Dick Gaughan 2005 : a review of a gig

[Sir Robert Peel]

'Historians tell us what happened, but Folk singers tell us how it felt.' Dick Gaughan.

He came onto the stage, without announcement, and picks up his guitar. He's got a face like a middle weight boxer, and he's dressed in jeans, trainers, a fleece top with a logo, and a soft leather waistcoat.  There's a bottle of tonic on a table by his side and throughout the gig he mixes it with another liquid from a small can.  His hair is scraped back into his characteristic pony tail, and he keeps his eyes downcast. He rubs his eyes frequently and we understand why.  This was a man who lost his sight in one eye and was partially sighted for two years, until an operation to remove the cataracts.

He's been to this town before and smiles broadly, but almost shyly, at us.  His welcome assures him that he's going to be lapped up by the packed studio.
'I've no set-list,' he declares 'just tell me what you want me to sing.' 

To my left is a party from the world-famous West Houghton Folk Club. (Surely this club has got to get a Radio 2 Folk Award for best folk venue!) They've been trying to book him for a couple of years without success. He's probably been off the road, that's why. To my right are the Scottish contingent - they shout out their requests, and sit forward in their seats, rapt, when he starts to sing.

I only know Dick Gaughan from his CDs, and I've written some reviews of them. I've never seen him live.  I've read some of his posts on folk internet sites and I had mistakenly categorised him in the 'grumpy old man' silo.  I didn't expect such a warm and extraordinarily entertaining raconteur.  The between-songs interludes were as moving, funny and affecting as the songs themselves.

He played for nearly two hours, without break and had us enthralled. 

He started with the flameco-style, loud, rasping, commentaries on events that had our feet marching, militantly, despite ourselves.   The middle section was a more mellow affair.   His version of the Richard Thompson classic '1952 Vincent Black Lightening' was the best I'd ever heard. And then we came to the denoument.  The last songs and the encore were songs of hope and optimism.  Songs about learning to live and embrace differences - so pertinent in the days after 7/7.  'Both sides o' the Tweed' has got to be in my top ten of best folk songs, ever.

He left us uplifted and wanting more.

But then, it probably takes a man who lost his sight to see things so clearly.

Catch him if you can.

Sir Robert Peel 

   

 

[Chris]

West Houghton Folk Club. (Surely this club has got to get a Radio 2 Folk Award for best folk venue!)

Weren't they the first winners? I'm sure they won it one year....

[Shane (Skirky)]

Thank you Sir Bob - your degrees of your erudition are exceeed only by your age.  No nitpicking here....
Skirky

ps interweb post-wise I'd always thought he was a git as well.

[Mark]

I only know Dick Gaughan from his CDs, and I've written some reviews of them. I've never seen him live.  I've read some of his posts on folk internet sites and I had mistakenly categorised him in the 'grumpy old man' silo.     

 

He is, without doubt, an amazing performer and brilliant musician. He is also witty, deeply intelligent and very thoughtful. Unfortunately, he is also a conceited and nasty little p****.

[JJ (Joanna)]

He left us uplifted and wanting more.

But then, it probably takes a man who lost his sight to see things so clearly.

Catch him if you can.

Sir Robert Peel 

   

 

Thanks Sir Bob, and to think I didn't bother going when he came recently to my town 

[Mindwarper]

I also have never seen him live, but I love his cds. I think a handful of earth is his best, but he has a  fine voice and a great playing style.  I've only heard both sides of the tweed with piano, so I would love to hear it with guitar accompinmant. It sounds like a  traditional track, but I think he wrote it.  As for his personality, I could care less.  Do I have to beleive what the singer does to enjoy the music?  I think not.  I am not a socialist, but still love Bert Lloyds music. I'm not a redneck, but I can listen to Nugent.  I wish he would make it over here. I would love to see him play. I didn't know he covered vincent black lightning. That is my favorite Thompson song.    Did he play ballad of accounting or world turned upside down?

Ps when did grumpy become bad. My dad is grumpy and I can't imagine him any other way. 

[Snodin]

We put Dick Gaughan on back in June.  His performances vary but certainly he was in relaxed and chatty mood that night, and his performance was extraordinary. 

There's a review and picture on our website - take a look at: http://www.acousticsussex.org.uk/Review_Dick%20Gaughan.htm.

All the best.

Martin
(Acoustic Sussex)

[kascade]

saw him many moons ago....actually i havent listened to him for ages,must rectify that

[mike clement]

 I didn't know he covered vincent black lightning. That is my favorite Thompson song.    Did he play ballad of accounting or world turned upside down?

Ps when did grumpy become bad. My dad is grumpy and I can't imagine him any other way. 
[/quote]

Hi Mindwarper, The album you need is 'live in edinburgh'. Don't know if it's on cd, I've got vinyl. It alsoincludes a song called'victor jara of chile' which always makes me cry (seriously), the hairs are standing just writing this. I haven't seen him live either. Mike

[Mindwarper]

I didn't know he covered vincent black lightning. That is my favorite Thompson song.    Did he play ballad of accounting or world turned upside down?

Ps when did grumpy become bad. My dad is grumpy and I can't imagine him any other way. 

Hi Mindwarper, The album you need is 'live in edinburgh'. Don't know if it's on cd, I've got vinyl. It alsoincludes a song called'victor jara of chile' which always makes me cry (seriously), the hairs are standing just writing this. I haven't seen him live either. Mike

Hi,
   I have live in edinborough on cd. It is my favorite besides a handfull of earth.  I just love his voice.   Hope all is well.

[mike clement]

Hi thanks for replying. I don't know if he's 'grumpy' or not but I love his passion and energy. I've always liked players who give their guitars a bit of stick! I read on the back of 'sail on' I think it was, most of the guitar and singing was laid straight down. Not may that can do that. I'm fine and looking for the off on Thursday hope things are well with you. Mike

[Mindwarper]

Hi thanks for replying. I don't know if he's 'grumpy' or not but I love his passion and energy. I've always liked players who give their guitars a bit of stick! I read on the back of 'sail on' I think it was, most of the guitar and singing was laid straight down. Not may that can do that. I'm fine and looking for the off on Thursday hope things are well with you. Mike

Hi Mike,
  I also admire his passion and energy. Not to mention the fantastic finger work and lower range vocals.  He has some fine songs. Although I don't like the keyboardy later songs as much.   Hope you have a fine cropredy. 

[mike clement]

Will do Mindwarper, I'm packing at the moment and saetting off early tomorrow. Post when I get back, I'll look for you in the threads. Bye for now. Mike