OK....
as has been noted on this board previously I don't memorise set lists
so what I will give you is an atmosphere and excitement review (with the odd title lobbed in to prove I was really there, and not totally out of my brain)
The Steamboat is a smashing pub, intimate for live gigs, which was fine by me as the action was up close and personal. We arrived early as Shane had to transport lots of gear. The sun was shining and a breeze kept us cool in the beer garden. The effervescent Anji was an absolute joy to meet again (wearing fantastic shoes, I might add!!) Furthermore, I can recommend the chicken curry (yum yummity yum
)
Anyway, it wasn't too long before the magicians of music began to arrive, David Hughes, what an absolutely lovely man!!!. Bill, arrived and again, a lovely fella (with camera) however, I discovered that he too is photogenic (evidence to follow in due course). Hannah, is the sweetest live wire you could ever wish to meet. SftBH started to arrive in force then, James and Helen (fresh from the twin's bathtime) and once again my point was proved......only the nicest people frequent this board (and the most talented) Helen looked absolutely radiant, and James? well what a poppet!!! Can't leave out Mr Kirk now can I, I will ruin his street cred forever...nice, kind, lovely and makes a cracking cup of tea
Ok OK the music. SftBH opened with Don't Ever Let It Go.... Barnes had a new toy (techy stuff) and it seemed to want to join in itself with a bit of buzzing....which Barnes never heard the end of; Shane and James ribbed him mercilessly, and we all laughed......poor lad, but he took it in good part, and sorted himself out. The set continued...Helen sang Not That Kind of Girl, her voice, crystal clear and somehow managing to sound innocence itself but earthy as well (well I mean, how do you describe a beautiful voice?)......onward and Strange Kind of Love was dedicated to our Bill.
Later in the set, tribute was paid to Ces, the song was lovely, but I was a bit emotional and I didn't get the title I'm afraid, but it was a fitting tribute to Ces. Fragments brought the set to the end, and whilst I was eager to hear David Hughes, I could have gone on listening to the lads forever.
Right then.....here I crave your forgiveness, unlike the vast majority of members, David Hughes was known to me only by reputation prior to this night, so Titles will be missing from the following...
At last I can fully join in with the fullsome praise often seen on this board, because now I know what you have all been raving about!!!!!! the man is just awesome. That one figure, seated, guitar in hand, can have so much power over an audience, if there is anyone else left here who hasn't seen DH perform live....don't put it off any longer, 'this' you have got to see and hear.
Never needing to shout his words, his words exude a quiet authority, a power that comes, not from volume, but from the heart. Humour is in plentiful supply, but there within lie serious points, all made with a grace that is often missing from 'mainstream'.
I loved the rap songs, not something I ever thought I'd say, but, they were different, he took the genre, shook it well, turned it on it's head and made music out of it......and you could hear every word
As I said, this 'review', for want of a better word, isn't the kind you are used to, I can't remember the list.....but I hope it will serve as the thoughts of one who, until Thursday night, had never been priviledged to hear the music of David Hughes.
I've tried to show, the impression that came on first hearing and seeing......I said he was awesome, and I meant just that; I was completely in awe of the man and his music.
I am now the proud owner of Recognised, which DH was kind enough to sign for me, a lasting momento of the most fanatastic night, and the germ of a whole new CD collection.
Mic
