons seem to have visited too. Not to mention the out of date publicity photo and information (8-(

Just to clarify, TTl were asked to do Bury & Chester but both had already booked support acts. No idea who, sorry.
Our Banbury Mill gig has been redated for March 20th. Also our Worksop gig is off as the venue (Circle Arts) has gone tits up - same applies to Vin Garbutt, Brass Monkey & anyone else they're still advertising.

The Myspace page is constantly updated and the .com site will be asap.

Next 3 shows are
Nov 3 - Peggy's Bash
Nov 8 - Brudenell Club, Leeds
Nov 16 - The Store, Dipton.

Wee juste dnt know hau teu speel en Saint 'elen's

We had great seats down at the front of the Corn Exchange, Maidstone, and as the chaps came on Chris smiled and waved to us.  I can't remember the set list, but wouldn't want to spoil things anyway.  It was a brilliant night with added 'live' moments.  Poor Simon was suffering the effects of having had his flu jab the day before but still managed a brilliant performance.

My two friends that we had taken with us, both Fairport virgins, thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are now converts ;D.

Jack made it through to the end without falling asleep and we had a lovely chat to the chaps after the performance.  Now we are really looking forward to Peggy's birthday bash in November.

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I know someone who will like this photo ;)

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Gerry and his rainstick

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Wee juste dnt know hau teu speel en Saint 'elen's
[/quote]

Isn't that spelt Sintellins?

Oh no!

(http://www.recognised.org.uk/amycl.jpg)

Looks just as if a tongue is about to leap frog-like into his ear....

Caught the lads last night in Swindon. Quite a small theatre called the Swindon Arts Centre, a bit different from 25,000 people in a field. Great set but marred by the fact that Gerry was off sick; he has a wrist problem! To some giggles Simon said that Gerry's wrist is swollen from over use or something. Joking aside, if its RSI that's not great news for a percussionist.

I hope he gets well soon.
 

A very pleasant and intimate performance on Sunday evening at Maidstone Corn Exchange, marred only by an extremely dscourteous couple, sitting directly behind us, who insisted on talking through just about every number in the second set, yet after each one they clapped and shrieked like mad, (obviously only there to get themselves noticed) rather than to listen, enjoy and soak up the delicious music.

Set list was similar to previous acoustic performances, I do have the set list if anyone is interested, but I get the impression that they change some of the songs around at different gigs. (I don't know why I have this impression..?) anyway we will be going to Dartford on Saturday, so will let you know.

There were several amusing happenings that took place, Simon's phone ringing (and being answered) on stage, several power failures to Ric and Chris's instruments, a couple of restarts......... but it all added to produce a very enjoyable evening.

p.s     Lovely  photos Angela
p.p.s  Dont remember seeing that Cocker.

He missed the Pentangle set in Banbury last Friday too - this was down to a frozen shoulder we were told.....maybe the injury has slipped a bit?

So, with Gerry ill, this is the Fairport Acoustic Trio that toured the US, or is there a stand-in drummer?

Oi copper, get yer sticks ready  ;D

Miguel and his cajon

Isn't that what Puggz said ???

Where is he anyway, not Puggz, Scooby boy ?

.^{., OT since '05. .}

Oh yeah, sorry.  :-[

Scoobyboy can't come to the gig.. he's at work.

