TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Please post your reports on the 2009 winter tour this topic.

Anything that you might think will spoil any surprises please use the 'Spoiler' tag. It's the yellow and black 'radioactive' button above where you write a reply. You click on it and write between the tags.
Like this:

Photos much be attached using the Additional Options menu below.

Well, a good solid start to the 2009 Wintour, with a couple of surprises.  The Roses was pretty full - I reckon no more than 20 empty seats?

As per usual, Ric stolled on to introduce Ken Nicol & Phil Cool, who proceeded to entertain us together & alone, warming us up nicely for the entrance of the chaps to accompany the final N&C song, which sounded slightly tentative in places, but I guess that's down to being the first night of the tour.

Exit stage left Ken & Phil, and off we went on a journey through the recorded works of FC covering L&L up to Sense of Occasion.  The chaps were on good form and in their usual good humour throughout, looked fresh & well, Simon has trimmed back the Ronnie Drew beard & played a fair amount of electric.
The sound was pretty good - though I'd have liked a little more volume on the rockier songs (and a little less echo/reverb on Chris' mic), and some of the onstage banter was drowned out by the applause - remind me to get a seat nearer the front next time, not on the back row!

If you don't want to know what was played - don't press the spoiler button...



I couldn't hang around after the show, so missed the chance of chatting to the chaps, & also the chance of meeting Jules (sorry!).  

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening - I'm sure as the tour progresses, the one or two tentative moments will be ironed out & the performances will be even stronger.

Sorry I missed you too, Paul.

Pretty much agree with everything you wrote.  Especially about needing to turn up a little on the rock numbers.  Simon's electric is so quiet that his acoustic guitar makes a louder sound!

But everything else I have to add is positive.  They were by turns entertaining, moving, beautiful and bloody funny.  Peggy in particular was on fine comedic form - I was in stitches at his antics.

I disagree with Paul about the amount of reverb on Chris's mic - I think it worked a treat on both, uh, a certain song from L&L and a certain song from BL.  Both performances brought me to tears - especially when Simon joined in on harmonies on the latter.

In fact I'd say Chris was the man of the match, not only for the above two standouts, but also his terrific two new songs - the encore in particular was absolutely terrific.  And Simon's introduction as he stood surrounded by ukes and a washboard was priceless - "That it should come to this!" he said.  Also a superb version of the VW bus song with great Beatlesque harmonies from Simon and Peggy.  Chris shone from beginning to end.

Peggy's backing vocals were top notch, and his grin was a mile wide all night.  Simon look subdued and very serious most of the night - maybe John Martyn was on his mind?  No mention made of JM, which surprised me.  Maybe they wanted to keep the atmosphere 'up'.  And 'up' it was - they put a great big smile on my face with new songs and old chestnuts alike.  What a bloody good night out!

Jules

Just a quick mention for the Sgt Pepper quote & minor chord ending of the VW song.

And I spotted Ric threw in a few bars of "I'll go & 'list for a sailor" into a song intro - but I won't say which song...

Jules is right, the 2 songs he mentioned were superb with the reverb/echo, perhaps it was the acoustics and/or where I was sat, but I kept getting sibilance from Chris' vocals - especially after the half-time break. But that was the only minor gripe from "a bloody good night out" - total agreement with Jules there!

Very difficult to add anything to the above. Perhaps not as many surprises as the first night of last years Wintour, but the "new" songs (particularly the Excalibur choice) were well up to the standard of the favourites and apart from the odd technical glitch (both Mr Nicol's having guitar issues!) the performances were great. From a quick chat with Simon afterwards, I'd say his serious look was probably down to "first-night-of-the-tour-itis", there were certainly some flashes of the usual Nicol wit and all the chaps became visibly more relaxed as they worked through the set.

Terrific night out - the encore was worth the price of admssion alone!!

S&J

It would be a surprise if they weren't nervous. I suspect that they are carrying a fair bit of emotional baggage from the last few weeks.

Looking forward to Truro this evening.

I wish they were coming to South Wales - WSM is just that bit too far, although annoyingly I can see it across the channel as clear as anything!! Maybe a few of us could go by RIB....

Never mind we'll see them in August  :)

I've been waiting for FC to do...  ....for 2 years  :o :o

Any photos anyone?

What does the Wintour T-Shirt look like?

Black, with the large FC logo in white across the top, and drawings in blue of various instruments on the font.  List of tour dates on the back.  Rather tasteful!

You're not suggesting some of them have been a bit garish, are you?
 ;D

How was it last night? Reports PLEASE  :-*

Tremendous performance from FC at the Anvil last night, where the chaps gave a first airing to set list 2

Phil & Ken got the evening off to an entertaining start, Ken's guitar playing is wonderful and Phil had the audience in stitches.

The Anvil is blessed with fantastic acoustics and last night the sound coming from the stage was just delicious.

Pray, tell...

Ohh they did that last year..  wonder if I'll get to hear both sets this time round  8)

Martin, I'd be interested to know where you were sitting!

I have to say that although I still enjoyed the show, the sound was really not good, and not what I expect from the Anvil. Everything was too loud (I'm not just beeing a wuss, I hope, but it actually hurt my ears!) I've got used to being able to hear lyrics at Fairport concerts, but that was not always possible last night.
For the second half we went and sat near the back, where there were some empty seats; it was not so deafening there, but still the balance between voices and instruments seemed out of kilter on the louder songs. The quieter ones were fine.

I know nothing technical about balancing sound whatsoever, nor am I by nature the complaining type, but I just couldn't believe that someone else who was there had made a positive comment about the one thing that was a negative for me. Where would you advise is the best place to sit at the Anvil in future?

Hmmmm.....and I say the show I heard was too quiet.  Difference in venues, the band, or the audience member's hearing, I wonder........?

Jules

My sister, aged 48, went to see FC at Hall for Cornwall  She took her teenage sons and said it was 'great'.  (not a detailed review)

The significance of mentioning her age is that when in 1976 I bought Fairport Live Convention she and her friends took the pi*s, and went back to their Billy Joel or whatever.  Now all these years later she finally swallowed her pride and can't stop saying how she enjoyed it.  This should really be a TUT :)

Thank you Fairport for vindicating my years of support with a 'great' performance. [;-)

A great set from the lads tonight and in the spirit of contributing to the "three bears" debate about the volume, in Worthing it was neither too loud nor too quiet. It was just right. I just wish Simon would not choose quite such a bright tinny sound when he plays electric. Ken Nicol played some electric on MOTL and used a much fuller crunchier effect which I preferred.

It was the rockiest (is there such a word?) set I have heard from the band in many a year and all the better for it. Everybody was in good humour and the venue was reasonably full for once. Bit of a cock up on the opening to  I think but otherwise it was musically fine.

Bought the CDs. Bought the programme. Wasn't struck in this year's T Shirt though so I gave it a miss, probably for only the 2nd or 3rd time in 20 years!

I've noticed this before - it is incredibly thin and piercing - I reckon it must be his amplification. His P/ups are old fender and shouldn't sound like that.  Am I right and thinking he D.I.s straight into the PA?  He needs a decent valve amp in between in my view.  Maybe I have this wrong.??

