TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Sir Robert Peel reporting to you from the Royal Box of the Playhouse Theatre in Shaw, near Oldham Lancashire, on the first night of St. Agnes Fountain tour.  Usually, Oldham is the last night of their December offering - a relaxed, confident and polished affair after a long journey with, it has to be said, only the fag-ends of merchandise left for our consumption .  But tonight was a quite different performance to the one we’ve grown accustomed to - they were testing new as well as much-loved material.  We had a shed load of merch to drool over, too.   There were new talking-head interludes, new arrangements and twists to the core songs.  We saw an edginess to the performance that we’ve never experienced before on a Last Night - they were probably in need of some feedback from a live audience.  Well, they got that feedback from a sell-out packed audience……

My companion for the evening was my great-great-etc grand-daughter who had driven all the way from her student digs in Leeds.  She had seen them for the first time in 2003, and now declares that Christmas isn’t Christmas without a dose of the Aggies, so to speak. 

I’m not going to spoil your enjoyment by describing the set-list or stories in detail.  The surprises are half the attraction of an Aggies Tour.  Some of us can get queasy at the thought of a gig of Carols and the sentimentality that surrounds the  December festival - but the Aggies overturn the cliches and put us back on course.  You’ve never heard ‘Away in the Manger’ sung like this before - you’ll get jazz, gospel, ballad, close harmony singing, rock, and exuberant folk-dance music - and that will just be in the first song :  ‘I Saw Three Ships.’  ;D  No only joking, but I have to say that ‘ I saw three ships’ is a stonking overture to start the night.

There are songs to break your heart - Silent Night - oh Julie, Julie, Julie. :'(
Or Chris’s poignant song about being second-best in the present-receiving line.  Had to get my silk handkerchief out for that one.  :'(
The new songs were fabulous - Weather Vane, sung by Mr Hughes, a Chris While song about an Innocent New Year, and a country ’n western song from Mr. Leslie - source unknown but God Bless the songwriter whosesoever they may be .

Julie gave us a heart-warming ’ahhhhhh’ interlude with her talking-head piece.  Chris had a cleverly written, funny, and  novel take on the mystery of Father Christmas.  Mr. Hughes made our sides split, and gave us belly laughs - I will not spoil it, you’ll have to experience it yourself.   Take a spare pair of underpants, though.  This year, Chris L. has come up with a gem.  A fascinating piece about the birth of the folk revival on Boxing Day 1899 that he uses to introduce a particular song.   Great stuff, Chris - I remember it well.   8)

Peel’s favourite piece has to be the astonishing rendition of ‘We Three Kings’.  It’s a song where Hughes and Leslie’s voices blend seamlessly and strongly on alternate verses with the While and Matthews partnership.  (Incidentally, Chris and Julie are Nominees for the Not the Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Duo - vote now!)  Leslie gives us some folk-thrash on the fiddle, the music underneath the voices drives and pounds forward to a climax - a masterpiece. 

How can one follow that in a finale?  Easily and expertly if you’re the Aggies.  You perform a jaw-dropping ’Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ in the style of…… No, I can’t tell you.  You won’t believe.  :o

 Oh, since you press me, I’ll give you a clue.

(Sings) ’I’m leaning on a lamp-post, at the corner of the street in case a certain little lady comes by…. when I’m cleaning windows.’   You don’t believe me, do you?  Well go and witness it for yourself.  It’s true or my name’s not

Sir Robert Peel
Prime Minister 

An excellent review of an outstanding concert, Sir Bob, you’ve really covered all the bases without giving too much away. ;)  Suffice to say if you’re still thinking about going to watch St Agnes Fountain then contemplate no longer, get on the phone and order your tickets today!

Right I’m off to put the Christmas decorations up, accompanied by music from the Aggies, of course. ;D


Somehow it feels right saying this now I’ve seen the Aggies. :D
Dunc

Wow what a great review Sir Bob...

I was talking to two Aggies in Kendal on Wednesday and now can't wait to see them next Saturday.  I'm playing one of the Cds right now as I trawl through the million missed posts from five days of fun in Cumbria.

They are in Hull tomorrow night, but we can't get which is such a shame!

Sounds like there are loads of real treats in stire for us all this year as before....

Roll on Saturday!!

Amy ^-^

Really wish we could see them, but I don't think they are in Kent

Angela

Maldon tonight! only 4 hours to go!!!! <chris> ;D

Maybe a link to St. Agnes Fountain web site would be a good idea: CLICK HERE (http://www.agnesfountain.com)

Yus, but I put it in The Aggies' High Barn thread by mistake...Should be here really... :-[

Not yet... drooling in anticipation for Bromsgrove and Worksop though...