A fantastic.special, FCA show at Papplewick tonight.Sadly, Sir Gerald is still poorly(but is hoped to return tomorrow) so the chaps played as a three-piece which is the first time I,for one ,have seen them in this midfield combination.A few highlights of the first set were Now Be Thankful,Chris' Spring Song-a real treat to hear this live at last(In Our Town,sometime?) They followed this with a mighty Genesis Hall and given Simon's introduction and my general thickness I finally fully grasped what it was all about(after nearly 20yrs...)Everyone was on really good form throughout,which is amazing given Gerry's absence and the long pre and post drives.Simon told us he had dull strings in the first half so changed them at the interval(it takes me at least half an hour!) and a well bouncy second set included Widow...,Wood And The Wire,a brilliant Fossil Hunter with Navajo flute intro and then a superb Hiring Fair with added whoops for Summertime! Nice one.As Ric said to us afterwards,probably the reason it all sounded so good despite Gerry's absence was because Simon played absolutely out of his skin.Incredible.I guess we've seen this version of FCA five times of late and I think this was the best yet(and I was driving!) If you get the chance do go along to one of the remaining shows-if only to hear some new(old)**** jokes! In closing,top marks to the venue and the promoters.I don't know how many were there but Nicky,Lilly and I were treated as individuals and made to feel very welcome -and the bar was open when we got there early and didn't seem to shut!FCA and Farnsfield Acoustic-both highly recommended!

It was I sitting next to you. I came to the conclusion that the couple behind were pi**ed, when they splashed wine over me. >:(

Just a quickie to agree with everything that Neil67 (another 40 year old?) said about last night, especially the bit about Simon being on fire. I think that was the closest (2nd row) I've been at any Fairport gig and it was a joy to catch every nuance in the playing.
Neil did forget to mention that Gerry still managed to get a big cheer after Ric thanked him.  ;D

Well done all both on stage and off. Lovely night, one of the best.

Now, off to see The Police, what an excellent couple of days.

Re: Farnsfield gig! (Papplewick)                      
Great show, the musicianship was top notch the vocals and harmonies were excellent and the sound quality was really good and this from the back of the room.
                                                      Well done!!!  

could anyone post a setlist please ? preferably from the 100 club which i attended.thanks................

I meant to write a review plus set list for the 100 Club but will plead daughter's 18th birthday and other factors as an excuse. I don't have my notes at work but will try to get something posted this evening - later on due to social engagements (quiz night). It is accurate for the 2nd half but the first was done from memory in the interval so all the songs are there, but not necessarily in the right order!

thanks,any order will do ! and Happy birthday to your Daughter.......................

We all had a fantastic time at the gig last night..  I intend to post a review.. but will need to be awake first so I can write it..

But thanks to all TAWers that came and to the fabulous Fairport trio!!

Oh! hello Malcolm, nice to meet you.  We saw the wine on the floor, as we were leaving, didn't know they had got you though.  I had to hang on to John towards the end, as he was getting rather annoyed, I thought he was going to say something unpleasant to them.......possibly cause an interntional incident ........I could see the headlines....... "Bloodshed at the Corn Exchange for Fairport Acoustic soiree"  :)

 ;) Farnsfield.....Yep....second that!

As ever the Farnsfield massive gave us all another night to remember  . It WAS just fab . I dashed home and practised Genesis Hall  till my fingers were sore  --Lovely  thanks Simon . Summertime (Gershwin )  was stunning --Thanks Ric  . And what a multi talent that chappie from the Aggies  is ?  ;) I loved the pipes .
Mave the Rave  and her friend  (Margaret -her first ever gig / FC virgin) were just both in rapture  . I am so so very happy to  have seen so many lovely folks there .
Papplewick Village --I`m sure, has moved since I was last there as I could`nt find the place  this time .
A great night it was too .  [;-) How much better could it have been with Gerry bashing things ? We`ll never know .  :-\

Ok ---which one of you lot  has given me the flu ? Come on own up . I feel  really poorly today .  >:( its not like me to be ill and I dont like it . And only 6x in the house for medicine . Tastes funny on a teaspoon with my nose pinched  ;D ;)

Love the siideburns Pastie! ;)

The list from Farnsfield.....if you don't want to know....look away NOW

Over The Next Hill
Woodworm Swing
Now Be Thankful
Sherrif's Ride
Spring Song
Genesis Hall
Sophist Lady/Here there and Everywhere
Keep On Turning The Wheel
Canny Capers

