TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

This is a thread for set lists and other spoliers.

I know its not the done thing but Spoliers is such a wonderful word.

not as wonderful as flange    :o

I'll see your flange and raise you a spigot ::)

I'm ill, that's my excuse.

ANYWAY....... anyone got some spoilers?

no

but I do have a spatula

 ;D

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you dirty bastard GB!!

isn't there already a thread for set lists.........something to do with hats, i think.........

And hopefully we will now all get back on topic after GB has flanged his spigot in order to show us his spoilers, causing him not inconsiderable discomfort I'm sure:



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 :-[  sorry boss   :-[

Here's a spoiler -

3 songs from Babbacombe Lee  ;D ;D ;D

One of which, I guess from this (http://www.fairportconvention.com/general_news.php#news1) was Breakfast In Mayfair

And the set list will change every night  :o It looks like this is the tour they should have done last year  ::)

Oh my goodness! This is big news indeed! To think we've waited all day for this info from someone and then it has to be the band themselves who spill the beans! (No pun intended Ollie!) Wasn't Chris saying recently that he found he was singing comfortably in Swarb's range? If ever there was a time to quit the rat race for a month and follow the tour then this appears to be it!! More news and spoilers please!

You know how it is. You wait two decades for a song from Babbacombe Lee and then three come along at once... :)

Just in from St Albans - no Meet on the Ledge  :-[ Ended with Best Wishes and a "See you in August". There were a few technical hiccups and a longish interval so it looks like time got the better of them, but Time did feature elsewhere  ;)

More tomorrow ...

I quite like the non-MOTL shows...(I've had about 4 in my time I think)...it means you remember them more distinctly!

Absolutely superb evening last night in St Albans - as Tim has noted, one or two tech glitches, but the set was almost perfect from my (very personal) point of view: they have clearly listened to people asking for more from the back catalogue, and the result was great. They kicked off with How Many Times, and did several numbers which I've never seen live before, including (as Ollie has suggested) three in a row from Babbacombe Lee: Breakfast in Mayfair, Cell Song (if that's what it's called - no titles on the album) and Hanging Song. Had a discussion with Peggy about possibly doing the whole of BL as the first half on a future tour - get's my vote! Chris did a great job on the vocals of the latter two, lots of emotion. He's always been good, but seems to have stepped up a gear for this set (IMHO) - his rendering of Reynardine was just electric!

Apparently the set was the same as for the first night, but the plan is (as noted above) to vary the list through the tour.

I can't help agreeing with Ollie (again - he has a very wise head on his young shoulders) that maybe this is the tour they should have done last year...

I urge you all to go, if you haven't made up your minds yet.

DC (still buzzing)

Again thanks to the FC List, a set list from St Alban's

First half
How many times
Happy Man
Genesis Hall
Banks of the sweet primroses
South Dakota to Manchester
Journeymans Grace
Eynsham Poacher
Mock Morris

Second half
Rocky Road
Reynardine
Instrumental 85
Babbacombe Lee segment (three songs - 'What a treat' as Simon King says
on Springwatch)
Who knows where the time goes? (I don't - but we got here too quickly)
Hawkswood Army
Matty Groves

Encore
Best wishes

I really can't wait now  ;D

Is this a new one, can't say I recall it  ???

 ;D ;D ;D

Holy shhhhhh......!  :o

That's a pretty cool darn set list!!  

Some bees must have gotten in them boys bonnets!!! ;D

Indeed, the set listr from Tewkesbury was identical - the three B-Lee numbers being Breakfast in Mayfair (wot Simon wrote), theCell Song & Te Hanging Song.

MOTL is on theset list, but I guess some nights will finish on Best Wishes.

I'm looking foirward to the 'spot the difference' competition!!

Just got back from the Tunbridge Wells, same set list but we got Best Wishes AND Meet On The Ledge for the encore!

We very nearly didn't go this year as we were very disappointed with Fairport last year but we bought tickets at the last minute after reading the posts on here, and are we glad that we did!

Absolutely brilliant set list!

Wonderful evening at Tunbridge Wells - highlights for me were Chris's rendering of Reynardine which was amazing also great to hear a few from Babbacombe Lee - (as that is the point I joined listening to Fairport).... and an amusing moment with one of Simon's usuals of starting the song wrong.  

Venue is not my favorite - crappy seats and what I consider really rude, ushers showing people arriving late to their seat in the middle of songs.

Fully agree! Whatever happened to "latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance"

I also missed all of Ric's introduction of the support act because of latecomers. Surely people know what time the concert starts! Rant over!

Right!  Now for some spoliers!

Spolier number one.  There's a quiz.  As is often the case with Fairport's non-musical performances, it's a bit disorganised.  (But don't you just love them for that?!)  So you had better swot up on your history - songs, albums and dates.  On second thoughts don't bother, they don't know the answers themselves! ;)

PEGGY:  This next song is from an album called Rosie.  It's called Banks Of The Sweet Primroses.
SIMON:  Are you sure?  Isn't it on Tippler's Tales or something?

As you all know, it was on Angel Delight.  Daughter whispered it to me at the time but being like her mother, (reserved like) she couldn't bring herself to shout it out.  (CLEVERCLOGS, ESSEX - a disembodied voice from a well known TV quiz.)