When Simon plays electric, his usual amp of choice is a tiny 10 watt Park practise amp mic'ed up through the P.A.,...(Park were a budget/practise line sold by Marshall in the early 90s), with his half-Fender Strat (Fender neck, Dick Knight body). A man's choice of equipment is his own affair and, by the way, IMHO, he always sounds great ! Really looking forward to Union Chapel Islington on Saturday night.

Anne, I was sitting in the rear stalls close to the sound desk and have to reiterate, it sounded good to me. Proof if proof is needed I suppose, you can't please all the people all the time.

Ooh, you jammy beggar getting that one, Gub!

Jules

Really enjoyed it too. There were times when the Worthing audience were whipped into a near frenzy of politeness ;D

Biggest surprise for me was

To my thinking ANY t shirt with tour dates on the back is by definition garish, as well as hideously expensive. I understand this includes most major market t shirts and am baffled by why otherwise intelligent people consider that necessary, re Tull, Fairport and everyone else . O wow, you were in Rochester on the 23 May, let me wear that on my back and share it with the world. It is ok to leave the back nekkid. And certainly an aspect of the enoromous market of the Grateful Dead parking lot where the art of t shirt design was brought to dizzying levels, well over 100 different varieties separate from the standard issue ones in the venue, and in the parking lot not the first one with tour dates on the back. Occasionally they became collectible too, I was once offered 200 dollars for a t shirt I had bought outside the Dead's show in Cedar Rapids Ia, on 7/4/84 for 5 dollars, (that's Jul for non Americans), this occured about 10 years later at Soldier Field in Chicago. I did not sell it because it was freaking cold that day, probably I had a jacket or something else, but I knew how cold it got in that particular stadium, adjoining the Lake. This little gem had the iconic skull, and where the lightning bolt would normally be was Felix the Cat with an eye dropper squeezing a drop into a bucket marked Hell, (Hell in a Bucket), with a crude little dark star also in the circle, cute and to the point. And btw the next tie dye I wear will be my first, though I did have a friend who would make over 1000 dollars a night selling tye dyed anything, including diapers and I recall a wedding dress. 

back to the Anvil at Basingstoke on Wednesday night,I couldn't fault the sound quality except to say it was a bit loud at times, leading to a lack of distinction between some of the instruments, but the overall enjoyment wasn't spoiled.

I am a Steeleye fan most of all, and so with Ken Nicol being part of the show was like a double-bill for me.
Had a quick word with Ken at the interval , too. Nice chap !

I thought it was great when FC joined Ken and Phil for one of Ken's own songs.

Not having sen FC since 1978, I have to say they have improved IMHO.
Tipplers Tales tour, at Loughborough Uni , I believe.

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, the humour, the material, the singing, the deft playing.
Chris Leslie was especially impressive.
9 out of 10..........no, 9and a half!!

Post of the week...but you had to be there!  ;D ;D ;D

Actually, sitting near the sound desk is a canny move - I'll aim for that next time! Hopefully the sound man will be getting it just right for where he is standing. Quite a few people from the area we were sitting moved further back, so it wasn't just me!

The Union Chapel, Islington.

The streets were freezing, the chapel was chilly but the music was red hot!

The evening began with a serious speech from Simon which may, or may not, have been prompted by the sight of this beautiful building: the domed ceiling, the ornate (but not too ornate) decoration, the tea lights around the balcony and the befitting circular window behind the boys depicting eight angels, each playing a different musical instrument.  There was one we couldn't work out but it did look like a melodeon ;D  Anyway ... it's nice to know that we are appreciated too so thank you.



A rather lovely performance of MOTL with the addition of Ken, Phil and Edmund.  And so we were back to the eight angels ... only they were in a row this time.

Thanks boys – once again you pushed all the right buttons and the music hit the spot.

(Too many clichés? Good job I don't write songs! ;D)

Thank you - what more can I add! We had a lovely evening with friends and the atmosphere was really nice. I thought they were on top form. If any of my photos have come out I'll post them, but I suspect they are a bit blurry! Currently listening to the Cropredy 08 CD - though disappointed to find that my free peice of souvenir mud (as promised by the lady on the stall) was missing!  For those of you yet to see them you have a treat in store.

Agree with both reports above...can only add that Nicol & Cool are the best Winter Tour warmup the band have had in years. Great gig, great venue, FC are on top form and really enjoying themselves. If you haven't got your tickets for the rest of the tour then go. Thoroughly recommended !

As anticipated photos were a bit blurry, or likely to spoil surprises, so here are some harmless ones showing the stage at the Union Chapel.

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Looking across the stage:

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And from the other side:


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And finally a couple of action shots - in which Mr Sanders models this year's T-shirt:

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And Ric & Chris get in some fiddling action:


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Thanks for the photos, Tim.  The stage was a bit cramped, wasn't it?  Ric nearly got hit in the face at one point when someone unexpectedly shot out an arm! ;D

I like the look of the T-Shirt

Had a ticket last night but couldn't face the trek across London in the cold,especially when the Test Match was on.Will make do with Farnham,my wife is driving to that one.

Bet you wish you hadn't stayed to watch the cricket now !!

The stage does seem awfully small

Not  the biggest is it? Did you see the bit where Ric nearly dropped his bow trying to get across to join Chris? I was half expecting to find Gerry located in the pulpit!

Blimey, when Bruce Springsteen did the bbc 4 show form there he got a 2,000 piece band up there

I think that was St Luke's wasn't it?

Oui.

ahh, youve spotted the flaw in my argument ,hav'nt you?
i take it its a different place altogether :o
and ive made a fool of myself, yet again :-[
i shall retire into the ante room with a decanter of brandy and my service revolver :'(

Stafford last night was great if a little loud in places... I like my music loud but at one point it all became just a noise! But it settled down!
We struggled through snow to get there so were a little fraught as we sat down just in the nick of time :o
Phil Cool and Ken nicol were fab! loved them! entertaining through and through.

Fairport the guys were on top form. Some great suprises in store for those yet to see them! Had a chat to Peggy before hand and then to them all at the end- got them to sign my cropredy 08 Cd. Also bought the tour Tshirt for the first time. Never been inspired before but I liked the design of this one.  So did my partner and daughter so ended up with 3! Daughter chuffed as Chris remembered her from last winter tour and asked her about her violin playing. then drew a little violin when he signed her programme :-* ;D She also got her programme signed by gerry ric simon and Peggy! Her evening was made. She said they'd played all her favourite songs!
So those who are yet to see are in for a real treat. ;) ;D

good night last night in Runcorn which is a new addition to the wintour, it would suit me quite nicely for it to become a regular stop for the chaps. as its only a 25 minute dash down the m56 for me.
  the band were in good form and a fine time was had by all, i saw Doc Mahone but he was being famous chatting to Simon Nicol so i didnt bother him.

i think we got set #2 judging from previous posts good old songs and a Chris has been busy writing new stuff which all of which i'm sure will appear on the next studio offering

Roughly what time does Fairport's set begin? I'm going to the Harrogate gig tonight, and although I'll probably miss the support I want to be sure not to miss any FC

There isn't a gap between the support and Fairport so it won't be eay to slip in! But I can't actualy remember how long Phil and Ken were on.