Widow of Westmoreland
Close To You
.....................Special 25th Wedding Anniversary of WKWTTG
The Fossil Hunter
Portmeirion
Wood And The Wire
I'm Already There
The Hiring Fair into Summertime
John Gaudie
Meet On The Ledge

Of course this could change from night to night...............at the artists discretion

.....but doesn't (often)

The Fairport Acoustic Trio Papplewick Village Hall 18/10/07

Seventeen months ago we filled Papplewick Village Hall for Fairport Acoustic and were delighted to be able to bring them back last Thursday!  Delphini drove up for lunch at the Bay Tree..  (a café/bistro known to some of you) at Thoresby.  Gower Flower caught an early train and met us there… we sat in the October sunshine, blue skies above us, and talked about the last time we three had been here together.. it was Aggies night 06 and VERY FOGGY!!

We went back to chez Amethyst for a cuppa and suddenly realised it was time to make our way to the gig! We got there just after 4pm, Robinthelights was already there.. truly in his element.. a dream come true to be able to light Fairport at last, and a great job he made of it too!  Paul was there too when we arrived setting up the sound gear for Rob Braviner to work at.

Mike was wheeling out chairs and we immediately got to work setting out the seating plan and lining up chairs, hot work but soon the floor was covered and awaiting bums.  Next to unpack posters and Red Bush tea, coffee, milk, Kit Kats and tea towels! Then to set out leaflets and tix and move anything else that needed moving. Pugs, Jill and Karen had arrived by now and set to doing various other bits that still needed to be done.

The band arrived in good time, and after greetings got straight down to sound checking.. always lovely to be able to sit and quietly watch as they make their preparations  ;D When they were happy they went their separate ways; some to the pub and others wherever.. we fed them and they were ready for another night’s work.. or should that read for giving great pleasure to many people!

The audience started to arrive and to mill about in the bar chatting, full of anticipation for the evening.  They had come from all over the place again, Grantham, Huntingdon, Yorkshire, Rutland, Swansea, Norfolk (YES Norfolk!) and even Mansfield!  Everyone was smiling. There were lots of TAWers there that night too. As ever Pastieboy did a sterling job of raffle ticket selling.

The band didn’t need an intro.. indeed I was all set to do one last time and they went on before I got there, so I didn’t even try this time! Robin has posted the set list, so no need to repeat it here.  The first half flew by..  sadly Gerry was missing, but we all clapped and cheered him anyway  ::)  The third song in has always been one of my favourites.. Now be Thankful.. and I was very thankful that it had all come together and we were here at last! Sophisticated Lady was dedicated to all the sophisticated ladies in the hall.. we noted that there were none of these on the front row! The jokes were flying.. we were in stitches much of the time ;D

During the interval we chatted to members of the audience, Pastiemum (aka Mave the Rave) had brought a Fairport virgin with her.. indeed she was a gig virgin and about the same age as Mave the Rave too.  A colleague of Pugs was also a Fairport virgin..  he enjoyed it too.  Vince (of TAW!) had come all the way from Norfolk for this gig.. he’d picked up Julie in Newark (I believe) and brought her secretly without her realising til the very last minute that she was coming to see Fairport!  It was their 21st Wedding Anniversary and Simon did a dedication for them from the stage.  The members of Fairport also joined us in signing an anniversary card for them too {:-)

The second half opened with Chris (and myself) doing the (much improved) raffle (no we are not a folk club!) The first prize was won by Claire who is a TAWer and the fourth prize was won by Vince..  very satisfying! Then it was straight into Widow of Westmoreland and a storming second half.  Again many quips had us in stitches but throughout the musicianship was impeccable as ever.

I mentioned to Simon about the possibility of an acoustic cd.. wish they would put one together.  I can’t pick out highlights really.. it was all wonderful, but I know Delphini especially loved Summertime.. it really is sublime!  I could have watched and listened to the whole set again, it always ends too soon for me.. but then that is a sign of a good evening!!

