TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Now the Lowry Quays theatre is my kind of place.  The bar-staff dress in dickie bows and white shirts, the pre-show scoff is a treat, and what’s more, it’s accessible from all points north and south of the Greater Manchester conurbation by tram.  When I first came to these parts, this was a waste-land.  The rats were the size of cats and it stank.   Now it is transformed.  On the left, across the water, is the great Imperial War Museum of the North.   Behind it is the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.  To the right is the dreaded Designer Outlet Mall, where the young Peels spend my cash on Whistles frocks and Republic of Ireland rugby kit from Cotton Traders.  In front of us is the Lowry Centre - home not only to our beloved son’s great paintings and sketches, but also the magnificent theatres.    The Quay theatre is probably my favourite venue for folk gigs - sumptuous red velvet seats and cosily intimate, yet holding a good sized audience.  It reminds me of the place that hosted ‘the Good Old Days’ - a music hall - with two,  or is it three tiers of people leaning over their balconies. 

The Peel party were in the second row, in the middle.  I had persuaded three other couples to join us, after preparing samplers for them.   

Are there any superlatives left? Yes I think there are.  Mr. Knightley acknowledged that this was one of the big nights of the Tour.  So many people uplifted by the  music - Sir Philip de Beer must have had three spontaneous rounds of applause for the sheer beauty of his pieces.  Lord Knightley of Topsham was greeted with admiration and adulation for his superb singing and those sublimely crafted songs with a kick.  They catch you in the throat and your heart.  They creep up on you unawares.  How does he reach the parts that others cannot reach?   He sang us a new one that he had finished off during a lull in his hectic schedule, at Chester.  What was it?  Tell me, someone.  It’s floating around my subconscious and I need to know toute suite, if not sooner.  Embarressed to say, I cried once again , at The Setting and Mary of Dungloe.  That’s the deal when you’re the offspring of Irish Immigrants.  :'( 

Miranda Sykes took the stage.  Or was it? I had seen her and been smitten with her at Cropredy (and at the risk of having a clip round my ear from Lady Peel, I admit to having her portrait on my office wall in the bowels of Talkawhile)  but here was a taller, slimmer, gorgeous apparition.   It has been said elsewhere that she contributes much depth she contributes to the SOH sound  (go to the Longdogs site) - and they are right. But she came into her own during the song ' Blue Cockade'.  ’Tis a heart-rending and beautiful song, that SOH do most marvellously - but come on, chaps - ’tis a girl’s song, and Miranda is the girl what can sing it.   

This time last year, I had not seen Show of Hands.  Now I am an expert.  The merchandise stall was packed with newbies who didn’t know their Galway Farmer from Cousin Jack.  The unfortunate stall-operative was besieged.  I found myself helping people choose the right CD.  They wanted Santiago, Crow on the Cradle, Blind Fiddler, Crooked Man, Country Life, Crazy Boy, Be Lucky, Corrina Corrina and more and more, but I had a ball pointing them in the right direction.  I got the feeling that Show of Hands have now reached another level - we shall probably never see them more at the Bury Met or Shaw Theatre, Oldham  They are hotter than that it would appear from this gig.  Yes - next time, they’ll be at the Bridgewater in Manchester.  The hard work and effort of all those festivals, gigs, and air-play on local radio has finally paid off. 

During the gig I unexpectedly met lots of colleagues who greeted me with the same phrase - ’I didn’t know you were a Show of Hands fan, Peel - fancy seeing you here!’  There must have been about 30 of us.  Later we adjourned to a hostelry in Old Salford.  The Landlady had tattoos on her neck and muscle on her spit.  In Lady Peel’s handbag there is a copy of ’Covers’.   Tomorrow I tee off on the first hole at my golf club at noon.  Rain is expected, but I shall look the Bees blimmin’ Knees with my Show of Hands brolly.  Thank you chaps, for an unforgettable night.