From the above posts it looks as if the chaps have played "Set 2" on 4th Feb in Basingstoke, 5th Feb in Worthing and then last night, 10th Feb, in Runcorn, or something like it. Other than a one song spoiler, we haven't had any further clues as to what might be in the second set. Any further sneaky spoilers would be much appreciated! I was at opening night and will be seeing the lads next on 19th Feb in Chesterfield but don't care what they play cos it'll be fab whatever!

They also played set 2 at the Union Chapel.

The running times tonight in Harrogate 7.30pm Phil & Ken joined on stage at 8.00pm by FC. as mentioned previously there is no gap

Chesterfield for me too this year.. not sure re Brum now though...  :(

Come on Jenny, you are ALWAYS in Brum. So you HAVE TO COME, please  :-*

Double  :( if that's the case!!!!!!

I really want to go.. but family problems this year....   :( :(

Thank you though  :-* :-*

(This has made me cry  :'()

What a splendid time at Runcorn last night.  Looked for Jim but after a brief meeting at Oldham for SAG wasn't sure exactly what he looked like (not quite like the avatar).  Thrilled we got the 'other' set list as there were a coupla tunes I just loved in it.  Nice to see John and Paul, Helen Tiny Tin and Bernie and new fiancee, whom Peggy introduced with the wrong name (Oh dear).  A great time, especially that Phil Cool, wow he's really funny and seems to knock up a few good tunes as well.  
The venue was amazing, really lovely, the boys on top form, great tunes and surprises.  Keeping my fingers crossed it will be that same set list for Southport in March.
Enjoy, you peeps in Harrogate tonight and be prepared to have a great side splitting chuckle.

Bernie (Southport)

i know now, it was you, i saw you briefly at half time and couldnt put a name or place to your face
i was sat in front of bernie f and his betrothed and the lass out of ttl

Tiny Tin Lady ...

Thanks Bob, I realised and pulled my post - but not before your razor sharp eye caught it!

 ;)

Jules

Has someone posted set list 2 yet? If not, could someone please.  :)

OK. Set List 2. They played it in Worthing but I apologise as I can't remember it in detail. It was as Set List 1 but with the following exceptions as far as I can recall.

Sorry to double post. My memory has just returned. OK. Set List 2. They played it in Worthing. It was as Set List 1 but with the following exceptions as far as I can recall.

Good show in Harrogate last night, pretty much a full house. I've no idea how to hide spoilers, so I won't mention specific songs. Shame on me, this is the first time I've seen Fairport.

The last time I saw Dave Pegg playing bass in Harrogate was with Tull back in 1990. That night he got rather cross during the "balloon instrumental", something wrong with his bass. He threw it at his amp and stormed off. No such tantrums last night!

Are you sure it wasn't directed at Ian or whoever was on drums that day?  The amp might have just got in the way you know..  ::) :)

Sounds really great, fingers knotted firmly the weather holds - I don't do the back roads to TW in ice, just toooo scary.

Last minute tickets for the Royal Spa Centre on Saturday ;D

I am oiling up my knees ready for Tunbridge Wells tommorrow any other Talkawhilers going?

I'll be there, along with my wife, Lynn and my daughter, Claire (who was 21 yesterday :))  Really looking forward to it!

We shall be there if I can negotiate the roads  ::)

One word for the gig last night at Wycombe ... sublime! The set was varied and fantastic and the guys were tight. The sound was superb. The new encore added some  light relief and a few laughs. Well done everyone. Great night.

Oooh, someone's not happy...!

Hells teeth, that's a really bitchy review, isn't it?  Can't imagine anyone taking a Fairport gig that way, but still....

The bloke can't even spell Ric's surname!

Basingstoke, what can you expect? ;) ;D

Perhaps if he didn't have a 9 to 5 job he might find it reasonable to plug his wares. Seem to remember reading that in the 70's a journalist, who had upset the band by writing unjustified c**p, received a pint of beer over his head from DP for his troubles.

 >:( >:(If that's the best british journalism can do, there's no hope.  What a prat (would have used other terminology but didn't want to offend the ladies)

Yes, Tunbridge Wells today, are the roads all ok around there then Angela?  :-\  See you there!  ;D

He's entitled to his p.o.v. and the piece wasn't badly written as such.  I can see how the regular sales pitches might come over as crass if you're not used to them.  He should realise however that it's a not insignificant part of the band's income.  He could have been more charitable.  And he certainly wouldn't have had to look far to find more things to be positive about.  Eh, whatever.  Tomorrow's cyber-fish-and-chip paper!   8)

Jules

He obviously didn't want to be there so, for no other reason than to sound important, imagined everyone else was feeling the same. Apparently "The Fossil Hunter" is a new song  :-\

But he might have a point about the plugging: the nearest gig to me was too far to go for me, so I'll have to take his word for the number of plugs, but it looks as though the merch was already in demand, so a couple of plugs for people to go to the merch table at interval and after the gig would have probably been sufficient.

He could have been lying, though.

Of course they plug away remorselessly.  They've been doing it for a lot longer than a quarter of a century (first few times I saw them I was being told to buy the Attic Tapes from the 'merch stall').... It's just a big joke, isn't it?  At least I'd always assumed it was...has anyone ever bought anything because Ric told them to?  I very much doubt it...!

I hope no one from FC & team read and/or take seriously the "review".  The FT is known for its pseudo intellectual superiority complex.  The have rubbished the business I work for from time to time (because by bosses refuse to pay their extortionate advert rates perhaps?) its taken as a badge of honour.
To have the FT recognise that 'Fairport' exist and that they have to review the tour is a victory in itself.
I have written to the editor pointing out the mistakes in the review.  Will let you know if this published.

The man's an idiot!

By most accounts this is turning out to be a lot of people's favourite tour for many a year, mine included. The "plugging" is an in joke that with which the audience are familiar and, indeed, complicit. Does the guy really think that if the audience were treated with such cynicism the band would attract such an affectionate following. And as for trading on old memories, if he bothered to look around he would realise that many of the audience members are not old enough to hold such memories. For them, this incarnation of Fairport is their band.

All in all...Poppycock! What a fool!

Here is a copy of my letter to the FT.  Chances of publication?  about 5% - although maybe more if they recognise my email as a subscriber.   I don't mean to take it too seriously - but a chance for some world-wide publicity for our good friends is not to be missed.

""To the Editor Financial Times:

Sir,  The review of Fairport Convention on tour (Feb 11 Arts Section) has two clear mistakes.

The surname of the lead violinist is spelt SAUNDERS   ( not Sanders ).

Chris Leslie has been with the band since 1997 - hardly a 'new boy'  - new relative to who? - Charles Darwin? And Gerry Conway, the drummer, joined a year after Chris in any case.