It ended in the usual way with an announcement of the dates for next year’s Cropredy and Meet on the Ledge.  The audience loved every minute and laughed and sang along in all the right places, everyone went home happy.. not the least Mave the Rave and her friend who were clapping and bopping away all evening on the front row!

It was nice to be thanked from the stage at the end too, some bands don’t bother, these Chaps use our names :-*

The clear up took about an hour and we were off out again into the cold night, having waved the Chaps off again.  The previous night they had been playing in Tavistock and the following night in Portsmouth.. quite a few miles to cover in three days, I hope they thought it worth all the travelling to see us!

Thanks again Fairport and to everyone who came. :-*

And......?
What did Simon say about it?....

He didn't really say either way.. although I did dash off to do something else.

Here are some pix...



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Simon said he really enjoyed the evening.......and thanked me for his new sun tan!.........then we sang thnkyou for the music together in the foyer before we departed!......Good review Jenny  8)

Great lights Robin...  ;D 8) :-*

Great Pics! ;)

Just got back from seeing the lads at the Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford. A really good evening, all in fine form.  :)

Simon sang the Lancashire ?? (someone give me the correct title please....) beautifully, in fact my favourite song of the evening.

Chris began the evening by saying "For all you Rugby fans.......they have kicked off"...then after the interval he came back and said, "We have the latest score....." LOL  ;D :-X

This will make some people weep, all we bought from the bar was a bottle of water and packet of skittles!  ;) Didn't see any Talkawhilers but did meet up with some friends from Essex who we usually bump into at Fairport concerts and Cropredy!

Fantastic!

Was Gerry there, JJ?

(Over the Lancashire Hills? - is that the song you are referring to?)

Yes Shirl! Beautifully sang...... and yes Gerry was there tinkling and tapping delightfully  ;D

I didn't expect to hear Over The Lancashire Hills, so it was a lovely surprise.  I've said before how much I like this song so I won't repeat it, except to say that I think it was even better tonight, if that is possible.

Spring Song was a delight and the first time I have heard it live.  Chris sang it beautifully; not as sweetly as on Sense of Occasion and he changed the dee dee dees to a mixture of da da daas, la laas and all kinds of things.  It worked very well.

There were several songs and instrumentals that were slightly different - new arrangements and bits added.  Canny Capers, Portmeirion and The Hiring Fair were amongst my favourites.

It's always good to hear some Morris tunes expertly played and Sheriff's Ride and Upton Stick Dance were no exception.  Mind you, trying to dance to the latter would be nigh on impossible at the speed these chaps play it.

All in all, it was a well-constructed set with a balance between instrumentals, songs sung by Simon and songs sung by Chris.  Gerry and Ric had their moments of glory too.  The atmosphere was warm and friendly – for a couple of hours you could forget your worries and the horrible things that are going on in the world – and I went out into the night feeling happy and contented.  (I'm not sure about the man next to me though.  He looked a bit surprised when I accidentally put my hand on his knee while recounting a story to Katy's Dad. :-[  He did laugh when I apologised.  Sorry again, if that was you.)

At long last here are a few thoughts on the show at the 100 Club on the 11th October - a set-list at the end.

To put this in context other events in that week included my daughter's 18th birthday on the Tuesday which began for us on the tube between Highgate & E.Finchley as we were getting back from seeing the Editors at Brixton on Monday - they were very good and I got the set list from the lighting desk. I would also briefly mention one of the support bands called Kissaway Trail who I shall be investigating further. Said dughter then went to Cambridge for the day on Thursday before being met off the coach by Mrs F and daughter No.1 who had come back from college for the Fairports and for the rest of the birthday celebrations to be held over the weekend. They then drove down and met me to go off to the show - it being a 10 minute stroll from work. You can see that an F(A)C show had the promise of being an oasis of calm in a hectic whirlwind of events and excitement. My yougest had also bypassed the chance of going to a evening with Will Self at her school - "Oh no, I'm turning into a folkie!"