Spolier number two.  The house lights are kept on.  We found it a bit disconcerting at first but soon got used to it.  I had a chat with the (very nice) manager at the interval.  He told me that it was at the band's request - so they can better see their audience and engage with them more.  I think it will work - just maybe not at Tunbridge Wells!  We weren't a particularly responsive audience, I'm afraid.  Too polite.  (NICEBUTSHY, CANTERBURY - that voice again)

Spolier number three.  Your starter for ten:  which member plays an electric guitar solo and makes it look like he's been doing it on every tour for the past forty years?  (YES! REALLY!)

There's another spolier in there somewhere, but you'll have to search it out for yourself.

This isa piss-take on a silly punter in Tewkesbury, who insisted it was on TipplersTales! Wouldn't have it any other way....immortalised in a Fairport Quiz.



How did anthony John Clarke fare with hischoruses then? Did anyone sing?

Yes they did!  We thought he was very good and bought one of his CD's after the show  :)

I reckon more people joined in with Anthony John Clarke's choruses than Meet On The Ledge.

I really warmed to him.  Songs not outstanding but very pleasant.  Good jokes too :)

Oh! I really hope they don't do that in Worthing. The audience there is always somewhat unresponsive and repressed. And I fear the number of empty seats. I am really looking forward to the gig but I always feel a bit embarrassed about the prevailing apathy of Worthing crowds.

Always a great crowd at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield though!!

Too jolly well right we are!! We'll dance the night away if there are lights on us!! Something to do with the proximity of The Peaks and the prevailing wind! Wonder if we'll get treated to the "alternative" Sailor's Alphabet at the WW?

No way Neil.. it's a family show!!

 ;D ;D ;)

Stafford was good, even though I'm somewhat deaf and everything is bassy. Hearing just the fundamental from the fiddles was ... odd.

A full house who were obviously enjoying the gig.

I was particularly struck by Chris's vocals for Reynardine. It has always been one of my favourites.

Fabtastic time last night in stafford hadn't read this spoilers page so the John Lee stuff was an absolute suprise and treat! the lads were really on form and the set list as described elsewhere here was one of the best I've heard. Ended with MOTL thank goodness or my 9 year old would have cried! Well she did anyway but it would have been  with upset and not pure joy. Chris really did the Lee songs justice if you'll forgive the pun! And his Renardine was sublime. One of the best Fairport gigs i have ever seen. Well done lads!  

Excellent night. Probably the best non-Cropredy set list for a long time. And a bit more electric guitar too!

As above (or should it be before?) TWells was a fabulous evening all round, although I couldn't believe no one else seemed to be singing along loudly at the end; my seat was bouncing around (sorry to the bloke next to me)
The best mixture of old and new for a long time, I kept nudging No1 daughter who has been Cropredying since she was 5  -you'll like this oldie, before your time, but it rocks!
Reminded me why I loved them 40 years ago, and what's so special about them today.
Hmm. maybe I could get to Croydon???

Chris, being a relative newcomer to Fairport (1998) I am unfamiliar with a Fairport Quiz and have been unable to find out anything about it.  Please can you enlighten me?

Also, can you reference these two for me?

DP introduces the three from Babbacome Lee and claims they were recorded in 1974.  SN, faking concealment from the audience and with exaggerated gesture, holds up two fingers and mimes the word "TWO" in DP's direction. ;D

Ric announces Journeyman's Grace and asks which album it comes from.  A member of the audience calls out, "Angel Delight" and with a shrug of his shoulders, Ric replies, "Probably!"  ;D

They're just making fun out of the general inability to remember which album was recorded in which year, and the contents of each - as exposed by a punter that got it wrong in Tewkesbury.

Just a bit of fun, I reckon.

What a concert last night. I enjoyed every second of it. Reynardine had me in tears.  It was the best Wintour gig I saw for ages.
The audience was a bit shy and it was not sold out, but the music was superb.

That's what I thought on the night and why I wrote what I did.  But when you said the joke was immortalised in a Fairport Quiz with capital letters (no, I'm not being a pedant) I assumed that was a reference to a recording, a publication or an entry in one of the programmes from long ago that I had never heard of. ::)  Silly me! ;D

any chance of some set lists being posted so we can get an idea of what changes are being made night on night and build up a picture of the overall reportoire this tour.

David W

well I'm 99% certain that staffords set list was the same as the one Ollie posted except that they finished with meet on the ledge as well as doing Best wishes! ;D

Well I guess this has now become the review thread, as it's hard to write a review without mentioning the names of any of the songs!

It was really cold in the auditorium of the Swan in High Wycombe, but I had warmed up by the end. Whether this was because of the amount of bodies in the room, or because of the heart warming nature of the performance is hard to say...

Having  "discovered" Fairport a few short years ago, this was only the 4th time of attending the Wintour, and this was very obviously different from the others. Since attending for the first time, I've collected a large amount of the back catalogue, so am familiar with most of the older songs. However, it still seemed surprisingly different hearing them performed last night! I've noticed how many people on here, who have been fans for a long time, seem to be pointedly asking for the old stuff, so they will certainly be happy with this set.

Although much of the material was old, the evening felt somehow much more experimental (for us in the audience, anyway, if not the band!), as if a bit of a comfort zone was being done away with. Once I'd got over this, it was great! Highlights for me were "Banks of the Sweet Primroses" (fabulous harmonies); "Journeyman's Grace" (great electric guitar); the 3 songs from "Babbacombe Lee" and, surprisingly, "Reynardine". Surprisingly, because I nearly always skip it on "Liege and Lief" as I find it rather dull, and am always waiting for it to develop into something with a bit of punch at the end, a bit like "A Sailor's Life." However, I really came to appreciate it last night, with the stunning vocal performance and the shimmering guitar, both of which sent the proverbial shivers down the spine.