Amy ;D

Look, some people on this board are mentally challenged enough as it is (no names, no pack drill ;)) without confusing them further.

Sandra

Fantastic review from Sir Robert, thank you so much Mr. Prime minister sir. (grovel grovel)
 
Well you never know, the New Years honours list will be announced soon. :D
 
Fareham on Friday for me, what a great way to start the weekend !!
martin

Last night, Maldon - wow, what a night! Fantastic acoustics, voices and instruments and humour all top form! A nearly full St Mary's church. Isn't that backdrop of the three ships beautiful? Lovely atmosphere! An amusing, entertaining evening, set me up for Christmas! Now - where are those chocolates?!!!  ;D  :) Chris said he is starting to get a little longing for home now, been touring since September. Still have those harmonies of Julie and Chris buzzing in my head - thanks David, book it again for next year please! Won't spoil it for others, but wasn't the encore superb!  ;) They must have sold lots of fountain pens for the charity, or, as it was Essex, they said "Fantin pens!" But did have a laugh with Chris about his 'country bumpkin' accent! Next stop, Oysterband at the Forum and then Steeleye on 12th! -  Need a lie down now! - "In the bleak mid winter................. Still grinning from ear to ear  ;D

Sounds like a great night then JJ...

Amy 8)

Counting down the hours to Fareham tomorrow night.  ;D The Aggies in concert, ;D  Don't forget to wear your [;-) badge Paul.

A great evening. Managed to meet Martin, and Issy and her husband. Saw David Hughes afterwards, and he was kind enough to sign our CDs.

Many old favourite carols, in a folk style. Very well done, and all foot tapping numbers. They also did some very nice versions of more obscure carols. One I particularly liked was the seven verses of Mary. There were also a few new numbers. A nice song by David about Snow on the Weathercock.

There were also several though provoking and amusing monlogues.

Fareham Arts Centre is a good venue for folk music, and this time they were in the theatre, not the bar, which was better. Beer unfortunately was not up to the normal standard, it was Gales, but rather flat.

Tried out the new CD player on the way home  ;D

Paul

I endorse Paul's comments with one exception, my pint of "The Robins Revenge" was fine, unfortunately by the time the interval arrived, the keg of the afore mentioned ale, had sadly run dry.  You probably got the dregs at the bottom of the keg Paul.

Anyway judging by the host of smiling faces by the close of the evenings proceedings, each and everyone of us lucky enough to be present, was ready for the arrival Santa and his reindeers. Thanks to St. Agnes Fountain, a truly wonderful evening.
If you are fortunate enough to have a ticket for one of the remaining shows on the tour, believe me, you are in for a real treat.
martin  ;D

Hi Martin

I am afraid I have been a bit spoiled by living a couple of miles from Gales brewery. That was not up to normal standards. i do however salute Fareham for doing their bit for real ale. Havant Arts Centre can't get it toigether at all.

A great night, and enjoyed by all ages in the audience.

Paul

We had a delicious evening at Fareham yesterday.. nice little arts centre.. couple of board members in attendance.. and a fabulous helping of St Agnes Fountain.   We took a large and unstable ensemble of in-laws (combined age in the region of 450 years) who really ought to get out more and had a fabulous time.

The setting was intimate and the backdrop of ships created a great atmosphere for Christmas songs. All the Aggies were looking lovely and the singing and playing was gorgeous.  I also especially liked the 7 verses of Mary - I was just all a tingle the whole way through it - and also Follow That Star and Sweet Bells.   There were some 'new' songs which complemented the more traditional ones, and I was especially pleased to hear the one by Shawn Colvin, as I'm a big fan of hers.   The 'talkie' bits were good too.. very well done and very memorable.

It was really nice to talk to David, and to see Chris, Julie and Chris too - got all the CDs signed by them all which was good going as we bought quite a lot!  Great Christmas presents!

Just such a talented bunch of people and such a lovely evening..  warm (actually very warm!), friendly, comforting, Christmassy..  wish i could go all over again..

Issy  :-*

Hi Izzie,
Good to meet you and Mark at the Ashcroft in Fareham last night. What a delightful evening we all had, at the end, the joy on peoples faces as they set off home was there for all to see.   
If not before, I'll see you in February somewhere.  [;-)
Happy Christmas to you and yours
Martin  :-*

Well, I've been and gorn and dunnit.  I just gave the ole plastic card a bashin' and bought some Aggie CDs.  Was reluctant at fiirst, cos I've not seen/heard them, but there is so much good stuff written on this board that I had to give it a go. ;)

They (the Aggies) don't come anywhere near my patch, and they're not performing in 2005 (why???) so I have been forced to take drastic measures.