Thus it turned out to be. It was my first visit to the 100 Club and whilst I am not sure quite what I was expecting it was fairly obvious that this was going to be good when we entered and realised quite how intimate it was. We got seats to the side of the stage - at Ric's end - as the ones at the front had gone, but in such a small place this was no problem. The atmosphere was nice and gentle and the bar prices not bad given this was Oxford Street. By the time the chaps decided they would start and wandered through the crowd to the stage the audience had grown and it was standing room only - but it wasn't packed by any means. My girls were doing their bit to bring the average age down! Gerry engineered his own round of applause by delaying his entrance.

It was then on with the music and this was a treat throughout. If one wanted to be clever you could say that there was a theme of the passing of time and the place of music in that process - but this might just be simply nonsense or of looking for what wasn't there - I leave you to decide! A setlist follows at the end and as mentioned before this is a bit wonky for the first half as I wrote it from memory during the merchandising opportunity. Things kicked off with Over The Next Hill which I suspect goes someway to setting the tone due to the subject matter. Having recently got the CD of WWDOOH with images of the band in the 100 Club I do find myself wondering if Simon finds himslef remembering the old days whilst singing? I also look at those pictures and you could easily replace them with some of my daughters' music playing friends.

Other highlights in the first half included Now Be Thankful and Genesis Hall. Someone else has mentioned that they now understand what it was about - and so do I. Thank you Simon for your intro - it all made perfect sense! Spring Song was also beautifully done as was Sophisticated Lady/Here There and Everywhere. It was great to be close enough to see how Simon and Ric were working together whilst making it look so easy. Things ended with Canny Capers and it was time for refeshments. I got a "Sorry, mate" from Simon as we met on an intercept course on the way back from the bar. We then sttled down for the second half.

This kicked off with Widow Of Westmorland and the tale nearly came to a premature conclusion as Simon had an autocue failure. Nobody else missed a beat and everything got back on track. I now understand what Close To You is about - I seemed to have missed the lighthouse keeper reference before now. Another highlight was a song I hadn't heard before which I think must be Over The Lancashire Hills and fitted the mood perfectly. (Is this on an album anywhere?) The Fossil Hunter was preceded by "banter" which left Chris unable to blow his Indian flute - but as usual suddenly it all went professional and off they went, although Gerry's sudden flourishing of his "water noise maker" brought a smile! Portmeirion was lovely as usual and Hiring Fair/Summertime was a chance to drift away before John Gaudie brought things to an upbeat conclusion. Simon broke a string so there was time for jokes (Ric's time machine joke) before we were invited to North Oxfordshire next August.

I then took the opportunity to thank Simon for the evening's show and for Cropredy and Simon quite rightly asked "What took you so long?" when I told him it was our first time. "I don't know" was my rather unhelpful reply (being too much of a gentleman to blame my wife's dislike of camping). We then shook hands (!), he exorted me to "Keep the faith" and I went back to my family a happy chap indeed. We drove home with assorted FC songs playing and all awaiting the Winter Tour.

The week ended with two parties over the weekend - it has taken a further week to recover but I think I am now ready for the next hill!

The Set list
Over The Next Hill
Woodworm Swing
Now Be Thankful
Morris Tunes
Sophisticated Lady/Here There and Everywhere
Spring Song
Genesis Hall
Turning The Wheel
Canny Capers
-
Widow of Westmoreland
Close To You
Over The Lancashire Hills (?)
Fossil Hunter
Portmeirion
The Wood and The Wire
Already There
Hiring Fair/Summertime
John Gaudie
-
MOTL

PS - Did that emery board Simon borrow from a lady in the audience end up on eBay?

thanks for posting.

The Chaps at Papplewick (Or  “Ladies Who Lunch”).

Early morning, watching day break from the grimy windows of First Great Western’s finest…and onward to lunch at Thoresby Hall. What a lovely setting, and such great weather too.

Off to the Black Pig for a sustaining cuppa before loading up the car with the necessary for the gig.