Peel   

Oh I love that description! Yes a Great Review of a Great Concert!

I'll echo that comment on the comforts and sheer style of The Lowry. Lovely place. Much as I enjoyed the Pacific Road concert the night before, The Lowry one was really special.

For fellow North-Westerners, if SOH withdrawal sympton symptons set in, look out for Joseph & Knightley in Birkenhead & Bury in early April, and Show of Hands at Biddulph on 5th May and Lancaster on 6th May. Indeed, if you go into "What's On" on Longgogs there is a link to web ordering for the Lancaster gig. It's at the Chaplaincy Centre of the University, which is quite appropriate given the description in the quote!

I can only echo Sir Bob's sentiments - SoH were on top form at the Lowry.  Unlike Sir Bob I've been a SoH fan for a number of years (I've actually seen them three times this year) and Saturday nights gig was probably one of the best, if not THE best, I've ever seen then perform.

Turning the award-winning duo into a trio with the addition of the lovely Miranda is inspired.  She adds another layer to the songs with her bass playing - witness how powerful 'The Oak' now sounds - and she's got one hell of a voice to boot.

I hope we didn't damage the roof too much during 'Santiago'.  ;)
Dunc

I am new to the music of Show of Hands, but thanks to all the good things I've read about them on this Board, have now bought my ticket for their gig at the Grand Theatre, Swansea next April.  Greatly looking forward to it.  :)

Gower flower

I'm sure you'll enjoy it - Watch out though SoH are addictive. ;)

What ever you do don't go up to Mr Knightley and inform him you're a SoH virgin :o - It appears that he gets very embarrassed whenever this happens.  :-[

Cheers
Dunc

It's tonight and I can't wait to go. Are you going to be there gower_flower? Any other board members maybe?

Jen

Yep, I will be there Jen! ;D

Gower flower ;)

Thanks for resurrecting this thread girls!  Galway Farmer eh?  Blue Cockade...  Classic songs, must get hold of a CD methinks...

Last night's gig was very good. It was in the Arts Wing of the Grand Theatre and if the gig could sell out, I think it was a sell out. They had to bring in extra chairs.

The boys played songs from their current album "Country Life" as well as various songs from their back repertoires.
The audience was good, they joined in for the choruses and provided nice harmonies for a few songs.

All in all, a very pleasant evening. And if you get the chance to see them on their tour, go and see them!!!

Jen

PS: gower_flower, I did see you but didn't get the chance to talk to you. Roll on Gower Folk Festival now. :)

As usual, excellent SOH gig. Throughly enjoyable evening.

Paul

Listen, will you all stop saying how good SOH hands are please!!!!!!!!!!!

As I was working away from home I didn't order a ticket in time and now find out they are sold out  >:( >:(  :-[

Anyone got a spare ticket for Worden Arts Centre in Leyland on the 8th May by any chance  :P

cheers

MikeC

No need to panic folks, I know you have been looking at ways to get me a ticket for Leyland but I've managed to get one for Lancaster so you can all stand down. Thank you for all your sterling efforts.

whatya mean you have bothered  :o

Don't forget that you can see them at the Oxford Folk Festival on Sunday 15th May.

Day and single concert tickets now on sale.

Sandra

and they are appearing at De Montford Hall Big Session festival 17-19th June  ;)

Things did not bode well when my carriage joined a queue of mechanically propelled vehicles that crawled from Chorley to Preston at 15mph. Passing the Blackpool turnoff we picked up speed to 20 mph, but there was still another 20 miles to Lancaster and just 20 minutes to go. I abandoned the carriage in a Permit-Holders only bay (hey, I’ve got a permit holder - just haven’t got a permit) and ran towards the ticket-checker shouting: ’Make way, make way, I am a celebrated and esteemed Talkawhile Reviewer and this is an emergency.’ Crept into a seat as the chaps took to the stage, sat back, and let the cares of my journey on the blimmin’ M6, wash over me.