Such a lot to enjoy - make sure you don't miss out on this!  :)

PS: When is "Glady's Leap" going to be added to the list of remastered CDs on the market?

Is there a programme this year please?

 yes there is and a lovely T-shirt

Great, thank you  ;D ;D

No change to theset list yet except thatthey'verun out of time & missed MOTL on at least one night.

However, they ean through Wat Tyler in soundcheck yesterday, so that may see light of day somewhere soon.

The programme is£4, t-shirt £15, long-sleeve same £20.

I'll be taking my b'day money with me to my first gig  ;D ;D

The pre and post Cropredy diary in the programme makes interesting reading.

They'll change the set list tonight, Peggy said. And they have a third version to play later on in the tour.

Huddersfield last night - Though Simon had a senior moment at Wat almost survived!  ;)

It was a great show, with some very interesting choices of songs/tunes, including 'Rose Hip' from 'Red & Gold' which I don't think I've ever seen performed before.  Also, ' Doctor Of Physick' made the set last night, as did one of my favourites 'Wood and the Wire' and a rather cracking double of 'Swirling Pit' & ' Jams O'Donnells Jigs'.

If the set list is changing this much I might be tempted to nip up to Burnley later on this month for a second helping!  ;D

Cheers
Dunc

So what was dropped for WatW, Wat and Dr?

From the set-list already posted by Ollie we didn't get: -

Genesis Hall
Banks of the Sweet Primroses
South Dakota to Manchester
Journeymans Grace
Instrumental 85
Who knows where the time goes?
Hawkswood Army

But they also added 'Keep on Turning the Wheel' & 'Hiring Fair' to the set list last night, plus they finished with MotL.

I wonder how many other bands vary their set list so much in the course of one tour? Without a new CD to promote, of course, FC have the latitude (and the repertoire) to be able to do so - perhaps this idea stemmed from the unrehearsed end to Sat night's Croppers set?  Whatever, it's certainly a refreshing change from the usual "set" set list we're used to expecting from touring bands.  More power to the chaps' elbows (and fingers, knees, feet etc).

Can we dare to hope for a live CD culled from the tour, with a version of every song/tune played during the tour? I'd buy it...

if the band dont someone else will

Perhaps Mr, Penguin (Dunc) will correct me but I reckon the show at the LBT Huddersfield ran something like this:

1st Half

Anthony John Clarke(5 songs)
Transition number with Fairport.(Sorry missed the title...AJC is a real find, started the show well)
The Happy Man
Doctor of Physick
Rocky Road
The Rose Hip
My Love's In America
Reynardine
Wood & The Wire
Mock morris '90

2nd Half
Keep Turning The Wheel
Wat Tyler
The Swirling Pit
Jam O'Donnell's Jig
Breakfast In Mayfair
Cell Song
The Hanging Song
Eynsham Poacher
Hiring Fair
End of a Holiday
Matty Groves et al(Not sure which medley)

Encores
Best Wishes
Meet On The Ledge (with AJC in 'Peggy 60' t-shirt)

Best show for variety and some real treats in 'Doctor' +'Rose Hip + AJC etc

Should be a review on Hudds. Examiner from Pete Barrow.

It looked like they had microphones trained on the audience last night to capture the applause, so we can only hope!



Didn't actually make a note of the setlist myself, I'm glad someone did  :D, but that looks about right to me!

Forgot to mention, it was Tuesday and yet we didn't have any karaoke from AJC.  :o :o :o

Didn't actually make a note of the setlist myself, I'm glad someone did  :D, but that looks about right to me!

Forgot to mention, it was Tuesday and yet we didn't have any karaoke from AJC.  :o :o :o

It was a memory job at home,,,reckon the Matty Groves Medley was the Bowman's Retreat Mr. P?

So far have they included the Babbacombe Lee section every night?

I wouldn't want them to drop that by the time I see them at Gateshead

interestingly we paid £3.50 for the programme!

Just about the same set list - from Jamesiegang - at the Stables last night, although WKWTTG replaced Hiring Fair :).

For me, it felt a really well thought out, balanced set, with some (technical term here) welly ;D, and some surprises. It varied from the wistfulness of the Rosehip, through the Babbacome Lee songs (which still feel fresh and dynamic however many years on) to the power of Wat Tyler (IMO), the compelling version of Reynardine and the fun of the musical 'duels'.

A bloomin' good night - and I'm very glad I've got tix for 2 more gigs. If you haven't got tickets, go get them, this is really Fairport on form  ;D ;D ;D

And I have to disagree with Mr Nicol - it wasn't 'fine', it was b****y great. Thanks chaps :-*

Still quite on a high from last night at Wavendon Stables! One of the best in recent times  
( recent being 10 - 12 years+). All on top form, sound was perfect  
apart from being a little loud at times.  Set list was a re-run of the Huddersfield gig,
Will post an (incomplete) list if you want to know

 Highlights for me: CL's Reynadine which had  
the hairs standing up on the back of my neck, Wat Tyler and  the  
Babbacombe Lee mini-set as well Rosehip and Mock Morris.
Must say a few words about Anthony John Clarke, first saw him at  
Banbury Folk weekend and thought at the time that he would make a good  
opener for the winter tour, he then did Crops, but the large and  
distant audience didn't really suit him.  The intimacy of the smaller  
Wintour venues is perfect for him, and he did a very good short set,  
switching from humuorous stories and songs to poignant ballads.....  
Don't miss him, I thought that he was very good and have bought a  
couple of his CD's.
Really looking forward to seeing them again at the end of the tour.