The point about "plug for the “merchandise"" was a worthless comment.  What is the band supposed to do?  Say "its all rubbish?"? They are self-employed; they make a living selling their work.  No Arts Council grants for them. And the reviewer simply misses the running joke that enlivens the band's  dialogue with their loyal fans.

While any reviewer is entitled to his opinion, even the writer admits that he was (probably) in a minority of one in his negative comments.  I took three very valuable business associates to the Harrogate 'gig' and we all had a fantastic time start to finish.  A typical letter of thanks I have received being:

   "I can't thank you enough for your hospitality. It rolled back the years and was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
I look forward to an opportunity to reciprocate."

Far better value to me than just another business lunch?

I hope to catch another concert (with my family) before the tour finishes (if I can find one that isn't already 'sold out').   

Yours faithfully, ""

Just one problem. Ric's name actually is Sanders. Saunders is a frequent mistake.

Whoops!!  ;)

Thanks I've corrected before sending!

Oh, well
it doesn`t really matter.
I find this the usual prattling of (a small group of) journalists who are pretty much at unease with themselves and not at all content with their lives and take comfort by showing off how intellectual and above average (in their opinion) they are. To do so the easiest (and least creative way ) is to try to drag something which is positive, successful and joyous for many people into something negative.
So what ? Let these writers have their 10 minutes of feeling good. Their remaining 23h50min a day are miserable.

For my part, I enjoy Fairport as they were and - even more important - as they are.

Peter
 

I always thought that the "plugging" was extremely funny as a running gag. Mark Gillespie does the same at his gigs and people just have a good laugh.

But - I am German. What do I know about humour?` ;)

Agreed, it wouldn't be the same without the plugs! Anyway, going to the stall is an opportunity for a chat, that's where the band are - if not at the bar, and it's where the crac starts. Silly man, his loss!
But it's made up my mind, I'll definately be braving the skating rink to Tunbridge Wells tonight.

Situated as I am bang opposite the Hall I can say the roads are fine.

Another mistake is that it makes reference to Chris playing the guitar!

Stupid, stupid man... (the journalist.. not CL!!)

That bloke makes a fair point about the constant plugs for the merchandise.The interminable name checks can get on your nerves as well.

Can you point out that Chris is no longer a new boy! I think ten years service, makes him established >:(
C xx

High Wycombe, certainly a lovely evening but I'm not sure I would agree with the comment about the sound. From my seat in the front row of the circle I thought it was a bit 'boomy', didn't hear much of Ric or Simon's instruments - sorry chaps. Nevertheless, still enjoyed the evening, excellent varied set list and it's Fairport 'innit !!!

as for the review - twit  >:( Not a clue >:(

the plugging is done tongue in cheek, it seems to me, and just adds to the overall atmosphere......

ah well.......a minority comment I suspect

Just to add to the debate about the "this is not an interval...this is a retail opportunity" plugging - to the FC fans, a lot of the merch sells itself - e.g. I bought a Live @ Cropredy '08 CD because I was there, last year I bought a Fairport @ Forty DVD because I was there (me, my other half & my car are on the DVD). I always buy a winter tour programme, and sometimes buy a T-shirt. To object to the plugging is a bit pointless really, as the fans who want to buy merch will always buy it, regardless of whether it's plugged or not.

Great night at Tunbridge Wells last night. Had a quick chat with Dave Pegg before the show (he was sitting in the foyer working on his laptop), he told me that they were really pleased with the tour so far and hadn't had to cancel any gigs due to the bad weather. The only time they got held up travelling was yesterday on the M25! (just due to normal Friday traffic!)If you want to see the set list & running order from last night click the spoiler button :



After the show managed to have a quick word with Chris and suggested they should try and play at Chatham next year! Also managed to get a photo of my daughter, Claire with Ric


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Fabulous Fairport, thank you  ;D

Was at Tunbridge Wells also and thought the whole evening was the best winter Fairport gig I had been to. Really enjoyed Ken Nicol and Phil Cool. Sound was excellent.

Met up with Angela and sons, (Martin Driver has man flu apparently according to Peggy!  ;) )  :P and at last it was such a pleasure to say hello to Steeleye WAG, which led to meeting up with the legendary Peter Knight after the show, as well as chatting to the Fairports and getting my programme signed! What a great night!

A very happy JJ  ;D

PS Did anyone see actor Tom Baker (Dr.Who) in the audience? Saw him walking along The Pantiles earlier in the day!) Unmistakable voice!

"From my seat in the front row of the circle I thought it was a bit 'boomy'"

Thats funny Joss as I was also sat in the front row of the circle. Just goes to show how we all differ in our preferences  :)

Whhops I missed a song out from the set list at Tunbridge Wells last night

We were in the second row at Tunbridge Wells  and I agree at times it was a bit boomy. However I thought it was a really great gig and the best winter tour set for a few years - I think this might have been because it was all a bit more upbeat with (JimG ducks)  less of Chris's downbeat songs . I loved the new songs he had in the set but have never been a fan of some of his compositions .

Great evening and I loved the support !

Great gig tonight at Leamington Spa.  Nicol and Cool were great fun and really got the evening off with a buzz.

I sat on the side in the balcony, but even up there the sound was great.  Simon's guitar sound was very good - none of the over-brightness I mentioned before.

Very amusing cock-up at start of  -  started playing  and stopped to ask  why he hadn't come in.   called it a matrimonial -  suggested they were having a bonding session.  Very good value. :D

Simon referred to cash cows a couple of times, which made me wonder whether he had read the ignorant FT review. ::)

Simon and Chris were very visible in the foyer and were still signing and chatting when I left.

Interesting. It was  that they messed up in Worthing. I wonder if it was the same problem in reverse? There is obviously a bit of confusion there!  ;D

I suspect Fairport are beyond worrying about bad reviews. One thing we can be certain of, Mr Honigmann is a very minor talent and will never know what it is like to be artistically and commercially successful. Poor chap.

I know you're cross on FC's behalf, michaelfriars, but I think critics are best ignored. In the greater scheme of things, they count for nought.

I can clear this up, although I may be breaking the golden rule: NEVER COMPLAIN, NEVER EXPLAIN.

We're alternating sets A + B now: Eynsham Poacher is on one and Adieu Adieu on the other. We had the list with AA on it in front of us, but because John Leslie, source of EP, was in the audience, Peggy spontaneously introduced that one. I WAS listening and followed his train of thought, but at the last moment my mind wandered and I consulted the written word for waht was upcoming.

Lesson: Never write anything down!

I can't decide which setlist is better. They both look great.

After seeing the Chaps at Tunbridge Wells I have to agree that I think this is probably the best Wintour for many a year and Ken Nicol and Phil Cool are absolutly brilliant.

Just wish I could manage to get to Tunbridge Wells without getting lost ::)

Meeting up with Mag T, JJ and Deborah and Peter made a lovely evening even better.

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Well it made me laugh :D

And you can't beat a good Lad -e - i -o (or how ever you spell it!) on a Saturday night.