However, if disappointment results, I shall be forced to have severe words with the likes of Sir Bob and Martin Driver (to name but two.)

Mind you, that Chris Leslie is involved, so it's gotta be good, hasn't it??

Gower flower.

Dear Flower,
You will not be disappointed!!

And furthermore, David Hughes did say last night that he thought they would now be touring in 2005, which is great news.  ..and he does have his laptop with him so i guess he might just hear us if we shout as politely as we can..

    Please will St Agnes Fountain go to Swansea on their next tour!!

well, you can but ask!
Cheers,
Issy  :)

                 

         AND KENT !!

My dear Gower Flower,
It is with confidence I predict, you will be delighted with the Aggies Cd's. you just recently purchased. Money well spent !

The lovely Izzie also confirms what Mr Hughes told me last night.     

Because Chris & Julie are planning a tour with "Daphnes Flight" at some stage next year, it was thought it wouldn't be possible to fit in the St. Agnes tour in 2005.
However, because the tour has become as much of a Christmas tradition as mince pies and watching the "Great Escape" on TV, it is now decided that the Aggies tour will indeed go ahead next year.  :D
 
martin  [;-)

The Aggies – Lickey

We drove the 100 miles or so last night for the Aggies, taking in a pre-Christmas visit to mum during the day. Paul Edwards of ‘Shining Friends’ had given me full directions and we parked at the appointed place at the correct time.  The path up to the main door of Holy Trinity Church was tree lined and lit with very seasonal candles… the magic had begun ;D!  The church was already almost half full, we found a pew and I set out my cushion, hastily bought in Leamington earlier as I’d forgotten mine.  Pugs is a pirate so he (said he) didn’t need a cushion!  Mince pies and mulled wine were handed out as we sat down and the (cold) church rapidly filled to almost bursting point.

The first 20 minutes gave us Paul Edwards who sang four of his own accomplished songs.  For two of these Chris L played mandolin along with Paul and his partner (John?).  Then the real magic got going…  two sets went by very quickly, the audience (mainly local?) was enthralled, bums became even number, coats remained on.. but the warmth coming off those four could be felt from far back in the building… it was as heart warming as ever :D

I won’t add much more to the comments already made musically, suffice to say they were magnificent, the carols and songs all performed as only The Aggies can.  The monologues brilliant… David’s had us gripped with guilt at the beginning, squirming, only to be reduced to tears of laughter with the next sentence…  ;D even more so for those that know anything at all about Mr H!

The only downer of the night apart from the foggy-misty long drive home was the fact that the toilets were in the church hall 200 yards along the Old Birmingham Road.  It was cold and when we got there …. The door was locked and the previous user had… gone away with the key!!  I couldn’t believe it  :(!  After a ten minute wait and still no key I gave up, I was wasting valuable time out there!  I never did discover whether the key was located or not.

Chatting with the Aggies all during the interval and afterwards was enlightening in several ways…  the great news is that St Agnes Fountain 2005 is definitely on!!  Oh joy!  They have agreed that Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without The Fountain.

Thanks to all for really bringing Christmas back to life for me :-*

A very happy Amethyst

I've just noticed .. I've reached the 1000 (again) what a lovely post to reach it on!

Cushions are fa whimps.

I held out until the interval.........

Puggs of strong sit upon (until half time)  ;D

I forgot to mention the encore...  hilarious ....  then there was the surreal conversation wtith DH outside afterwards...

Amy :-* ;)

Congratulations on your 'second' thousandth post, Amy.
And what a great evening you had. Makes me very jealous. However, it's great to know that the 2005 tour will go ahead.
And, just a complimentary word about the Abbotskerwell Village Hall venue............
When we phoned to say that we couldn't go because I wasn't well, they were extremely sympathetic and put our tickets back into circulation with no charge to us. It was very much appreciated.

And West Sussex please

Gill

Well the power of this message board strikes again.Drawn to my first St Agnes concert by all of your glowing reviews I can report back that I was not disappointed at the Hitchin concert last night.The venue,which I believe holds about 200,was packed to the rafters.I loved  the monologues ,particularly the one David Hughes did(I wont say no more on this as I dont want to spoil it for those of you who havent seen it) and Chris Leslie did one too in his best Norfolk accent.It was a wonderful evening that has left me feeling all Christmassy :).The only thing missing was mince pies and mulled wine.
Thank you all for introducing me to the Aggies.