Tonight , young Knightley unveiled a brand new song. I shall say nothing more about it because I don’t know the title. Perhaps it’s so new that it hasn’t got a title. Perhaps the title was given, but I’m as deaf as duvet and missed it. Let’s just call it ’Finished at Biddulph.’ Here we have an atmospheric adventure story that is exciting, dramatic, sounds personal, reflective, and at the last verses, intensely moving. Ah yes, a demn good song if ever I heard one.

The first set started off with one of Peel’s top 10 Show of Hands songs - three cheers for the 'Bristol Slaver'. If there’s one song that can showcase the style, song-writing skills, and musical talents of Show of Hands then this is it. And it’s a terrific horror story, too. The rest of the set was largely a celebration of their influences and heroes.  The set List had been posted on the Longdogs, Show of Hands fansite but there were quite a few changes to earlier set-lists - more of that anon.  >:(
We finished the set with a rousing rendition of 'Cousin Jack' and the lights went up. It was my first chance to take a good look at the venue. I had been sitting in a warm, light space with rich acoustics. It was an Anglican Chapel made of seasoned wood - almost in-the-round like an amphitheatre, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounding us. Simply divine. 

A terrific bar and provisions stall had been set up in the foyer, with well-organised young women dealing promptly and efficiently with the queues. All proceeds were being given to charity, so it seemed like a good idea to quaff both a can of Coke and a Sprite to wash down a packet of Bombay mix, and stock up on the chocolate covered peanuts. The peanuts are threatening to break my dentures as I write - but no matter, a Longdog overcomes the pain to bring his friends all the commentary and news as it breaks. So, let’s get back into the chapel for the second half.

The seat beside me had been vacant, but was now occupied by a mature student with a very heavy cold. He looked like Ross Kemp’s fatter, younger brother and he said that he was taking a break from revision. I reminded him that mobile phones had to be switched off . When the set resumed he shifted uncomfortably in his seat - snorting, sniffing, scratching parts of himself that he oughtn‘t to in good company, yawning and looking constantly at his mobile phone, which, mercifully was switched to silent. To be frank, I wanted to snot him,  >:(  as we say in Manchester,#
but he was doing a good job of drowning in nasal fluids by himself. Young Beer came to the front of the stage and introduced Cyril Tawney’s Wide Funnel. Ross stopped scratching his three piece suite.
The verses alternated between Beer and Knightley with the audience singing the chorus most beautifully. Kemp Junior joined in. I smiled at him: ’You liked that one, didn’t you?’
‘I suppose I did.’ he smiled back, ’I’m not really into folk. Don’t know much about it, really. But that was good. Yeah, that was OK.’

Steve K. sang 'Romeo and Juliet' and Ross didn’t think it was as good as Knofler’s.
’Blimey, so you’re an expert now, are you?’ I said, ’Have you heard Knofler sing his version live and acoustic? No, I bet you haven’t, boy.  I’m telling you that this is better.’ He shrugged and started scratching again. I looked away and sighed heavily.

He wasn’t sure what was going on when Beer and Knightley returned for their Widecombe Fair spot, into a gloomy hall without benefit of microphones and electric accoutrements. He applauded enthusiastically at the end though. ’You liked that one, too’. I said ’We’ll make a folkie of you, yet.’ He gave me a funny look.

I remained in my seat with the rest of the audience and we clapped as the chaps walked out. ‘Hey,’ I said to no-one in particular, ‘what happened to 'Country Life'. What about 'Country Life'? Aren’t we going to get 'Country Life'? It's on the Set-list, and I demand a rendition of 'Country Life'
I was obviously not on the set-list.  :'(   
It had probably been squeezed out by some other number, and quite frankly, there wasn’t a weak song/instrumental that I would have discarded. I stopped clapping and protesting when people starting stacking chairs and gathering rubbish, around me.  ;)

Highlights of the night? There were three for me. The first was the song ‘Finished at Biddulph’ or whatever it’s called. The second was the superb ‘Courting is a Pleasure.’ S. Knightley has a voice that delivers traditional songs most mellifluously, while P. Beer provides a stunning slide guitar arrangement. The combination of the two provides a sound that breaks one’s heart. The third was the spectacular venue of the Chaplaincy Centre within Lancaster University, and the hospitality and unrivalled service provided by the organisers. Yes, top marks to organisers.