Set up time, Mike already bringing chairs out from backstage ready for putting in rows. Diane moves chairs like no-one I have ever seen before…I was so impressed I had to have a little sit down.  ;) Well, she was clearly in her stride… ::)

Good to see familiar faces again, Pastieboy in charge of the raffle, the lovely Mave and her friend Margaret. The Chaps arrived. Hurrah! All systems go as roadie Mick sets up the merchandise stand. Greetings from all, and a hug from Mr Leslie. As Jen mentioned earlier, always a pleasure to sit quietly and watch the chaps doing their sound check.

Gradually the hall began to fill with smiling punters.

Even though we were aware of Gerry’s absence, we knew that a fine musical evening was about to commence, and so it proved.

Diane and I chatted with Chris and asked him to pass our love and best wishes to Gerry, and the hope that he will be fully recovered very soon, and he promised to do so.

No need to repeat the set list here. A fine of evening of enjoyable music and laughter. Much “leaping about” in the front row from assorted Talkawhilers.

Hurrah for Farnsfield Acoustic! {:-)
 

Tim, this song is on Simon's solo album "Before Your Time."

Anne, thanks for this. I haven't heard Simon's solo work - something else to investigate.

Thank you, Amethyst.
Sounds or rather reads like atruly enjoyable evening.

Peter

What a great reveiw Amethyst, and what a great evening you all had!  I wish I could have been there (and at every other gig too!).

I'll have to wait for the Wintour now...  Still, the day of the St Albans Wintour gig is usually the first day of the year that I leave the office in daylight, which makes it doubly worth looking forward to!

Tim, do look out Simon's solo albums - they're even available from Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-Your-Consonant-Carol-Please/dp/B00000677Z/ref=sr_1_2/026-1643190-5999611?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1193054765&sr=8-2), but I bet there are cheaper outlets.

The double Cd package of both albums used to be avaliable from FC's website, but not anymore  ???.  Don't get the one from amazon that Anna posted, as according to the track listing, that's definately not his albums! (sorry Anna!) I can't find the one that I'm looking for anywhere, just the one that anna posted. Try the merch desk on the Wintour. I know it's quite a while to wait, but it's worth it.

Hmmm, very very interesting.  The picture's right and the reviews are right, but that track listing is completely wrong!

Brain teaser then - what album is that the track listing for??

I just had a quick look at Talking Elephant but couldn't find it on there...  Any more ideas anyone?

I'm afraid that I have no answers, sorry :(

I wanted to let you all know that Gerry was there at the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford (yay!) and I cornered him and asked how he was, and he said that he was all better, no RSI, but it's all to blame on public transport in London as the tube wasn't working and he had to get a rickshaw! - He said that he thinks all of the bouncing up and down caused the elbow and hand hurting.

But yay, he's better!

Also, they were absolutely wonderful, spectacular, wooful and a thousand other adjectives. Yay! ;D

Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford ....... A very pollished and relaxed performance from all four on Saturday, found myself sinking into a decidedly pleasant and warm musical place where oblivion to surroundings takes hold, then the realisation that a rather foolish but contented smile has positioned itself.  
Lovely performance.......thank you so much Fairport.

Looks like "The Woodworm Years". A rather nice compilation I return to now and then.

Just for the record, a superb set by all four chaps at Bromsgrove last night. Lancashire Hills and Hiring Fair/Summertime worth the price of admission alone.

steve

Since I haven´t heard these in their acoustic setting I once more urge the chaps to make a "FAC-07" CD available.

You're not alone!! We've certainly spoken to Ric on a couple of occasions and we mentioned again it to Iconic on Wednesday. I guess at the end of the day it comes down to a combination of commercial viability and whether the chaps have a recording which they are happy to release. Certainly Hiring Fair/Summertime has been very different each time we've heard it - the latest version includes roles for Gerry and Chris throughout(previously they have left the stage during the transition).

steve

Chris did leave the stage for one song/tune at the Papplewick gig.. but I can't remember which one.