Brilliant Polly...  shame about the mince pies and mulled wine, but I bet you had a toilet you could use... not one 200 yards away that was locked up!!!

Amy ;)

If anyone is still without a ticket to see the Aggies this year. Andy Gutteridge at the Mill told me that as of 7.30pm last night (Sunday) There were still about 20 tickets left for the Thursday night. So if you are really quick  [;-)

It's our first go at the Aggies on Friday - judging by the reviews we're in for a good time.

I shouldn't say, but plans are afoot with Ames and the Old Pirate to bring them to a spectacular venue in Nottinghamshire in December 2005.

Bit late with this but there.....

Went to the Fareham Aggies gig last Friday and had a great night.  Hot as summer in the room but a fab venue nevertheless.  Nice to meet Paul and Martin  :)  I agree about the beer, guys - I had a great guest pint to start with and the interval pint was supposed to be the same - alas it wasn't.

The gig was perfect for raising the spirits and generally Making Me Feel Better.  All the more enjoyable as we chatted freely to all the band members at different times.  I think Chris While's voice is simply beautiful. We chatted about the Indigo Girls and they are fans too - I just think Chris and Julie are better  :-*

The other reviews are all you need but the playing was superb of course and I look forward to the 2005 visitation.

Hooray!  I can now remove the black armband and reinstate Christmas on my 2005 calender.  ;D

I'm also glad to see that everyone seeing the Aggies for the first time has enjoyed themselves.  You sometimes worry that when you've posted something that inspires other people to go and watch a band that they'll not actually like them when they see them.

TTFN
Dunc

I completely concur. You couldn't have put it better - it's all you need to say. And I'm looking forward to seeing the Ags on Chris L's b'day in Banbury on wednesday and working with the impossibly talented and simply beautiful Kellie over the next week....

Wish I could get to Banbury as it must be like seeing a home match as opposed to an away match

Still can't wait till friday up in the frozen north

rachel

Know exactly what you mean, Rachel! I've been fighting the urge to go (it would be approximately a seven hour round trip...and I couldn't stay the night, as I need to be here in the morning for the animals). Reckon it will be an absolute blast, though.

Carey (in the windy west!)

Ces.... go... it's worth it!

Amy :D

Go for it Ces, The Aggies in concert, the best start to Christmas ever !!   [;-)

Leyland - 4 days and counting.

Can't wait after all the positive reviews so far.

Any other board members going to be there?

MikeC

Thank you Issy - I'm sure your cry of "Please come to Swansea" was heard far away in darkest Maldon.   ;D What lovely news about the 2005 tour going ahead!  Must make a special effort next winter.

Got my Aggie CDs this morning.  Have only listened to one and a half of them, fo far.  Julie and Chris have superb voices - I am well impressed.  I also loved the monologues - A Child's Christmas in Wales - well, I WOULD, wouldn't I, being from Dylan Thomas's home town?  And as for "I sat on your zeppelin".  It must be a true story - you simply couldn't make it up!  Will write my cards tonight, accompanied by the Aggies.

Gower flower

I saw them at the Taleisin theatre in Swansea three or four years ago - excellent (though far from being a sell-out...a situation I think might change if they return next year, as they seem to be - justifiably - growing in popularity by the day ;D).

Here's hoping, anyway!

Carey

I think that you would expect me to be praising St. Agnes, so I'll keep it fairly short.

At the last minute, I did manage to see this tour, at The Mill (Banbury) on Wednesday.

When the St. Agnes scheme was hatched, the whole idea was to take familiar Christmas music and make it sound fresh, with new arrangements, but not moving too far from the original. Plus it's played by brilliant musicians.
They just keep refining the show and it really is a joyous night out.  :D
(There were two great new songs, the usual diverse readings and a Morris dance sneaked in.)

As from the encore. It's still a secret. (It must be a tricky instrument)

And a big thanks to Sir Bob, for clearing the traffic off the M25 & M40.  ;D
Not a single hold up, there and back.

Not many board members present: Tony, Grace, Anji & Simon Nicol.
Minor disaster. I was driving, so had to turn down a drink from Peggy.  :(

Although "Comfort and Joy" is the perfect Christmas album, the live shows (and "The Show") do sound a lot fresher. Definitely a live band - especially when CL's in Swarb mode  ;D

I did manage to grab a few more copies if 'The Show', last night. Click here  (http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=7288.0) to buy one.
Both 'Comfort & Joy' and 'The Show' will be sold out this year. The original St. Agnes CD, has been re-pressed and will always be available at £9.99.

