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Bridgwit (Bridget)
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« Reply #60 on: February 10, 2014, 06:13:09 PM » |
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A most enjoyable evening at The Lowry last night, with a good selection of songs from the chaps. The new material they are showcasing sounded rather good, so that bodes well for the forthcoming CD, and Matt did a sterling job standing in for his dad. I also thought Ric played an absolute blinder last night, I really don’t think I’ve seen him play better! Edwina was great as the opener, and I think the scrum around the merch desk at the interval to buy her CD(s) showed this, plus she was great when she came on stage with Fairport for a couple of songs - I thought her voice blended nicely with both Chris & Simon. Right, how long is it to Cropredy?  I must get new glasses - I read that as "scum" around the merch desk!!  I can't get to this tour  but I'll see them in August  |
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Never look down on anyone
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CarlWoodb
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Posts: 145
Loc: North East Wales
A noisy noise annoys an oyster
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« Reply #61 on: February 10, 2014, 06:22:53 PM » |
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Matt did a sterling job standing in for his dad. Right, how long is it to Cropredy? Personally I thought Matt was amazing in Dirty Linen, but I couldn't help thinking there was just a bit of a spark missing - except when Peggy joined them for the odd harmony. There seemed to be a noticeable difference when Pegg senior and junior were next to each other. Anyway I really enjoyed it. We went with friends and Paul brought along his wife and daughter - the plan was to try them out with FC for Cropredy. Unfortunately for 13 year old daughter the best bit was the interval when they stopped. sigh. |
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How lucky can you get, growing old(er) with Naomi
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PaulT
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« Reply #62 on: February 11, 2014, 01:21:05 PM » |
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I note Matt plays bass finger-style, whereas Peggy tends to use a pick (apart from when he's playing slap/pluck style eg Albert & Ted. So there's not as much "attack" coming from the bass sound - and I get the feeling Matt uses less treble. But he and Gerry certainly knit together well.
177 days and 9 mins...
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Flobbadob!
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Jan_
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« Reply #63 on: February 17, 2014, 10:30:59 AM » |
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Well, that was different - The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. I loved all the new songs as well as the old. Here are a few of my thoughts ...
Edwina made an excellent contribution to Who Knows and MOTL, as well as delivering a most enjoyable short set at the beginning.
Poor Ric was suffering from a cough and a cold and consequently was more subdued than normal.
Matt did a sterling job for his Dad, who joined the lads to sing on several numbers. Whenever Dave appeared, he brought merriment and laughter with him and the whole theatre seemed to come to life. It just shows what a vital part of the set-up he really is.
Great to hear Close To The Wind again and a lovely, warm introduction to set the scene that testified to Simon's fondness for this song.
Chris played his variety of instruments to his usual impeccable standard. It's easy to overlook his contribution sometimes because he seems to do everything with such ease. For instance, during Dirty Linen I noticed how fast his fingers were moving yet his facial expression was the epitome of calmness and serenity.
I was surprised to find myself with a clear view of Gerry this time and also quite amused to find that he talks to himself all the way through songs, vocalising every beat. He looked so happy and comfortable.
All in all, a very enjoyable evening. It helped us to make up our minds to go to Cropredy this year ... better get those tickets ordered!
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dog-nap (Ian)
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« Reply #64 on: February 22, 2014, 01:30:39 PM » |
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Good to read all the positive reviews so far. Looking forward to St. Albans tomorrow.
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Herts Claire
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« Reply #65 on: February 23, 2014, 11:40:51 PM » |
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St Albans tonight almost a sell-out. Yes, I thought there was a bit of joie de vivre lacking, but it was great to hear some new/er songs and rousing performances of Festival Bell and the Cell Song - and Matty Groves of course. And the camaraderie and mutual support they show never fades.
Edwina has a lovely voice and I swear she brought a tear to Simon's eye when she joined them to sing Who Knows Where The Time Goes - she certainly did to mine.
Young Pegg did them proud. And we got a treat - Maartin Allcock (who had been playing nearby the previous night) came on for MOTL.