There's not a bad track on Bonny Bunch of Roses, IMHO.  How about adding Jams O'Donnell's Jig onto the set list - that'll keep Peggy in his toes ;D

An interesting diversion - and you can't help but admire the way Simon and Peggy dealt with it - but 'twas only a small incident in a cracking set. Any slight rustiness wich might have been apparent at Tewkesbury (set A) had been well and truly oiled by Leamington(set B).

Great sound from Geoff Curtis and a special mention for Phil Cool's songwriting/performance on "Maria" and some flashes of brilliant guitar work by Ken Nicol during MOTL.

Really looking forward to Birmingham  - set C????


S&J

Tun Wells - a bit boomy from the balcony, but really, really great evening. A lovely mixture of something old something new, something borrowed, and something blue...   ;)
Guess the lads have just about cracked it!

This might be a no-no, but has anyone recorded any of the shows?  If airfare was cheaper, I would have been there!

Live at cropredy 08 contains many of the songs played on the tour.

Fab set from The Fairport Conventions at MK tonight!!!

Hopefully I'll go into more detail tomorrow, but I need to listen to Cropredy 08 and read the programme now

Ah, the turning of the year, and once again my expedition to the winter tour started with what is becoming a tradition - the first evening of the year I leave work in daylight.  And that is a very nice feeling. :)

Mother had made her way up to my house from Croydon and we had a bit of a chin-wag and a cup of tea while I got changed into more suitable clothing than work and bike gear, then we were off.  I'd checked out the route to the Stables before I left but predictably Naana-nav cut in as soon as I left the M1 and we found ourselves in completely the wrong place.  Luckily we had plenty of time so back-tracked and struck out in the right direction.  I can never quite understand how a venue as lovely as the Stables is down such a rotten little country track that's really hard to find in the dark.  Keeps it off the radar of the "oiks" I suppose.

Used the remaining time before the start browsing the merch stall and spent £75 before anyone had played a note!  Got a t-shirt each for me and my mum, Ric's CD, Fame & Glory and the Cropredy '08 CD so not bad value.  Either I've taken my eye off the ball and have been missing releases, or they've been very busy chaps indeed to have three new CDs that I have to have!

I do love the Stables, and always forget that it's about half the size of the St Albans Arena.  I got some of the last tickets available (it sold out about a month back) but I don't think there's a bad seat in the house. We were right by Ric's side of the stage, technically 3 rows back but we only had to look past one row of heads to see the band.  It was a cosy atmosphere in there - and warm! - and Ken and Phil got us off to a flying start.  They are indeed a pretty good duo.  I wasn't sure whether I'd like them (I wasn't keen on Phil's TV act when I was a kid for some reason), but they were great.  I don't think it's a spoiler to say Phil's still a great impressionist, but this is:

Now, their sales patter did get me heading back to the merch stall at the interval!  I just had to have some evidence of folk music being dragged into the 21st century!

We were fairly close to one of the speaker stacks so every time Gerry hit his bass drum my ribcage resonated in sympathy.  But as an old heavy metal fan I'm used to having my head in the bass cab anyway, so I really didn't mind that!  Aside from that, and a little "moment" with Simon's weeny guitar (has he nicked that off Ian Anderson?) I thought the sound was very well balanced.

I can't remember the set list as such, but it did seem to lean towards the, shall we say, classic era.  Definitely before my time, but there were some gems in there.  I still can't get to grips with  but that's my problem I guess.  I might have to look out some of those old albums that I've had lying around and never really listened to.  Or just beg the chaps to carry on their recent habit of revisiting an old track or two on each new album...

There seemed to be quite a number of instrumentals, I don't know if that was just me.   was great and had everyone exercising the fingers, and as usual every time Ric and Chris got the fiddles out some magic came back into the world.

Had a brief chat with Delfini in the interval and saw the top of kaskadekid's head across the lobby a couple of times but didn't get to say hi.  It was nice to be recognised though, thanks Diane! ;)

I could go on, but all I really need to say is that it was a lovely evening out and, for me, I now know that winter is in retreat, spring is on its way, the year is making its circle again and Cropredy can't be too far away!  Now, where's the Scratch Morris thread?

Just back from a few days in Jersey and about to tackle awkward 'stuff' tomorrow... so tonight in Chesterfield with Fairport will be a fantastic relief... about to get ready and go...

Chesterfield last night - Phil and Ken were perfect in support. Particularly impressed with their vocal harmonies and I have to say pleasantly surprised that Phil turns out to be a really good musician on top of his well known comedic skills.

FC seemed on great form, good humour and fun was there in bucketfulls. I have no idea whether we heard set list 1, 2 or whatever but for me there was a refreshing infusion of material which was un'/less familiar to me, a really nice balance of old and new.

A great night and I think this band should go far ! (probably even to Dundee!)

It was FAB!!

The chaps were FAB!!

Everything was FAB!!

And after the three weeks that I've had recently it was such a tonic to sit there on the front row experiencing the Fairport feel good factor again.. made me smile.... a lot!!

I realised that I haven't missed a single wintour at the Winding Wheel since 1990.. that's 20 consecutive years...  blimey!!

The power of the music...  {:-)

Thanks chaps  :-* :-* :-*

Good to see lots of TAWers there too.

A 'Full House' at the LBT Huddersfield last night to see a terrific 3-hour show.

Looks like it was Set List A as detailed by Paul T earlier in the thread missing out :



The addition of Ken Nicol & Phil Cool kickstarted the evening and the transition song



should be considered for future recording projects.

We had an elevated view from the side & near the front and could pick up all the excellent banter from the Fairports.Some of the staged (heavy-metal influenced) poses to the mobile cameras were absolute classics!

The introductions to all the material were not laboured and despite a minor technical problem (and one daft heckle spoiling a punchline),the show zoomed by.

As for 'product placement' announcements...They provided some of the best lines of the night. No FT or comment ..Thanks.

The programme is worth getting for the usual band articles plus the tributes to Rob Braviner.

Go and see this tour if you can. If not get both new CDs (and the solo stuff)

Our local paper has gone '24-hour' recently , so there isn't a report today.
Probably on-line soon or Monday.

I think I can guess the punchline to the FT joke but won't spoil it by heckling ;)

Thanks for the review jamesiegang and don't delay in getting those "parent albums" - it's all in a good cause, you know ;D

Oh go on ... spoil it! Some of us can't get to the shows you know.  :)

Use the spoiler button!

Well, I think it might be ...



... I'm sure someone will be along soon to correct me if I'm wrong ;D

Just back from Farnham..........brilliant...........absolutely superb.Phil Cool was very funny................

As Billy says, a great night at Farnham Maltings; a sell-out.

Judging by the gasp from the audience when the booking of Steve Winwood was mentioned, there should be a few recruits for Croppers made last night.

If you want someone to 'put down' an irritating heckler, Chris Leslie is your man!

My girlfriend's first FC concert - another convert ;D

Malcolm.. why were you heckling Chris??