Grace

I think we should stand up and go for it Jen 8)

After you Sparky!!

 ;D ;D ;D

Back from Winchester - can't really add much other than amazing set list, and worth the ticket price just to hear the songs from Babbacombe Lee live. Reynardine was also an unexpected gem - I don't really like the L&L version, but last night it was sublimely vibrant!

It just gets better and better....!

Adam

Golly, I was delighted with the set we saw in TWells, but this one is so different - and even more of my old faves - I haven't heard End of the Holiday since...
Looks like I may brave Croydon after all!

Wow, as said before, the best wintour gig I've been to. Everyone was on fine form and it was just great. As much as I love the Happy Man, it's not a set opener; How Many Times should have stayed in. Doctor of Physik was great, and I hope it stays in the set for a frew more years. Really liked the Rose Hip, one I've heard of, but not heard (apart from me playing it badly on the mandolin! lol). It was beautiful. Then the great My Love is In America, one of my favs. Reynardine was incredible. Cambridge Corn Exchange is a big hall (and has **** acoustics) and a big space to fill. By golly did Chris do that. I've never heard him sing with such emotion, such power and such drive. The whole thing was so majestic and big (if that made any sense). I can't wait to hear it at Cropredy. Simon then proceeded to do a very long intro to the Wood and the Wire, then forgot how it started, then rambled on about counting himself in. Then we had the Mock Morris 90, which was great. I would have liked to see Chris (or anyone for that matter) dance this!!!  :o

The other half opened with Keep on Turning the Wheel. I would have prefered something else, but hey :). Then Wat Tyler. Wat can I say (sorry, I couldn't help it) I really enjoyed this. I don't think it missed the keyboards, but I'm abit anyoned Edmund wasn't brought on for this. Then another highlight came next. Two Peggy tunes. Swirling Pit was great, but Jams O'Donnell's Jigs were much, much better. Ric fiddle solo with full effects pedals, disortion and all, was fanastic. Pretty Damn Cosmic!!  ;) The Babbacombe Lee set was amazing too. Three of my favourite tracks from the album. Breakfast in Mayfair was great, but my highlight was Cell Song. Just Ric, Simon and Chris. Sublime. The fiddle/mandolin bit was lovely, and again Chris's vocals were just right. The little a cappella bit near the end was like having CBS there. Harmonies were just right. Hanging Song was rocking!! I think it was the way that Chris sang them but for the first time, I 'got' Cell Song, Hanging Song and Reynardine. Very special. Then another treat in the Eynsham Poacher. Peggy got Chris and his brother John mixed up. "I wish you'd told me earlier"  ;D Then into Matty, End of a Holiday to start, Bowman's Reatreat to finish. Great.

Best Wishes was lovely, including the bit where Peggy played the tamborine and Gerry plucked the bass strings!! I don't know what the hell they were doing??!! MOTL was brilliant, and for the first time, I could hear Edmund playing  :) All in all a very good evening. Nice to meet Delphini, JJ and Martin Driver. Only three gripes. 1) The sound was very muddy, but that's the buiding's fault. 2) Ushering people in mid song got VERY annoying  >:( 3) A lady on the front row who, for her own reasons, decided to do a mix of standing up, clapping along, and expressive dance. It takes all I suppose. Oh, and one other gripe. WE WE WERE SITTING DOWN!!!!! I wished they'd go back to the half sitting/half standing. Oh well. All in all, a bloody good night.

I agree with Ollie about the acoustics at the Corn Exchange - one of the reasons we never went back.  The other was a parking problem.  We took the VW Camper and couldn't get into the multistory next door and ended up at Park and Ride.

Really looking forward to Doctor of Physick, Wat Tyler, Jams/James O'Donnell's/O'Donnel's Jigs or anything else they care to do.  End of a Holiday intro to Matty is my favourite.  Roll on next Saturday! ;D

Chris dancing?  Now that would be a treat!  While playing his instrument?  Still, Simon Care does it and he's great! :D

Good review, Ollie - can sense your excitement!  In fact, this tour is turning out to be very EXCITING!

I agree about the Corn Exchange - and making you sit down.  >:(
How full was it?

A few years ago they did the Junction instead - the sound's better, the atmosphere's better, and they don't make you sit down. Seems to be the venue of choice for most bands these days.

There are two clips on youtube of Chris doing just that. I was being a bit sarcastic about the Mock Morris. I tried to do the stepping in my seat whilst they were playing - it's bloody fast!!



I would say about 3/4 full, but I could only see downstairs, dunno about the balcony. I would like to see them at the Juctions (possible acoustic gig thsi year?) although I think the band favour the Cornex because it's bigger.

Sorry, I thought you were being ironic.

A few weeks ago one of the Y6 boys in my class asked me if I was being sarcastic.  There was astonishment in his voice, I'm glad to say.  I told him no, I was being ironic.  "What's that?" he asked.  "Sarcasm without the nastiness," I replied. "Great!  I'm going to be ironic from now on."  And he has been ::)

They rarely play morris tunes at normal speed!

Well I was being one of the two....

