Wintour 2023

[Andy]

Chris didn't fiddle at all at Tewkesbury, either.

[Will S]

I always think it's a shame when Chris doesn't fiddle at all. I do enjoy a bit of twin fiddle action (don't google that!).

[David W]

I don't  like the Shuffle and Go album much, but live the songs seem a lot better.

I thought Cider Rain was very good, not too keen on the lyrics but it has a great summer time vibe to it which was great for February.

DW

[davidmjs]

I always think it's a shame when Chris doesn't fiddle at all.

I've spent the last 25 years scratching my head about this.  It's like getting Richard Thompson to join a new band.  On bass.  Does not compute.  Chris's by far the best folk-rock fiddler in the band (read that again before you tell me I've having a pop at Ric.  I'm not.) and he doesn't play any.  Nope, no idea either...

[garrypbrooks]

I always think it's a shame when Chris doesn't fiddle at all. I do enjoy a bit of twin fiddle action (don't google that!).

Agreed

[David W]

I always think it's a shame when Chris doesn't fiddle at all.

I've spent the last 25 years scratching my head about this.  It's like getting Richard Thompson to join a new band.  On bass.  Does not compute.  Chris's by far the best folk-rock fiddler in the band (read that again before you tell me I've having a pop at Ric.  I'm not.) and he doesn't play any.  Nope, no idea either...

I felt the set list maybe didn't play to Ric's strengths also - he seemed to just be hanging around until he was needed to do a solo rather than contributing to the whole band sound.

[RobertD]

I always think it's a shame when Chris doesn't fiddle at all.

I've spent the last 25 years scratching my head about this.  It's like getting Richard Thompson to join a new band.  On bass.  Does not compute.  Chris's by far the best folk-rock fiddler in the band (read that again before you tell me I've having a pop at Ric.  I'm not.) and he doesn't play any.  Nope, no idea either...

I do take your point but one has to remember the role Chris stepped into, which was as a multi-instrumentalist. The songs initially reflected this, but with each progressive album the distribution of songs sung between Chris and Simon went from balanced, to being more in Chris' favor, due to Chris doing more song writing. Which means even less of an opportunity to play the fiddle in the studio, and only occasionally live. The real surprise to me though has been how little trad arr there has been in Fairport since Chris joined. I always sort of assumed that Fairport would get out the traditional songbooks and Fairport-ize more of the ballads with him in the band.

[davidmjs]

I always think it's a shame when Chris doesn't fiddle at all.

I've spent the last 25 years scratching my head about this.  It's like getting Richard Thompson to join a new band.  On bass.  Does not compute.  Chris's by far the best folk-rock fiddler in the band (read that again before you tell me I've having a pop at Ric.  I'm not.) and he doesn't play any.  Nope, no idea either...

I do take your point but one has to remember the role Chris stepped into, which was as a multi-instrumentalist. The songs initially reflected this, but with each progressive album the distribution of songs sung between Chris and Simon went from balanced, to being more in Chris' favor, due to Chris doing more song writing. Which means even less of an opportunity to play the fiddle in the studio, and only occasionally live. The real surprise to me though has been how little trad arr there has been in Fairport since Chris joined. I always sort of assumed that Fairport would get out the traditional songbooks and Fairport-ize more of the ballads with him in the band.

Indeed.  Square peg, round hole.  If you want to know the role he should have fulfilled listen to the 1992 Cropredy recordings, by far the best post-'85 performance...  But, hey, I'm just an old man shouting at the clouds

[richardkendell]

An excellent show at yesterday's Fairport's Saga Convention in Harpenden. I liked the venue (not least because I can walk to it), and from where I sat the sight lines and sound were very good. DM really added something to the band, I hope his return is permanent. I can only echo what has been said about more fiddle from Chris and I would welcome a little less of Ric's ramblings- he finds himself funnier that I do.

[Harbottle (Martin)]

Maybe he should do a tune called Ric's Rambling' and play that instead of the jokes...

[richardkendell]

Maybe he should do a tune called Ric's Rambling' and play that instead of the jokes...

Now that's an idea! It occurred to me during the concert that it is 55 years since I first saw Fairport, as someone said, "Who knows where the time goes?

[Nick Reg]

I always think it's a shame when Chris doesn't fiddle at all.

I've spent the last 25 years scratching my head about this.  It's like getting Richard Thompson to join a new band.  On bass.  Does not compute.  Chris's by far the best folk-rock fiddler in the band (read that again before you tell me I've having a pop at Ric.  I'm not.) and he doesn't play any.  Nope, no idea either...

I do take your point but one has to remember the role Chris stepped into, which was as a multi-instrumentalist. The songs initially reflected this, but with each progressive album the distribution of songs sung between Chris and Simon went from balanced, to being more in Chris' favor, due to Chris doing more song writing. Which means even less of an opportunity to play the fiddle in the studio, and only occasionally live. The real surprise to me though has been how little trad arr there has been in Fairport since Chris joined. I always sort of assumed that Fairport would get out the traditional songbooks and Fairport-ize more of the ballads with him in the band.

Indeed.  Square peg, round hole.  If you want to know the role he should have fulfilled listen to the 1992 Cropredy recordings, by far the best post-'85 performance...  But, hey, I'm just an old man shouting at the clouds

That was easily the best individual musical performance I have ever seen. It was a magnificent achievement which I go back to often. I asked him about it many years ago and he said he got headphone burn from rehearsing!

[David W]

One question- why is it that DM doesn't have a drum riser on the tour, I feel it is a better sound when not straight on the stage?

DW

[Andy]

One question- why is it that DM doesn't have a drum riser on the tour, I feel it is a better sound when not straight on the stage?

DW

No room in the van?

[Jim]

One question- why is it that DM doesn't have a drum riser on the tour, I feel it is a better sound when not straight on the stage?

DW

No room in the van?

As usual, Mr L nails it.

[Jim G]

Maybe he should do a tune called Ric's Rambling' and play that instead of the jokes...

Ric's ramblings are always one of my highlights .At Exeter DM was killing himself laughing at Ric's jokes mind you after 4 or 5 they wear thin.

[ColinB]

Unfortunately I've come down with a heavy cold, and had a migraine on top over the last two days, so won't make it to Southport on Thursday. I was going to contact the venue but I've had a look at their website and see that the gig is not sold out so it's doubtful they would be able to help.

So if anyone would like 2 tickets please message me. I've paid £60 for them but will accept whatever anyone can afford.

[Peter Allen]

Thoroughly enjoyed last night at Lincoln , great sound , engaging support act , great session drummer from the USA fitted right into the lineup .....nice to see Simon using a stratocaster for a couple of songs

[Shankly (Peter)]

Excellent show at Southport tonight -interesting selection of songs and a good support act. I particularly enjoyed Ric howling into his fiddle during Sloth!

[mikec]

Excellent show at Southport tonight -interesting selection of songs and a good support act. I particularly enjoyed Ric howling into his fiddle during Sloth!

It was a great show wasn’t it. Especially loved DM’s drumming, top class throughout.