The person Malcolm is referring to, is the boring irritating numpty who appeared to be under some delusion, that he was being ever so amusing, continually heckling thoughout Ken & Phil's set.
This individual's attempt to persist with his inane interjections during Fairport's set, were brought to a staggeringly polite and bloodless full stop, when he thought it a good idea to interupt C.L. mid song introduction. Chris without skipping a beat, apologised saying, I'm terribly sorry, we can't hear a word you're saying...............it was a wonderful moment and you guessed it, not another peep was heard.

As for the gig, it was excellent, the Maltings was full to bursting, which made for a good atmosphere. If I were to pick one particular highlight, it would be Hiring Fair, never have I heard Simon sing it better than he did last night.

These reports are really whetting my appetite for the Birmingham gig. ;D {:-)

Sorry Martin.. it was my silly idea of teasing Malcolm.

Good for Chris!!

Hope I can get to Brum!!

Going to concerts can be a bit like flying.The first thing you seem to have to do at both is ask people to get out of your seats which they are mistakenly sitting in.

We took a couple,friends of ours who live in Farnham,with us and it seemed they enjoyed it.Minutes after the show had finished,as we made our way out,Simon Nicol was already in the foyer !Unbelievable..............what a band !

Tell us more...... ???

Martin did ::)  ;D

Just back from St Albans.  Apart from a couple of hiccups in the first half, it was a great gig - sound much better than the Union Chapel.



If you haven't yet booked your ticket for one of these shows, I recommend you hurry up!

I'm glad Ken is making himself heard on the electric for that song near the end of Fairport's set now.  He was hampered by some gremilns back in Tewkesbury......not to mention the possibility that he looked a wee bit sozzled!   ;D

Jules

St Albans was an excellent show....despite the previously mentioned technical hiccups (which at least gave us the opportunity to listen to some amusing banter and take part in a game of Fairport charades! - i can imagine that going down pretty well at Cropredy!).

It was the same songs as at Union Chapel but one of the many things I love about Fairport live is that the songs never sound exactly the same from show to show.

Roll on Hertford!

Also, best wishes to Phil Cool who wasnt feeling too great - hope you're feeling better today Phil!

A couple of videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJGQODXA-I0 - MOTL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EObE5__I5JU&feature=channel - Hanging Song


Really quite annoyed I've missed this tour  :(

Thanks so much for posting these, Ollie.

Nice one, Ollie.  Is Simon down to 'just' a goatee?

Great show at St Albans - worked out it was my 21st consecutive year seeing Fairport there.   Always used to be Friday or Saturday but being mid week was maybe why it was not completely sold out.

Different start to the evening as Phil Cool was a bit poorly, so Fairport came on early, and then Simon's guitar didn't work - or more precisely a lead going into it didn't work.

Not that it mattered - time filled with some amusing banter and then a great show for the rest of the evening.   After the previous shows I thought I had the set list worked out so after Rocky Road I was waiting for one of my all time favourites - Reynard the Fox - but he never showed up.   The advantage was that 3 shows I went to were all different and equally enjoyable.

It was a pity the St Albans crowd did not see all of Phil and Ken's set because they are really good - hopefully Phil will be better tomorrow after the rest day today.

Paul

Great vids - thanks Ollie  :)

Thanks for that - reminded me how much fun we had a couple of weeks ago- roll on August!

I'll be in Glasgow tomorrow, do come and say hi!

Are we taking a register for next saturday at brum!? Looking forward to seeing the chaps. Cheers all BD

A few pics from the tour; Gareth & Frances at your service

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Simon & Peggy spot a camera

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Lord Gerald of Conway

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The chaps signing in Dundee

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Simon with a bonnie lass

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Ric meeting a young fan

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Gez signing for a member of the FOH staff at the Whitehall Theatre  

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Chris with Dundee Dave and his pal Brian

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Nice pix, Martin!

Thanks Andy, one more for you

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Great shirt Gerry!!

 Thanks for these Martin  :-*

Saw a few bands there when I was living in Fife incl Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes and Runrig.

I must phone up the Brewery Arts Centre tomorrow and check there are still tix for Thursday, well just the one as Mrs B doesn't want to come. Been a bit pricey recently what with Swarb and Steve Knightley gigs and a couple of trips to the theatre. Reckon I can afford it as I was on the guest list for Steve's gig. Volunteering in community radio is a great way of getting freebies - I can recommend it.  ;D

Enjoyed those clips on YouTube. MOTL sounds great with a bit of electric guitar.

Additional Gig in Glasgow tonight!

The chaps have very kindly offered to play a one-off, one hour acoustic set tonight at Hillhead Sports Club at Hughenden in Glasgow.  

The show will commence at 8pm with local folk worthies, Sanna, who will play a set of around 40 minutes. After an interval Fairport will take the stage for their set at around 9pm.

The cost for this will be a single (one!) £5 note!!

Jack

I heard about this last night from dil_em_ma and Martin Driver. I'm hoping to be there but it depends on what time I get back from St Andrews.

Last night was cracking, by the way. I think I saw you, Jack, but didn't get a chance to say hello.

Excellent! It would be good to see you there Mike!  And anyone else who can make it!!

I thought that last night's show at the Glasgow Pavilion was just an excellent gig, it was also enjoyed by Justine and our daughters Eilidh and Alison. My girls were most put out by the Pavilion staff who, when they were dancing together during Mock Morris '90 (my girls, not the staff) were told to get back in their seats!!  This was at the side of the room with no-one near them!! Thought that  Ken and Phil were great too.

The audience was small but perfectly formed and really enjoyed themselves!!

Make sure you do say hello tonight!

Transport logistics meant I never made it in the end. Hope it was a good one.

A friend of mine wrote this review of Dumfries:

Fairport convention sold out the 217 year old Theatre Royal in Dumfries last night but as it holds barely 200 people it was hardly the biggest audience of the winter tour. Never the less the people who had braved torrential rain before the doors opened and were greeted by driving sleet at the end enjoyed a rare Dumfries night of fine music.

Ken Nicol and Phil Cool opened the show, with their mixture of folk music and comedy. Cool showing another side to his talents with some fine singing as well as his usual impersonations. One particular Liverpool joke went down well with the mainly Scottish audience (don't think you would have liked it Paul).

I only really started listening to Fairport Convention a couple of years ago and mainly their early stuff so I didn't really know what to expect from them. I have to say despite some sound problems they were magnificent.

I never realised just how good a bass player Dave Pegg is and Chris Leslie's voice, mandolin and violin playing were excellent. Ric Sanders violin flitted in and out of songs effortlessly and Gerry Conway plodded along at the back on drums. The only real down side was Simon Nicol, who sang well despite apparently feeling "like s**t" with a heavy cold. For some reason his guitar was way down in the mix (well at least from the 4th row). Particularly when he played his lovely old Telecaster you could hardly hear a note over the rest of the instruments.

As for the set list, well I'm not really up on all of the songs but the definitely played

Turning the Wheel
Doctor of Physick
Who Knows Where the Time Goes?
Now Be Thankful
Mock Morris '90
and three songs from the Babbacombe Lee LP.

Matty Grove was dropped in favour of John Gaudie, because of Simon Nicol's cold.