Sir Robert Peel
Talkawhile's man on the spot, Lancaster.

Thank you for an excellent review Sir Bob. We're seeing them on Thursday in Cranleigh.  ;D

Anyone know how much the brollies are?

I think I paid a tenner for mine, but that was a while ago, when they first appeared.

When I saw them earlier in the year at Barking there were no brollies for sale  :(

Back from the gig in Cranleigh.
BTW - you need to get to Cranleigh early to park - we didn't.

Small, intimate venue, good acoustics, good view. Both lads in good voice and good spirits.

Don't ask me about the set list - i can never remember these things, but it's all probably been given elsewhere. Many old favourites, a couple I hadn't heard before but I am fairly new to SoH.

The quips and witticisms flowed between numbers and kept the audience laughing, though, apart from some whoops I thought they were a fairly sober bunch, not loud enough for me quite to sing my heart out in 'cousin Jack' (I'd promised not to embarrass my friends.)

The interval came round quickly - time for me to spend all my birthday money plus at the merch stand, brolly purchased ready for a certain wet field in August. ( & time enough for me to crawl around on my hands and knees to find out where the magnet off my fez badge had gone - located eventually stuck tom the metal panel at the bottom of the door. Friends duely embarrassed!)

Into the second half, with solo spots. What a superb voice Mr Beer has, and how well Mr K does Romeo & Juliet. this half seemed even shorter! Finishing with 'country life' and then 'Widdecombe fair' and 'are we still all right' as encores - short term memory seems OK.

Rushed out to get my book signed only to somehow find myself on the wrong end of a long queue and my lift needing to leave. So once again I left without speaking to either of them but having spent an excellent and wonderfully ejoyable evening.

And so to bed.

Sorry about th badge Tarda. They are all checked before they go out - they only come off if you knock them but survive most dancing.

Glad you had a good time, we're going to see them at the High Barn on 26th. Hope they play "Cars".

no probs Keith - I'm going through a clumsy phase!

Havant Arts Centre - Friday 13th May

I think the best I have ever seen Show of Hands, they were on excellent form. Steve seemed to start off with a frog in his throat, but it very quickly cleared. They did all the songs mentioned, plus a special request of Crow on the Cradle. They also did a new song, about a Devon chap that dreams of emigrating, but comes to a tragic end.

They finished with Country Life, which always leaves me in tears. They then came back on, and started the encore with Widdicombe Fair. Very eerie in the darkness, with no microphones. Phil siddenly appeared on the stairs behind us, witha ghostly violin solo.

I think one of the best things with the present set list, is the fact that it puts Phil at the front of the stage much more. He is a brilliant musician, and it now shows what a good singing voice that he has. Steve's songs continue to tug at the heart strings, and he makes it very clear how passionate he is about the unfairness of the way the genuine country folk are being treated.

I didn't buy an umbrella, but I did come away with a new double live CD, and the songbook. Shame Country Life isn't in it.

Paul

Paul
Was it called Dive?


Think they were still a tenner in Lancaster last week


Might have to ask for that one Keith as it hasnt appeared on any set lists I've seen for this tour yet. Good song though.

MikeC

Steve didn't say, but it sounded very poigniant, as though he new the bloke. Lived in holiday acomodation in the winter. Theres a few people like that round here.

Paul

At Cranleigh it wasn't such a surprise as the fire door onto the balcony had an awful squeak! Everyone looked up as he snuck through the door - and you could hear them thinking 'who's that idi... oh!'