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dog-nap (Ian)
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« Reply #66 on: February 24, 2014, 02:37:20 AM » |
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Yes, Simon was definitely a bit emotional. It took him a couple of minutes to recover at the back of the stage, but Ric did a good job of covering for him with his time machine gag
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richardkendell
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« Reply #67 on: February 24, 2014, 08:50:51 AM » |
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Another enjoyable evening. I am not sure whether it was me, the audience or Fairport but things seemed somewhat subdued. On the positive side I thought the sound was good, all too often in the past the Arena seemed to turn the volume up and hope for the best, on this occasion you could hear every word. I liked Edwina and thought her contribution to Who Knows helped make it the best post Sandy performance I can remember, I am not surprised Simon was affected.
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Dr Clive
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« Reply #68 on: February 24, 2014, 11:42:01 AM » |
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Sorry if this is going to sound negative, but my thoughts on last night at St Albans are that way, I'm afraid. I thought that there was a definite lack of cohesion in the band, especially the almost invisibility of Ric - he hardly had any opportunity to talk during the evening. Definitely subdued.
Musical highlights were (for me) Dirty Linen (apparently added to the set-list after the subbing of Matt!), Cell Song, Close to the Wind, WKWTTG, Danny Jack, Festival Bell and the guest appearance of Maart, who added a lovely guitar solo (using SN's Strat) during MOTL.
I thought Edwina's contribution to the evening was good, I really liked SN's contribution on electric guitar to her final song (joined by the band).
I have to add that I'm not impressed by Chris's new songs (or the inclusion of Already There and Mercy Bay, neither of which have ever appealed).
Although Maart's contribution was brief, it did serve to remind how good the Maart years were (as I've said before on here).
Oh, the sound was very good, as it has been for the last several appearances at the Arena.
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Mortimer
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Posts: 41
Loc: London/St Albans
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« Reply #69 on: February 24, 2014, 12:49:08 PM » |
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I was there last night in St Albans and enjoyed the gig. I go nearly every year but have not bought a "record" since Five Seasons, so you can guess where I stand on the music style. Last night proved what I always feel about Fairport, a fantastic folk rock band, but a fairly dull folk band. It only takes the addition of a really good singer, like Edwinda on WKWTFG to, or Maarts 40 second solo on MOTL and you could see and feel the audiance getting instantly more excited, there was a round of applause after Maart's solo (mid song) which tells you everying about what is missing.
Still, what do I know.
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"Musically we know it"
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davidmjs
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« Reply #70 on: February 24, 2014, 02:11:36 PM » |
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I was there last night in St Albans and enjoyed the gig. I go nearly every year but have not bought a "record" since Five Seasons, so you can guess where I stand on the music style. Last night proved what I always feel about Fairport, a fantastic folk rock band, but a fairly dull folk band. It only takes the addition of a really good singer, like Edwinda on WKWTFG to, or Maarts 40 second solo on MOTL and you could see and feel the audiance getting instantly more excited, there was a round of applause after Maart's solo (mid song) which tells you everying about what is missing.
Still, what do I know.
I'm sort of with you on most of that, although, in truth, I've never really been very comfortable with any of the numerous female guest led WKWTTG's I've heard over the decades. Strangely it's one 'Sandy song' I prefer Simon singing. Pity Maart had such a brief appearance. I never fully appreciated what he gave to the band until he left. |
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Link to Bluesky (Twitter for normal people) profile by web button on left
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GS (Graham)
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Loc: Dunfermline
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« Reply #71 on: February 25, 2014, 09:11:21 AM » |
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I've never really been very comfortable with any of the numerous female guest led WKWTTG's I've heard over the decades. Strangely it's one 'Sandy song' I prefer Simon singing.
I can sympathise with that view as some of the singers I've heard join in with the band in past years haven't really got to grips with the song but I caught the band's Edinburgh concert last week & I have to say that Edwina Hayes really, really nailed it. Her contributions with the band - on WKWTTG & on their joint number - Speed of the Sound of Loneliness - were real highlights of, what was, an enjoyable evening. You came away wanting to hear more of her singing with the band. In fact she sang RT's Waltzings For Dreamers as her penultimate song & how much better that would have been if the band broke with tradition & came on to join the support for her last two songs! |
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The King sits in Dunfermline toun drinking rather a lot of fine red wine actually.
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Dr Clive
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« Reply #72 on: February 25, 2014, 10:27:53 AM » |
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I've never really been very comfortable with any of the numerous female guest led WKWTTG's I've heard over the decades. Strangely it's one 'Sandy song' I prefer Simon singing.
