For those who were at the pre-festival gig last night in Oxford it was a wonderful night. For those who weren’t you missed a rare treat.
The session was opened by a 16-year-old guitarist called Wilber, who was a finalist in this year's Radio 2 Young Folk Awards. His skill and stage presence were far beyond his years. If you have not heard him yet you can catch him on the Banburyshire Brolley podcast (
http://www.banburyshire.com/)
Next came Michael Wright, a virtuoso on the Jew’s Harp, with a young lady who accompanied him and sang. It was certainly different and showed that my twangings (and sore teeth) on the instrument in my youth were not the be all and end all of it.
We were then treated to a great set (split in two by the interval) by flamenco guitarist Rafael, accompanied on drums by a Spanish friend. You could almost taste the hot Mediterranean even though it was a cold night in Oxford. Brilliant playing in a variety of flamenco styles was concluded with a workshop in the art of the flamenco handclap. I would like to report that the whole audience had got the right rhythms by the time we were accompanied in the final number, but alas we had not but we made a good attempt. I thought Chris and Ric, sitting in the audience, made a particularly good stab at it, but they have the advantage of being musical in the first place.
Finally came Chris and Ric. They did a mix of numbers including My Love is In America and some of Chris’s instrumentals, many of which segued from Ric’s versions of classic musicals numbers. I had forgotten just what a brilliant Grossmanian violinist he is when he is allowed to be. The pair finished with a stonking version of John Gaudie. The whole set was played without mikes, but thanks to the acoustics in the room Chris’s voice filled it perfectly, and Chris commented later on how he enjoyed playing in such a wonderful setting
The real icing on the cake, however, was Chris and Ric inviting all of the musicians that has played during the evening onstage for a jam session, so we had two fiddlers, two guitarists, a percussionist and a Jew’s Harpist all jamming along to a predominantly Spanish beat. Ric, as ever, could not keep still, going from playing on his knees next to Wilber to leaping of the top step of the stage. Chris, more subdued, sat at the side of the stage, but seemed to be really enjoying himself. It was just magic.
There were many Talkawhilers there, including Chris Bates with his trusty camera, so I am sure there will be photos along soon.
Both Chris and Ric said that they were tired after the tour. Ric claims to be winding down by watching Norman Wisdom films.
A huge thank you to all who played last night. It is very touching when such talented and busy people give up their time and talent to help others, and thanks also to those who turned out on such a rotten night weather-wise.