I'm aware that an recording by the acoustic lineup probably isn't a commercially released CD hit. ;D. I would be happy only with a simple on-demand CD made available by the band to their fans, the way I've heard about other bands make live recordings available to their fans. We who haven't had the chance to catch this acoustic lineup, envy you who give us these wonderful reviews and make us long to hear these versions. I bet you who have been to the gigs also might be persuaded to buy a CD like that. :)
I wait and hope for the best. ;)

You bet we would.. I really hope that a recording will emerge one day.. soon...  8)

There are - or were - (a few) live recordings of F(A)C and the Fairport Acoustic Trio out there in Dimesviille and other torrent sites of ill repute.

At Dartford Chris and Gerry left the stage during Sophisticated Lady / Here, There and Everywhere.  When they returned, they knew the rugby score but didn't tell.

Ah... that was the one then, thank you!

Bear in mind that even with this suggestion, all the preparatory work is still required to the point of master, and that has to be paid for, somehow.
So even one of these has to be commercially viable, just that the viability is a lower number of sales - but it would still need to sell a reasonable number.

I suspect it will be held back like Off the Desk was, until there's a suityable break in produce for the merch table. Of course, next year's offering will be the CRopredy DVD, so it'll be at least 12 months away.

Quick review of last night's gig at the College Theatre, Eastbourne.

We almost didn't make it - my back gave out on Friday, and I could hardly walk (a recurrence of an old injury), so until I got up Saturday morning we were in some doubt as to whether we'd be able to go. However, we decided to brave it, and actually my car is quite comfortable to drive, even with a bad back, although standing up straight when I get out is a problem!

We had booked a very nice B&B in Eastbourne, within reasonable walking distance of the venue, and stopped off in the town for something to eat beforehand. The venue is the theatre at Eastbourne College, which is a rather flash school. I think the buildings were rather fab, but as it was dark we couldn't see much, although we did approach the entrance along a rather nice cloister. The space is lovely - quite small and intimate, with a very steep rake to the seats so no-one should have any problem seeing. We had seats right in the centre of the front row, so we had the best possible view and sound. Simon commented after that we seemed to enjoy it, as he'd noticed us smiling all the way through!

The set was pretty much as before (I didn't take notes), special highlights for me being Hiring Fair and Over the Lancashire Hills (the latter preceeded by a very touching intro from Simon regarding Stuart Marson). I must asy that the more I hear some of the more recent songs (especially from Chris) the more I have grown to appreciate them - repetition and the buzz of the live performance certainly make a difference (eg Spring Song).

The boys were in great form, musically and banter-wise, and I'm very glad indeed that I managed to get up from sick bed and go!

We had a chat with them all afterwards, Gerry said he was planning to spend this week learning the songs for next Saturday (!), and Simon also commented that the set-list for Saturday is something special, so it sounds like those of us that are going to be there will be in for a treat! Hope my back behaves itself between now and then...

DC

A couple of things I forgot: the other of CL's songs which I've really taken to is Close to You; and when they came back on for the encore, Chris had found a sledgehammer backstage, which he commented would have been a useful prop for John Gaudie. I was somewhat concerned as he put it down on the stage very close to his array of instruments, but it all passed off without mishap!

DC

I think we had a similar intro at Dartford.  Did Simon reveal what he would have liked to have been if he hadn't become a musician?  (I'm not sure if I heard it right and Katy's Dad is no help with this sort of thing!)

Not that I recall, but I'll interrogate Bex later to see if she remembers anything...

DC

Don't know about what he'd have done if not being a musician, but there was a quip before Wood & Wire (I think...) at the Bein Inn about the music shop window he used to press his nose against as a lad having two sides, stringy-things and brassy-things - FC would have had a different sound if he'd pressed his nose against the brassy-things side...