I can sympathise with that view as some of the singers I've heard join in with the band in past years haven't really got to grips with the song but I caught the band's Edinburgh concert last week & I have to say that Edwina Hayes really, really nailed it. Her contributions with the band - on WKWTTG & on their joint number - Speed of the Sound of Loneliness - were real highlights of, what was, an enjoyable evening. You came away wanting to hear more of her singing with the band. In fact she sang RT's Waltzings For Dreamers as her penultimate song & how much better that would have been if the band broke with tradition & came on to join the support for her last two songs! Would have liked to have heard WfD - she did Galway to Graceland at St Albans. I liked Speed of the Sound of Loneliness, and I reiterate that the guitar work by Simon on that song was super. |
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Mark J Salt
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Posts: 223
Loc: Sea view from a mountain in North Wales
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« Reply #73 on: February 25, 2014, 09:47:10 PM » |
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St Albans - Sunday - Wasnt too bothered about Edwina Hayes (whoever she is) BEFORE THE GIG, WOOOOW what a revelation, I had picked up a few clips off youtube, and can't say I was that taken, but obviously she has kept the best for the Wintour, I thought her Solo bits were excellent (both her writing and performance) and she seemed nicely at home on stage, her choice of backing band for her last couple of numbers did well to keep up the standard and off she toddled for a well earned tincture. After the boys had done a bit more work they invited said support to join them for a crack at a little know song by a former female of the band, one Sandy Denny, TIME TO STOP THIS SILLINESS, It was like Sandy was back in person. This was the most fantastic, emotional and may I say Perfect rendition of WKWTTG I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing, Not to say that previous versions havent been extremely good but this was something else, The boys, as has been mentioned, did seem a bit dis-jointed, I put that down to a long stretch of gigs and a long journey, it was by no means anything to be concerned about, Maybe it was me or where I was sitting on the shelf but I thought Gerry's drums were a bit out of balance (loud) with the rest of the band particularly his floor tom which seemed to BOING rather a lot. It was great to see Peggy and Martin's personalities cashing in on the Merch table where I picked up (and Paid for) Chris's new CD, WOW, go get it people, its out of this world. (Note to self - buy new campervan and stop making excuses, like yes darling of course you can have a new kitchen.)
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Neil67
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« Reply #74 on: February 27, 2014, 10:45:48 AM » |
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Weston Super Mare Playhouse- this Saturday. Due to family illness I have just had to ask the Playhouse to release my two front row stalls tickets for resale. I don't think they're showing on the website yet but if you want to buy them give the theatre a ring on 01934 645544 and I'm sure they'll be able to sort you out. It'll do me a favour too. Thanks.
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Dan O.
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« Reply #75 on: February 27, 2014, 11:56:55 AM » |
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A sold-out Connaught Theatre in Worthing last night. Highlights for me were the new material (looking forward to the new album), a pleasant rendition of WKWTTG featuring Edwina Hayes, Edwina's set itself, and one of the best renditions of Matty Groves I've seen in a while - Matt Pegg was on fire (basswise, not literally  ). |
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GubGub (Al)
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« Reply #76 on: February 27, 2014, 12:06:48 PM » |
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A sold-out Connaught Theatre in Worthing last night. Highlights for me were the new material (looking forward to the new album), a pleasant rendition of WKWTTG featuring Edwina Hayes, Edwina's set itself, and one of the best renditions of Matty Groves I've seen in a while - Matt Pegg was on fire (basswise, not literally ). Oh, was it last night? I didn't book because I thought I was going to be away this week but with plans having changed I thought I might go along. Thought it was tonight though!  Oh well, if it was sold out I probably would not have got in anyway. That is three Wintours in a row I have missed. Any indication of when the new album is due out? |
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PaulT
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« Reply #77 on: February 27, 2014, 12:13:58 PM » |
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I think recording starts after the Wintour... hopefully Peggy's finger will be back to full use by then!
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Flobbadob!
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Polly Oxford (Andie)
give most things a go that don't involve jumping
Folkcorp Guru 2nd Dan
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Posts: 1303
Loc: Surrey/Sussex
Bloomin' Tall Ships...
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« Reply #78 on: February 27, 2014, 12:19:05 PM » |
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Al what about Tunbridge Wells tonight? Not that far and there are definitely tickets available.
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