Be whatever you want to be, Ollie.  Take no notice of me.  Just keep writing those great reviews for us. :)

Set list from Pontardawe

1st half
How many times
Happy Man
Genesis Hall
Banks of the sweet primroses
South Dakota to Manchester
Journeymans Grace
Eynsham Poachers
Mock Morris

2nd half
Rocky Road
Reynardine
Instrumental 85/Wise Maid
Breakfast In Mayfair
Cell Song
Hanging Song
Who knows
Hawkswood's Army
Matty Groves/Bowmans Retreat

Encores
Best Wishes
Meat & Two Veg  ;)

Looks like the best set list so far - lucky old Andy, worth moving to Wales eh?

I think that was the set list we had at Tunbridge Wells.

Just to add to your comment

I was three seats away from her. It was her first time seeing Fairport and she was absolutely entranced by the music.  ;D She was also somewhat relaxed. ::) Her boyfriend was doing a valiant job of trying to keep her in her seat but didn't always succeed.  ::)  :-X I had a chat with him at the interval and he was very worried about it. Ok, it was a bit of a distraction, but I chose to smile at her enjoyment, rather than be irritated, so it didn't spoil my whole evening.  I really felt for her boyfriend though - he did try.

Indeed it was and it was brilliant! :)

I could have done without Reynardine. Something lively would have gone down quite well for me then.

So, that is Worthing safely negotiated. As feared, the venue was only half full but at least the audience was pretty responsive by the standards of the postcode!

The set list was as posted by Andy from a couple of nights back so there does not seem to be a lot of variation from show to show. Nevertheless the band seemed to be enjoying themselves, Simon in particular. Peggy was revelling in having his grandson, Austin, in the audience, sitting across the aisle from me as it happens, when he was sitting. Mostly he was running around the auditorium or up to the stage to wave at his grandad, activities which were indulged more charitably by the audience once his lineage was revealed.

The "what album is this from" joke seems to be snowballing and is now repeated frequently throughout the show. As for the music, it was great to hear How Many Times again after such a long absence. For me it is one of two songs from Richard Thompson's solo career where I actually prefer the Fairport versions. The biggest cheers were garnered by Journeyman's Grace and WKWTTG. The Babacombe Lee trilogy received a strangely muted response, exposing the lack of familiarity of the audience with the material I suspect. Even so, Hanging Song was an absolute highlight for me. Chris's phrasing was so perfect that if you closed your eyes it could have been Swarb. That is in no way to diminish Chris's own considerable personality as a singer but for this song he was definitely and rightly channeling its author.

Two criticisms only (and it seems a little churlish to make them). In digging back into some less expected parts of their back catalogue, the songs that remain representing the current line up are not, for me, their best. I have never been that fond of either South Dakota or Rocky Road but I guess it is all a matter of personal taste. The second criticism is more a slight case of mystification really. Having just played electric guitar on The Eynsham Poacher, Simon switched to acoustic for Mock Morris 90, thereby denying it some of the power of the recorded version. I can't really understand why he did that but it is a minor quibble. Finally it is a great new arrangement of Matty Groves, though problems with the tuning on Simon's guitar thwarted the full End Of A Holiday intro.

So a good show then, though maybe not quite the radical departure from recent Wintours that I was expecting. I would like to have seen it in a fuller venue with better acoustics but I don't think I will be getting to any further gigs on this tour. I don't think anyone is going to be disappointed. I think the Babacombe Lee songs will go down a storm at Cropredy. It would be nice if they extended the segment for the festival to incorporate a few more songs from the album.  

Is there a support act on at all?

if so, who is it?

Many thanks
Les Worrall

Anthony John Clarke - compered one of thge days at cropredy last year and was very good.

It was said that Gerry plays Bass on one song, now ive looked at the set list and cant fathom out which song it would be. Is it obvious or am i just being dense?

Well......just watch him on Best Wishes  ;D

Something else ive got to keep my eye out for when i get to Brum. Cheers  ;D

I know Anthony John Clarke, as I have had him on at my club before.

I guess there isn't a support act then!

AJC is the support.

other than Anthony John Clarke being the support act I guess not!

Are you being deliberately confusing here Les?  ;)

David W

Sorry David, must be my age :-)

AJC, thats great. Very nice man and he does a very nice gig.

I just talked with him and booked him for Faldingworth Live next year.

Blimey so wrapped up in putting on my own concerts, I hadn't realised that they (F.C.) are on at Cleethorpes on Feb 26th. 30 minute drive for me. :-)
Cleethorpes is where John Conolly comes from (the one that wrote Fiddlers Green). He is such a lovely man as well and does a really good gig.

Better get the Donkeys out on the beach, so that Fairport can enjoy a traditional ride :-)

Well here are the donkeys http://www.flickr.com/photos/at-the-pie-village/715001122/in/photostream/

And the Pier http://www.flickr.com/photos/geo3pea/749185419/

Roll on the 26th Feb

Fairport review Wellingborough 13/2/08

Spoilers

The set list this evening was exactly the same (as far as I can remember) as the one posted above from Pontadawe.  I’ll look forward to hearing other songs if it has changed at the later gigs I’ll be going to.

The JBL set was truly stunning..  Simon’s voice on Breakfast in Mayfair so very much more mature than on the original.. superb!  Chris’ rendition of Cell Song was truly gorgeous, but I must admit that listening to the words of the Hanging Song I couldn’t help but see tv images of a certain Iraqui badman going to the gallows…  maybe I shouldn’t have listened quite so carefully!  The audience as a whole was slow to react to these three songs.. the clapping came just a little later than at the end of most songs.. surely that reflects unfamiliarity??