For the encore Leslie sang a song about ukuleles while he, Sanders and Pegg played ukuleles with Conway on washboard and Nicol on bass.

The night ended with Ken Nicol and Phil Cool rejoining the band for a rousing Meet On The Ledge.

The audience certainly had a good night and from the way the band thanked the audience and the volunteers who run the Theatre Royal so did the band. Hopefully they will add Dumfries to their regular circuit.

That's what  ithought too.  Come on, Simon, don't be shy - turn it up!

Jules

Simon doesn't have a lot of luck on these tours does he? I have seen him take a back seat due to illness at least twice (on one memorable occasion, Vicky Clayton stepped into the fray) and that is not counting the year that he had a broken leg!

Sorry to hear about Simon's cold.  When I was endeavouring to extol the - admittedly many - virtues of single malt whisky to Simon on Friday evening I forgot to mention its medicinal properties.

Hope you're feeling better & keep taking the medicine (honestly it works just as well if you are in England as in Scotland!)

Peggy & myself called into this Inverary Whisky store after receiving the excellent advice offered by GS.

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It does appear to have had one or two strange after effects however, so be warned children

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Peggy admires Mike B's tshirt, whilst taking the recommended dose at the Glasgow gig

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Those are terrific, Martin - thanks!

Jules

close up of the shirt   ;D

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Coincidence, I'm wearing mine today :)

Great piccies, thanks.

The time is now right I feel to make pre-gig arrangements for Saturday night.  I think that we should follow KarlHippy's advice and encamp to the Wellington on Bennets Hill.  If all goes to plan I should be in Brum by 4.00 pm Saturday afternoon.  I am on TCT raffle duty at the TH at 6.15.  

Any other thoughts on the matter?

Don't forget the Old Jpint Stock for pie

Cheers for the pics, Martin.

Yesterday whilst FC travelled to the IoM for last night's gig, I took the opportunity to drive over to Wasdale in the English Lake District.

The peaks of Yewbarrow, Great Gable, Lingmell and Scafell Pike viewed from Wastwater, apparently is considered by some to be the best view in Britain, it's difficult to argue.

The guys have arrived back from their IoM adventure and are now in Kendal preparing for this evening's gig. Gerry informed me the Irish Sea was fairly subdued during the crossings, so happily they did not get too bumpy a ride.

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Breathtakingly beautiful...

 not the Chaps...the view! :o

Magic Pic, Martin. I shall be seeing that very view, minus the snow I expect, in about 6 weeks. Just nipping round the back of Yewbarrow to do the high level route to Pillar.

Stunning pic Martin.

I haven't been to the Lake District for nearly 40 years ( :() I think it's about time I revisited it.

Where do we meet for a pint tomorrow?

Wellington, Bennets Hill.  From the Town Hall, go down New Street and Bennets Hill is on the left about half way down.  Martin and Peggy will know.  ;)

Thank you  :-* See you tomorrow.  ;D {:-)

When did I miss this one?? The Chairport Prevention T-shirt, that is. (I didn´t know how to get the photo quoted!  ;D)

I don't remember you being that tall, Mike. Or maybe Peggy has shrunk.

As a newbie on here and the guy who originally wrote the Dumfries review post #161, (sorry Gerry I didn't mean to criticise your drumming) I'd just like to say a big thank you to the band and everyone connected for playing Dumfries.

FC are the first quality band that I can remember playing Dumfries for the last 10 years and it was a very enjoyable night. Hopefully they will return next year.

Cheers,
Phil.

i remember him being that tall

I've been this tall for a while...

See you all tomorrow?  ;D
C & M xx

Sadly I won't be there...  despite the offer and acceptance of  a lift home (Thx  :-*) I now have a stinker of a cold and know i just can't make it.

Have a FAB time everyone and buy lots of raffle tix won't you!!

We were looking forward to giving you a Hug!! Don't worry about the raffle, we will make sure it sells well :-*
C & M x

Lovely pic Martin. For the summer version, see here (http://www.andyleslie.com/_Pictures/Portfolio/index.html)

Is it time to go brum yet dad? Is it? Is it? Can we go now please?  [;-)

 ;D
After the full English breakfast, that will be served in a minute, I'll leave London and will be in Brum at sound check time.  {:-)

A few pics from last night's gig in Southport

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Some Tiny Tin Ladies were there

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Beth sang WKWTTG as a duet with Simon

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For a minute then I thought Beth was doing Demon Barber style clog dancing to WKWTTG!

rock solid GC

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With Ken

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The chaps have just arrived and are all safely in the venue, that is simon chris and ric not seen peggy or gerry yet. [;-)

Superb sublime brillant thank you chaps, more tomorrow ;D [;-)

tomorrow?

Wonderful gig last night! I think Uke sales will go through the roof in Birmingham now lol. Thank's to all the member's for making it very special. We will post some pics up later, when our hangover has gone. We also won the raffle :-[
Carolyn & Mark xxx

Well done guys, £800 raised for tct. Thanks to all  [;-)

Another excellent gig ;D, though I suspect Simon may regret the way he introduced MOTL :-X

I'm absolutely shattered today so will try to add more later.

It was a shame so many people couldn't come :( :( You were missed - TAWers do help to make a gig even more fun {:-) [;-)

Why, what did he say?

Jules

Nothing too controversial, just end of tour fatigue along the lines of lets get thru MOTL then we can all go and have a lie down, to be fair to simon and the chaps they did something kind for a TAWer who could not make the gig. All will be revealed in due course.

Great gig in Brum last night - just got back to sunny South Wales.  I spent the weekend with my brother-in-law, Bob, who took a piccy of me and Mr Pegg.

I also sampled the delights of the Wellington real ale pub just down the road from the Town Hall.  I've been in that pub six times in all (before and after the FC gigs in Brum for the past three years!) ;)

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That shirt was seriously scary :o

It looked like two eyes glowering over his guitar :o

He was very proud of that shirt! It reminded him of his Cocktail Cowboys days  ;D ;D

It just made me smile ::)

Oh what a great night it was. Good to see some Talkawhilers there.
I enjoyed every moment of a brilliant gig.
A big THANK YOU to the band  :-*

End of tour fatigue seemed to loom large to me - a great set list played accurately but with little fire in the belly.

Than we had MOTL and Ken Nicol filling the big electric guitar hole at the centre of the band, I thought MOTL was the highlight for that reason, the band sounded complete.

All in all a nice night out.

David W

Ha.  Well, that's OK.  Simon must have been feeling a bit shabby what with having been ill.  I'm sure folks took it in a lighthearted way rather than thinking he was being rude.

Am intrigued by the TAW connection....  Hmm.....

Jules

What Simon actually said, which caused the band (Peggy and Chris in particular) to commence giggling was that MOTL was a song that Richard Thompson had 'tossed off' many years before.  Before long Simon himself and the audience had joined in the giggles.  It didn't sound like end of tour fatigue to me, just a silly schoolboyish slip of the tongue....ooer missis! ;D

In post "day out in the big city and then a stonking gig" fatigued state i probably didn't express my self very clearly, mickf has put things in a much better way. ;) ;)

LOL.  Well that's even funnier!