Simon is the Master of the Subordinate Clause and I'm not very good with complex sentences, but I think he indicated that he would have liked to have been a primary school teacher, like Stuart Marson; either that or he wished he was about to take early retirement, like Stuart Marson, although I hope it was the former because in my opinion, despite all the problems, primary school teacher is still one of the best jobs on the planet and also I wouldn't want any member of Fairport to retire just yet!

Don't panic! Simon's used a similar intro for both Lancashire Hills and Close to the Wind (the "other" Stuart Marston song). Basically, although he hasn't had the structured career and (particularly!) the pension which follows, he acknowledges that he is fortunate to have followed a path which Stuart could only aspire to - only it's much funnier when Simon tells it!

No indication of retirement just yet, and anyway there's a Wintour in the offing.

steve

(A slightly off-topic PS, but I think "Lancashire Hills" and "Close to the Wind" are two of the most beautiful songs from that particular Fairport period)

Seconded!  OT, sorry, where were we?

Can you have a particular Fairport era for songs that weren't originally Fairport songs?  The Fairport era when Fairport were 'semi-retired' then, eh? It's very confusing isn't it?!  :)

Interesting debating point given that the credits on "Before Your Time" include Messrs Pegg, Mattacks, Conway and Sanders. ;)

(Oh.....and apologies to Mr Marson for inadvertantly including an extra "t" in his surname in a previous post.)

Now what was this topic about?

steve

But you could say the same (or similar) about Sandy albums or Richard albums at times.... I don't think the songs on those are necessarily indicative of a 'Fairport era' even though they use lots of Fairport personnel...It's certainly confusing though  ;)

Buit both of Simon's solo outings occured after Gladys Leap when Fc had reformed and were a fully functioning bang again, not in semi retirement so should not be treated as FC but Simon doing what he wanted to do.

Close to the Wind came out on, er, Close to the Wind by Swarb & Nicol (Woodworm '84 from memory)...

"so should not be treated as FC" is I think the point I was trying to make....  :)

Incidentally this led me to Simon's wiki article (to check the date)..  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Nicol  He's not actually the band's longest-serving member is he?  That honour surely belongs to Peggy....

Sorry, mods, waffling now...

To bring this topic back OT - Chris's picture diary is now up on the site. http://www.fairportconvention.com/gallery.php?gallery=2 Some great pictures, but it says that Gerry rejoined at Papplewick. I thought it was after that. And is that picture really Papplewick Village Hall? Very grand if it is.

I find the gallery very non-intuitive to use.

I only discovered the NEXT button by accident.

I think Simon has the longest service in total, while Peggy has the longest unbroken service in Fairport....

Peggy's been in the band for 38 years. Simon took 5 out in mid-70's, so in total 35 years. (I am really really bored today, BTW)

ollys right you know

I know the conversation has moved on somewhat but I have been thinking about this issue on and off for the last few days and I think I understand now, so please indulge me for a little while longer and then I'll be quiet. 

At Dartford, Simon explained how Stuart Marson, primary school teacher and author of Over The Lancashire Hills, would have liked to have been a musician and maybe follow the same career path as him.  Simon returned the compliment by recognising the important work that Stuart has done with children over the years and said that he would have liked to have done the same – a kind of mutual admiration, if you like.  The idea of it being a circular thing was mentioned.  None of this was told in a funny way – more wistfully reflective, I’d say.

Inspired by Over the Lancashire Hills, which has a personal meaning for me as well as the Kathleen Ferrier one, I have just started reading, ‘Letters and Diaries of Kathleen Ferrier’ edited by Christopher Fifield.  Even when she was famous, touring America and Europe, and playing the Royal Albert Hall, Kathleen still went to small venues for some of her recitals.  One of these recitals was in the village in which I grew up and the place gets a mention in the book.  It is likely that ‘my person’ saw her perform there.  Circles again!  

Of course he is....because he is.   ;)

Glad to see a profound well of deep philosophy is being mined here!  :D.... Tautology apart that is...

Which gig on the acoustic autumn tour did you attend, Jack?  And what did you think of it?