I knew Chris was due to sing Reynadine but until the moment I couldn’t imagine anyone other than Sandy singing it..  the sound was very echoey on this song which was a bit off putting.. but I’m looking forward to hearing it again.. it was beautiful.. a very brave move.

WKWTTG was dedicated to John Wright who died suddenly earlier in the week.  Simon reminded us that it is almost 30 years since Sandy stopped writing songs.

A FAB night and a very pleasant venue.

Or that they were taken aback by how good they were ::)......................sometimes it takes a couple of seconds just to react after something superb ::) -or maybe I'm getting slower :-X

At MK there was that 'pause' after the songs - then the audience went wild (for MK that is :-X)

No, that uncertain silence was there in Worthing too. Several times I found that I was the first one to start clapping and people didn't seem to be sure that the songs had ended. I think Amythest is right. These audiences just don't know those songs, unfortunately.

This could be one reason. To look at it from a more positive angle it could mean as well that new folks is being attracted by Fairport and their music - after all and after 40 years - the word is spreading  ;)

I have just realised that I owe Simon a bit of an apology. I listened to The Five Seasons for the first time in a while yesterday and the dominant backing instrument is indeed acoustic guitar. There is a bit of colour added on electric but that was Maart of course. Mea culpa. Funny how the memory plays trick.



Fair point.

It's those lights.  People don't want to be "seen" to be too enthusiastic. ;)



We all know that ladies like the lights off ...

  :o ;) ;D :-X

The lights were down at the Wellingborough gig.

Actually they did not have the house lights up in Worthing. Are they persisting with that at all the other gigs?

That's good news.  I hope they're down at Canterbury tomorrow.

Not a spoiler or a review, but a question.
Chris Bates has put a post on the FC list about the Wellingborough gig, in which he says that Brav is in hospital.  Any know what's happened? whatever the cause, best wishes Rob, thoughts going in your direction.

Would that be a One Way Donkey Ride?  ;D

The lights on lights off debate is not as important as the heating on heating off one that needs to be sorted by Sefton Council before Mondays appearance at Southport.
The Folkport day was made uncomfortable by the heat - I had to drink more. Terrible it was; the heat not the drinking more.

Seconded - all the best to Rob B - hope you're soon back!

It's ages since I'd been to Canterbury and had forgotten what a lovely city this is – dominated by the cathedral, aged buildings abound and the narrow alleys wind between the beautiful old and the generally tasteful new.  The Marlowe theatre was a new one to us although we had experienced it virtually in a 2005 video but reality was much better.

As we entered the foyer we knew this gig was going to be radically different to the Tunbridge one. There was a buzz and an air of excitement which had been lacking at the former.  Besides, these people even looked more like us.  (Dare I mention the 3Bs – bald, beard and belly?  No!  Okay, I won't!)  These people looked and sounded like Cropredy people and they drank like them too.  It felt familiar.

The first half opened with The Happy Man – a cheery number to warm us all up and draw us in.  Then we were hit with the slightly unnerving and somewhat sinister Doctor of Physick.  It was great and better than any other version I have ever heard before – yes, even the Cropredy one!  The Rose Hip is such a lovely  tune, beautifully performed and gratefully received.  These boys know how to tug at your emotions – we'd run through a fair few different ones in the first three alone.  My Love is in America is one of my favourite Chris songs and Reynardine produced a tingle down the spine moment for Katy's Dad.  This half concluded with the semi-autobiographical Wood and the Wire which no doubt had a resonance with many in the audience; and Mock Morris which for me conjured up amusing images of Chris dancing at double speed while playing his violin – thanks Ollie! ;D

At the interval the front of house area was packed – the Marlowe holds about a thousand people and it was full – as we attempted to reach our pre-ordered drinks waiting for us in the bar.  I lost Katy's Dad; he was accosted by some people he had not seen for years and whom I'd never met.  Having backtracked and found him, I was introduced and there was much discussion about the two different set lists, as these people had been at St Albans earlier in the tour.  We also saw some Essex people we know so by the time we reached our drinks it was nearly time to return to the auditorium.  I downed a glass of wine in seconds, although I needed a bit of help to finish off the last bit.  Katy's Dad said his drink tasted 'funny' which led to us to imagining an unlikely scenario involving drinks being spiked at an FC gig.  Maybe tasting it myself wasn't such a wise move!

The second half kicked off with Keep On Turning The Wheel – another cheerful opener, followed by Wat Tyler, which was one of the highlights for me.  I was worried I'd miss Maart’s bit but I didn't at all – a different version but equally good. Peggy explained The Swirling Pit which has made that tune more meaningful to me now and Jams O’Donnel’s Jig was marvellous – one of my favourite Fairport instrumentals.  My tingle down the spine moment came with Breakfast In Mayfair. Surprising?  It came as a bl**dy great shock to me especially after what I said about it last time!  (Then again, it might have been the wine kicking in!)  All three B. Lee songs have developed and improved in my opinion.  These guys just keep on delivering.  As mentioned by others, there was a pause after each song before the clapping started.  I don't think it was lack of knowledge this time – the songs were explained to the audience beforehand.  I wonder if people think they should maybe wait until the end to applaud.  After all, they are introduced as a set of three and the original album did not have track listings. :-\  I knew what to expect of Eynsham Poacher and still really enjoyed it – I like to hear Simon's folky-voice. (Katy refers to it as his Welsh accent :o)  Hiring Fair was sheer bliss, as always, and I thought Matty Groves was one of the best I have ever heard.  I'm sure a new word was inserted between 'her' and 'shoes' in the servant swimming line, but have no idea what it was.