Jules

As the person who had the pleasure/privelege/honour of sitting next to Big Dave, I'm not surprised he's fatigued. I don't think I've ever seen anyone actively enjoy a gig as much as he did on Saturday.... :) Mind you it was a great evening!

Just for the record, here's Chris' setlist (although I guess most of it is common knowledge by this stage in the tour!)-


Highlights? Too many to list. Geoff has really got the measure of Chris' voice on Reynardine and Cell Song, and Fame & Glory was an unexpected pleasure from this tour ( the whole album, sorry CD, is pretty good on first hearing).  Ukelele Central is great fun - taken as Chris said from Ric's forthcoming cd "Anarchy in the Uke", it should boost sales of ukeleles countrywide! Chatting to him afterwards, Chris may post the chords on the FC website if there's enough demand... ;)

Anyway, pause for breath before the acoustic tour.....or in BD's case Cropredy, it'll probably take him that long to recover.. ;D

I am still soooo pissed off that I missed this gig  :( :(

But glad you all had a great time  ;D

not a lot of point putting spoiler alerts up after the tour finished

Thank you for those kind words Steve-N.......I am not sure that you should regard it as a privelige or anything! More like a bloody distracting nuisance  ;D you where very patient (and brave) thanks for your company, it was a pleasure to share the gig with you both.  It was a bloody good gig as well, I was so knackered yesterday I went without my Sunday lunchtime session in the Oak  ^-^
Thanks also to all those who helped with the raffle, Adrian was charm personified when we were on duty together, whereas my approach was more along the lines of demanding money with menaces  ;D ;D
The more I see in the Town Hall, the more I rate it as a venue.

And another thing, Doctor of Physick was the highlight for me.

We’ve seen FC twice on the Wintour this year, St Albans and Brum.

We were very disappointed by the sound quality at St Albans – the drums and base were mixed too high (and actually on the verge of being too loud in an absolute sense, too), and the vocals and solo instruments too low. We were in the middle of the third row, where we’ve been for this gig for the last several years, and not had a problem with the sound for a very long time. Nevertheless the set-list was very much to our taste, and the playing excellent (as far as we could tell, the balance notwithstanding). We were not treated to the full Nichol and Cool set, either, as a result of Phil’s indisposition on the night.

So it was with some trepidation that we set off for Brum on Saturday, hoping for something better.

Well, we shouldn’t have worried!

As others have already posted, it was a great gig, one of the best I’ve been to, N & C were fun, musically and comedically, Phil apparently now fully back on-form (as confirmed by a quick chat in the interval).

The FC set was, again, a superb and balanced choice, from a good historical range of the back-catalogue; it was especially good to hear Lord M and Doctor of Physick, neither of which I can recall hearing them play live before.

And the sound was excellent (from the middle of the third row), so all disappointment of the St Albans gig rapidly faded away.

The guys were their usual friendly selves after, too. Apparently Peggy’s shirt was a gift from his daughter, and Gerry’s washboard is a genuine musical one (from Hobgoblin) rather than a converted laundry item!

Hertford acoustic in May is next on the list.

DC

Then apparentlly Dr Clive, you sat directly in front of me.  If I kicked the back of your chair I do offer sincere aplogies. ;)

If you did, I was far too immersed in the music to notice, and in any case would have been far too polite to mention it!  :)

DC

I'm so surprised to read comments about poor sound balance at other venues, Saturday's show seemed one of the best in terms of sound quality I've heard.

My last venture to the Town hall was too see Jack Bruce a couple of months ago,  I sat in row three and the reverb from the hall was so great I couldn't hear what he was saying even between numbers.  He commented that the hall's redesign had 'almost' sorted things out!

On Saturday we sat three rows from the back and heard every instrument clearly at all times, thought the balance and separation of instruments was brilliant.  (As has been said elsewhere it's always good to sit near the sound desk!) So someone must have been doing thir job well.

Loved the choice of numbers played and the band seemed really slick in the best possible sense.  Can't add much to the above - I agree with all the positive comments.  I understand that, emotionally speaking, getting all the guests on stage for MOTL is important but it often sounds a bit of a blur - Ken Nicols contribution really added to the effect. A great night out.

Well...

The end of another spectacular tour. But Another one will start in 2 months so that's ok!

Well it's revelation time....

The postman has just dropped a card through the letterbox....  with messages from everyone in Fairport ::) ;D

I am speechless...  8)

... and delighted...  8)

... and .. well I dunno... just amazed!

A huge thank you to my good friend that organised it and to The Chaps for being so kind  :-* :-*

I would have loved to have seen the smile on your face, so glad it made you happy.
C xxx

Great stuff Jen and well done to an esteemed member of the board!  [;-) [;-) [;-) [;-) ;D ;D

The smile is still there Red Shoes...  ;D ;D

... yes indeed huge thanks to the main 'conspirator' and accomplice!! :-* :-*

Which is why we love this band....isn't it?  How luverley.... :)

That's brilliant Amethyst!  What fun.

It reminds me of a day 15 years ago; the phone at work rang and the receptionist said "It's somebody called Dave Pegg for you Angie".

I just stood staring at her in disbelief.  

It was our Silver Wedding anniversary, we were having a party that night, and seeing Fairport locally (in Market Deeping) the next evening.  Unbeknown to me, my husband had sent an party invitation to the Chaps. Peggy was ringing to say they were sorry they wouldn't be in the area until the next day, but to go and meet them at the gig.  Which we did of course, and they were lovely.

I'm trying to remember which football shirt Simon was wearing...it was a South American one.  (There was a World Cup on at the time)

Have a squint here.....

http://gallery.me.com/jackwestwood59#100086

Nice!

Peggy's got an old (although not looking it) '94 Cropredy top on.  Still about my favourite design.....

 ;D ;D ;D - trust you're feeling better now, and the coughing is subsiding.

Much better.. but still coughing  :(

Late with this because my computer died the night of The Convention in Dumfries....but I have to say that it was wonderful beyond my expectation. Ken and Phil were a great opener....and Phil gave me a serious fright when,with no discernible muscle twitch he BECAME George Dubbya Bush before my eyes!
Didn't know whether to applaud or strangle him.
The interval was a really mellow Merlot time and I found myself chatting to Simon and we had shared memories of Muswell Hill/Crouch End way back when.
I told him of that dastardlt knaqve Swarbrick selling me a copy of Full House.......and 'forgetting' to leave the acual record inside the cover.
20 Minutes into the second half Peggy announces the 'SAwarb story and,amazingly, dedicates Dr.Physik to me..........these people are very very special and it is to my sadness today that they were not recording Dumfries that night...but it's to my great gladness that they were in Dumfries that night and it is to my great madness that I probably won't make Cropredy this year.
But.......they are very special people to me..all of them,what long chats we had post show over wines.
As they all say on my signed Programme.LOVE....and yes its reciprocal.
Thank You Guys,
Jimmy Gilp.