Love it when they do that tho  ;) Haunting

 
Seems your song hasn't got a title yet Paul, at least according to the SOH board. Dive is a different one and is about a father and son on the sea and one gets lost diving. Nice to see Steve is writing more new songs. Not sure how he can improve on the Country Life CD but cant wait to see how he tries.

Have to agree about Widdicombe Fair. Its brilliant, erie, haunting, spooky and so atmospheric when played 'unplugged' and 'in the dark'

MikeC

Yes, they sung dive as well.

Paul

Just been listening to the new CD of the 2004 tour.

 Excellent - really captures 'the night'. And a bargain at £10 for a double ;D

Listening to the live CD at the moment, and Country life.

Was Phil using an ebow on stage? I couldn't see properly, but his guitar was sustaining incredibly well for an acoustic.

Paul

I'll look forward to listening to that - after all this talk, I was driven to pick a copy up at Oxford - expect Damascene posts shortly  ;D
Skirky

Me too! Must put that and the brolly on my Show of Hands shopping list!  8) Wouldn't mind Mr Knightley either! I reckon I could just about cope with him  ;D  ;) 

Anyone at SoH in Brum tonight?

Coope, Boyes & Simpson joined them at Oxford on Sunday to perform their Cyril Tawney tribute.....

Only caught the rehearsal unfortunately - was called away just as CBS were going on stage.....but mega! Hope that sees the light of day sometime.... :D

Looking forward to seeing SOH tommorrow night at High Barn. Hoping to meet some other Boardsters too  ;)

Cracking venue JJ - you'll have a gas! Sadly, I screwed up and missed the 'sold out' deadline. Let us know how it goes  :)
Cheers
Sk

Thanks Skirky! If I ever find it that is  ::) James has given me directions  ;)

Oh my gosh, having just got back from holliday realised I'd forgotten to book for Tonbridge before I went!!!
Nick of time, there are still tickets if anyone is despairing. Really looking forward to it. Any other boardsters going? Do I christen my badge?
All the CDs are brilliant, but they really are something else live.  ;D ;D ;D
 >:( Went and messed up by booking another break over the Abbotsbury weekend, REALLY cross with myself. You're definately in for a treat you lucky people!

A really good evening at the High Barn despite getting lost on the way  ;) Never mind we had a beautiful ride through the Essex Countryside. Good to meet James, Helen, Keith, Mrs Keith and of course Steve and Phil who were exceptional, together with Miranda Sykes. One or two new songs played, I especially loved The Dive. Ralph McTell was mentioned two or three times, Steve calls his advice McTips!!!  ;D  Had a really 'close up' view cos we were at the front table about touching distance from the duo and was able to read the set list upside down which they changed and swapped about a bit! A special moment was Steve unplugged playing/singing amongst us and Phil's fiddle playing at the back of the barn.  Bought the newly released double cd which they both signed, oh, and a brolly!! ;D

As I'd only recently heard any SoH, I was open to offers on this one (High Barn). In the end I thought they were fab and bought a nice Steve Knightley & Martyn Joseph CD, which is nice and raw. Yes, I'll definitely go and see them again, although if I may be a bit controversial we weren't that keen on their version of 'Willin'; Helen commented "They are doing a truck-driving song with their hands in the "ten to two" position!'  ;D
 
Very nice to meet JJ, DJJ and Mrs. Keith, too. I would also echo JJ's comments on 'The Dive', a corking song which made Helen cry...and she wasn't even pissed.  :o

I think they may have topped "Country Life" with "Roots". It tore the roof off at Tonbridge.

You beat me to it!! Can't wait for them to write enough new material before it gets onto a CD!! Loved 'The Dive' and 'Undertow' too, how do they keep them coming?
Altogether a really good night, -didn't realise there would be any other boardsters there, I usually feel  a bit outnumbered in these parts! Good to see our numbers are creeping up...

I think that's 'Undertow' - I loved it too, it seems to apply to most of the South coast.