It was all over too quickly.  The sound and acoustics were much better than at T. Wells – we could hear the different instruments clearly.  The chaps were in good spirits; they obviously like this venue.  And there was no quiz and no lights.

Thank you all. :)

To be honest, the set at Canterbury sound pretty much the same as at Norwich last Tuesday- which is not to take anything away- I thought they were great at Norwich- better than on some  previous winter tours I have been to see. Acoustics were not great at Norwich though- alot of "echoing" just slightly marred Anthony John Clark's support gig- but this is (the Norwich Assembly House) a fine old Georgian house where perhaps the acoustics are not what people would expect at a more "modern" venue. A great version of Matty Groves but also "spoilt" for us by the distress of an ageing Fairporter apparently collapsing 2 rows in front of us- caused a bit of constrernation and the band also looked worried as they played on. The important thing, was of course, if he was alright, and he seemed to, from what we heard afterwards.
Anyway, a great gig last week in East Anglia- one of the best in recent memory!

And for me. So unexpected and to hear Chris's voice projected with such power. When getting his autograph on the 40th DVD afterwards I suggested Reynardine should be included on the next studio album. After all, Polly on the Shore was revived/revamped for SofO. He said I wasn't the first to make that suggestion so let us hope.

I wonder if the band/Simon reads these posts??

I would love a recording of Chris singing Reynardine - it sent shivers down my spine.

One of the best things I've heard for ages

Oh I agree! I remember watching him just before they began to play it and thinking "he looks as though he is psyching himself up".  ;D

Same here Diane.. if anyone has one....   ;D ;) {:-)

Just a quick note to record a terrific gig at Leamington last night - the chaps were really on top form! Set list seems to be much the same as that for Canterbury, but, from our point of view, very different from the first night in Tewkesbury.

Highlights? Reynardine,of course, which Chris has really taken to a different level, Wat Tyler, Hiring Fair, Rosehip, Mock Morris, the Babbacombe Lee mini-set (particularly the Hanging Song) and a storming Matty to finish with!

And does anyone else agree that Anthony John Clark is doing a brilliant opening spot? The mix of serious and lighter songs plus a genuine warmth and audience engagement really seems to work.

Steve&Julia - already looking forward to Birmingham........

And a nice bloke to talk to as well.

Really wish I'd gone to Pontardawe now to see them!  :(

Having travelled many miles to see FC in the past, I decided 40 miles was just too far this year, and as we'll see them at Cropredy I thought I'd take a raincheck.

Seems I picked the wrong year. I'd have gone just for the Babbacombe Lee mini-set. Hopefully, they'll do it at Cropredy.

Never mind  ???

Sorry bridgwit you really have missed a corker - Best i've ever seen the lads! Right on form and the babacombe lee songs an absoulute gem. I really do hope they do them at cropredy as well!  ;D

Good point Tasha, which has got my brain cell warming up.  Is there any correlation between the winter tour set list and the backbone of the Cropredy set?

You could always try Bristol on 27th. I know it's further, but it's worth it.

I agree there.. go to Bristol.. you won't regret it!!

I might just do that - if I can get someone to go with me  :-\

Part of the reason I didn't go is that none of the usual "gang" fancied going so far as we'd seen them 5 or 6 times in 4 years. So we went to see the Ukes in Newport instead.  :-[ They were brilliant, mind, I don't regret going to see them for one minute!  :)

Will put some feelers out tonight. Fingers x'ed!  8)

In the past there has often been but Cropredy gives them the extra time to stretch out and do additional material. My hope is that this year that may encompass a bit more of Babbacombe Lee. I'm anticipating that there may not be too many guest of an ex Fairport stripe this year so it will be interesting to see how they choose to fill their set. I think they will want to celebrate the current line up this year but hope there will be a variety of songs played and not too much reliance on the last 3 or 4 albums.

Well, the audience mikes are definitely out, and they are always recording shows for their own use - so there's a good chance of 'Son of Off the Desk' appearing in the future, I reckon.

Going to see them at Southport tonight.

Will be able to see if the hyperbole is justified.

You might get Beth Gibbins singing WKWTTG tonight....so set 1 would be likely.

To be followed by a "Grandson", "Great grandson" and "Mother of all" with any luck!

S&J

I hate to disappoint the S. Walian contingent, but Bristol (St George's, Brandon Hill) sold out 2 weeks ago... it might be worth trying to get your names on the returns list, though it'd be a long way to travel at short notice - but judging by the reviews, well worth it...

We didn't we got Chris and Kelly While instead.

And Simon misremembered the words to Matty Groves.

Please tell us more about Chris and Kellie, Waterloo Wonderer :)

That must have been loverly.. would have loved to hear these two again.

Shock! Horror! Now there's a thing never been know to mortal man!  ;)  ;D

What a wonderful time we had in Southport last night.  We did have Chris and Kellie While for wkwttg and also motl...absolutely amazing!!!  What a bonus that was !!!  A great show, loved the hanging song..shake the holy water.....summon up the guard, that Swarb could write a good tune!!  Or maybe.....it was Simon or Peggy??  Excellent evening, nice to see Mike C, Tiny Tins mum and manager Bernie, Crops pals Grahame and Stuart and Roger H.  A great 'family' outing indeed !!!  Looked for 'Waterloo Wonderer' but he mustn't have had that suit on !!

Set list as printed earlier....what a show.....and what a memorable night.  The guys dedicated a song to my dad whom I lost last week.....a good age but still my lovely dad.  That is it with Fairport,we're not just fans but family, nothing is too much trouble for them is it ??  I just love 'em to bits me.