I will put up a couple of photos later.

Did anybody notice that the angels on the stained glass windows are caricatures of the band?

Yes!!

What a great night at the Mill, definately the start of Christmas!  Took the husband and *both* children with me last night.  This was Sophie's (aged 6) first proper concert hall type gig and she behaved very well.  Both children fell asleep half through the second half - Chris had to be carried out and remained asleep on a chair in the foyer whilst we all socialised afterwards!!  :D

Have yourselves a very Merry Christmas!

Grace

Stuff the turkey, it's St Agnes Fountain  ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]

Well - what a lovely evening that was, tonight at the Mill

Truly truly wonderful

Jude ;D

I know I've banged on about this before so apologies; I cannot stand this Christmas carol lark, but the Aggies are something else...pleased you enjoyed it JD. I'm still reeling from the show they did over here.

Great night with the Aggies, and great company.

Nick, Nancy, Chris, David Hughes, Jude, Chris B and lots more - thanks for a great time. Lovely to see everybody and get into the Christmas spirit.

 Got a bit worried about DH at one point but knew the crunch would come, and it did.

One of our party who a) really dislikes the seating in the Mill and b) really hates all things Christmas (the original 'bah, humbug Scrooge), came along with much reluctance and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Encore was brilliant, but won't spoil it for those who have yet to see them.

Sandra

Just home from another fantastic evening with the Aggies...  the Regal Theatre was abuzz and the atmosphere was brilliant...

... it's so sad to think the theatre is under such serious threat of closure....

Amy :)

What a lovely heartwarming evening last night at the Regal. First time we've seen the Aggies, encouraged to go by all the praise on the board, and am very glad we did. :)

rachel

Modified to remove comments on part of the thread that has been removed - Sandra

Just in from the last night of the tour at Leyland. Sorry I didn't read the thread in the Arms about Amys purse before I went so I couldn't mention it to any of the group.

Did meet Bernie and her sister though. Chris L seemed genuinely well chuffed with the Tibetan Incense Bernie gave him as a pressie. Strangely enough it came all the way from Magaluf  :o Nice to meet you Bernie, thanks for coming up and saying hello.

As for the performance. Well I think its all been said before. How many ways can you describe excellence. There was a certain 'end of term' feel to the occasion but none the worse for that. The Aggies were simply outstanding. I've been fortunate to see them every year so far and I can safely say this was the best yet. From the re-arrangements of already recorded songs to brand new ones they were on the ball from start to finish.

Their enthusiasm and enjoyment shone through from the first number to the last. I don't think I've seen a band smile quite so much through a whole concert before. Although that might have been cause they knew they were all going home tonight as it was the end of the tour but somehow I doubt it.

I didn't keep a set list (never do really) and there were so many highlights to single them all out but the ones which stick in this chaps memory were.

David Hughes monologue. I'm not a smoker (any more) but it was brilliant. As is his way with words he takes you down one path only to twist you round into another one almost before you know it. Brilliant david.
Away in a Manger was quite outstanding as was O Come All Ye Faithfull. Quite a finish to the evening. well almost.

Now the tour is over I see no reason to single out the encore as one of the best bits of entertainment I've seen in a long time. Whoever thought of unplugged ukeleles (sp again) for Gloria in Excelsis Deo deserves a medal. Quite simply a superb way to finish the evening. The 4 Aggies appeared in froont of the mikes and sang, and played superbly. I think I can safely say that tonight was the first time I has ever seen a ukelele solo (from CL).

All in all a wonderful night. Christmas has certainly begun. If you didn't get the chance to see them this year then don't miss them next year. They are doing it again and miss them at your peril.

Trust messers Leslie and Hughes got home safely as they both had long drives and were leaving tonight. Chris and Julie had a short trip to Southport.

Merry Christmas everyone. What an excellent night.

MikeC

Tricky instrument, the ukulele:

[attachment deleted by admin]

Fantastic photo Colin ;D :)

Amy

Excellent evening at Worksop. Thank you to all.

And I've just come across the photos..... :-[ :-[

[attachment deleted by admin]

I've been sitting here waiting for them!

Nice pics, Chris. Very nice.  :)

Hey, its the Ukelele Christmas Orchestra of Great Britain  ;D

(Ok, it's August, so I'm a  bit late posting this, but I wasn't on the board back then.  But as so many others said, a really great night.  I took an Aggies virgin along, who was dreading it, and he loved it.)

D
xx