Bernie

Katy's Mum as Bernie said the Whiles (now there's a couple of people who must surely be destined to be guests on TalkaWhile) did add something else to the concert. No re-enactment of Liege and Lief though but MOTL was a little different too.

Bernie - Peggy was wearing my suit!

I didn't hang around as I had to be on the road by 645 this morning.

Signed DVD to watch this afternoon.

The sound especially early in Fairport's set was a little disappointing.

Big Dave - sotto voce - Not only that but he forgot to turn his guitar on before the first number!

Senior moments.

Is Anthony John Clarke any relation of Oz Clarke?

I was at Southport last night and, this being my tenth or so wintour felt really disappointed with the support AJC. Weak voice, several similar sounding tunes and no real personality. It seemed to start the Fairport set with everyone feeling a little deflated rather than ready for a good FC gig - anyone else feel the same?

Nothing really to add to everyone else's FC reviews other than great to see KW and CW singing WKWTTG.

Maybe one day we'll get Spanish Main back in the set but most enjoyable throughout.

I felt the opposite re AJC.. thought he was an excellent choice.. maybe he was having an 'off night'?

I liked AJC too.......insightful lyrics and a dry wit.........preferred him to last years support anyway :-X

Maybe I am being unfair then having seen the mighty Bob Fox too many times!!

I personally had hoped that the 1stborn would be "Acoustic Daughter of Off The Desk"  ;D
And then I´d start waiting for the Son!  ;)

IMHO Hurricane both AJC and Bob Fox are very good. I happen to like both of them.
Bob has played at my club twice and AJC will do his second gig at the club next year. I have seen them more times than that though.

However I think its a question of whatever floats your boat.

So I think your comments about AJC are maybe a bit unfair, but if you don't like the guy, you don't. There are lots who do.

Well I do enjoy both, but while Bob Fox was big enough and familiar enough to hold a field, I'm not sure AJC will be. - But I'm looking forward to being proved wrong!

I would say that he did a good job of it last year.

Winding Wheel,Chesterfield.21st Feb '08.
We got "set no.2" last night which,for those who don't want to scroll back comprised:
i)The Happy Man/Doctor Of Physick/Rocky Road/The Rose Hip/My Love Is In America/Reynardine/Wood & The Wire/Mock Morris '90.
ii)Keep On Turning The Wheel/Wat Tyler/The Swirling Pit/Jams O'Donnell's Jigs/Breakfast In Mayfair/Cell Song/Hanging Song/Eynsham Poacher/Hiring Fair/End Of A Holiday/Matty Groves
Best Wishes/Meet On The Ledge.
I'd read on this board how great Chris' singing was on Reynardine but was totally unprepared for the sheer power and beauty of the whole arrangement. Segued straight from My Love Is In America which added an element of surprise the whole piece was really trippy with Messrs Nicol and Saunders playing some really nice atmospheric flourishes.
Other highlights were The Swirling Pit,Cell Song and a great Hiring Fair,again with some new sounds and effects from Ric.
No howlers to speak of-generally the sound was really good although there was an odd(intentional?)slapback on some of the vocals-this was probably more prevalent in AJC's excellent opening set and,as I say,was feasibly choice rather than accident. Simon commented upon the 'seamless' nature of the segue from The Swirling Pit into Jams O'Donnell's Jigs and announced Way Tyler as being 'another' song from Gladys' Leap when, in fact, it was the first but this is hardly surprising given the (nightly?) switching between the two sets.
As mused upon elsewhere,It'd be great to think we might see a "Carry On Off The Desk" CD on next year's merch stall.If it can feature Tam Lin and Polly from last year along with Doctor Of Physick, Reynardine and the Babbacombe Lee trio I,for one,will buy at least two!
Having attended twenty years of wintour shows I thought last year's were the best ever and I was right....until last night.

I'm really looking forward to seeing them tomorrow :D

The mixup of what song is on which album is intentional humour, reflecting an ardently wrong fan earlier in the tour.

Spare a thought for those of us who can't stand through a full gig, though, Ollie. My wife and I both have arthritic joints and usually have to opt for the balcony or wherever there are seated places. It was great to see FC up close and personal, we were about three rows in front of Simon Nicol.

Don't get me wrong. We do like to jig about with the rest and we go down to the front at Cropredy; but a full gig, no way. We went to an Oysterband gig in Colchester and found it was all standing. We ended up sitting down on the floor to give our joints a break (pun not intended but all right, if you must....)

That aside, thanks for a great review. We thought FC were very relaxed at Cambridge and seemed to be having great fun. And you are right, it was a very good night.

I don't know about smiling at the lady's enjoyment; I think guffawing might have been more appropriate. She certainly made us chuckle. I wonder if we will see her in the moshpit at Cropredy?

Anyone had set list 3 yet?

I'm not sure there will be a set list 3 - they seem to be switching to & fro between the two already described, and it's only a week till the end of the tour (already? Boy, where has this month gone???)

If you want to hear a totally different sdet list to these, get yourself along to one (or more) of the acoustic dates.....later in May.

Maybe they're saving it for Birmingham.

Cover versions of Brum's greatest hits?

Flowers in the Rain
One in Ten
Nights in White Satin
Out Demons Out
The theme from Crossroads

Maybe not...

Well it sounds like it should be "Keep right on to the end of the road", the distance they have to travel from Perth to Cleethorpes.