Ashley's 80th Birthday concert

[Dan O.]

And what a fabulous evening it was. The setlist in David's post speaks for itself - a well-balanced show, some of it slick, some of it ramshackle but affectionately so.

My only minor criticism is that the 1st three Steeleye Span albums weren't represented, neither was the acoustic Albion Band era but that's just nitpicking in terms of what we were given. Three decent sets of eclectic musical variety.

As per the video above (2nd video in David's post), that was probably one of the best WKWTTG I've ever heard (and seen). Up there with Chris & Kellie While's rendition at Cropredy 2008.

Don't think an event like this could be repeated, so glad I decided at the last minute to make the trip.

Oh, and the TAW meet-ups at The Wellington before and after the show were lovely - great to finally put some names to faces !

[Jules Gray]

Just watched the video for Who Knows. Blimey, that was moving.

Jules

[davidmjs]

And what a fabulous evening it was. The setlist in David's post speaks for itself - a well-balanced show, some of it slick, some of it ramshackle but affectionately so.

My only minor criticism is that the 1st three Steeleye Span albums weren't represented, neither was the acoustic Albion Band era but that's just nitpicking in terms of what we were given. Three decent sets of eclectic musical variety.

As per the video above (2nd video in David's post), that was probably one of the best WKWTTG I've ever heard (and seen). Up there with Chris & Kellie While's rendition at Cropredy 2008.

Don't think an event like this could be repeated, so glad I decided at the last minute to make the trip.

Oh, and the TAW meet-ups at The Wellington before and after the show were lovely - great to finally put some names to faces !

Totally agree, Dan...on all counts (especially re: Steeleye).  There was also a comment on FB about Simon not appearing except at either end, which I was a little bit short in my reply possibly.  I mean he did have a significant Albion Band contribution (I saw him with them several times in the 80s, one of which - at the mighty Bohunt School in Liphook, Hants featured DM, Simon and Ashley) as well didn't he.  A Christmas tune might have been amusing too.  But this is all nitpicking...

One of the biggest joy of the evening to me was re-acquainting myself with all those vocalists, all of whom were in fantastic voice - Cathy, Polly, Judy et al

One final point - a joyous discovery for me from the evening was The Rainbow Chasers who I've previously, and for no reason at all, utterly discounted as a nothing part of Ashley's long career.  I thought they were exquisite.  Where do I go to jump on board - is it all good, or can someone recommend a particular starting point?

[Sue & Chris]

Also made a last minute decision to go (amazed that tickets were still available the nights before) and enjoyed it.  Such an array of talent on stage. The last three songs alone were worth the price of admission. Although it was, shall we say, a challenging night for the sound man.

Fascinating to compare and contrast RT, Ken Nicol and Graeme Taylor, three great guitarists with such different styles.

I thought it a bit odd that Ashley barely played. Maybe he's not able to?

[davidmjs]

Also made a last minute decision to go (amazed that tickets were still available the nights before) and enjoyed it.  Such an array of talent on stage. The last three songs alone were worth the price of admission. Although it was, shall we say, a challenging night for the sound man.

Fascinating to compare and contrast RT, Ken Nicol and Graeme Taylor, three great guitarists with such different styles.

I thought it a bit odd that Ashley barely played. Maybe he's not able to?

I was in the second row dead centre and the sound was (a couple of bits of feedback aside) absolutely spot on for me.  I thought I spotted a bit of stage monitor back and forth with the soundchap, though?

You're absolutely right about the three great lead guitarists - chalk and cheese and something in between - all wonderful.

Odd?  He's 80.  Ashley is old and tired and a bit knackered, and bass guitars are hard work.  I was glad to see him pick it up at all.

[Will S]

Yes, even on his recent mini tour with Blair he only picked the bass up three or four times.  I suspect he is just too old now to do it much.  Even the other evening he seemed to be fading by the end, and spent much of the final set sitting at the back of the stage.

But my feeling about the other night was that it was almost perfect.  Yes, there were some omissions - both of material and people - but with such a career to represent, I don't think there's any way that you could cover everything without going on all night, and at their age... (and ours!).

Some of the highlights for me were the most unexpected ones - Cathy LeSurf singing as well as ever, if not better.  Judy Dunlop and Julie Matthews on The Willow. Michael Maloney reading Chekov's Notes from the Journal of a Quick-Tempered Man.  But really everything was just great.  Some things were a little under-rehearsed possibly, but it was all part of the charm of the evening. I hope there is a live recording.

I hope that Blair hasn't lost money on it - surprisingly perhaps there were still a lot of seats empty at the back of the circle, and even downstairs.

And for the Rainbow Chasers, I'd suggest starting with the recent 2CD retrospective Written In The Stars which contains both their studio albums, as well as some live tracks.

[davidmjs]

Yes, even on his recent mini tour with Blair he only picked the bass up three or four times.  I suspect he is just too old now to do it much.  Even the other evening he seemed to be fading by the end, and spent much of the final set sitting at the back of the stage.

But my feeling about the other night was that it was almost perfect.  Yes, there were some omissions - both of material and people - but with such a career to represent, I don't think there's any way that you could cover everything without going on all night, and at their age... (and ours!).

Some of the highlights for me were the most unexpected ones - Cathy LeSurf singing as well as ever, if not better.  Judy Dunlop and Julie Matthews on The Willow. Michael Maloney reading Chekov's Notes from the Journal of a Quick-Tempered Man.  But really everything was just great.  Some things were a little under-rehearsed possibly, but it was all part of the charm of the evening. I hope there is a live recording.

I hope that Blair hasn't lost money on it - surprisingly perhaps there were still a lot of seats empty at the back of the circle, and even downstairs.

And for the Rainbow Chasers, I'd suggest starting with the recent 2CD retrospective Written In The Stars which contains both their studio albums, as well as some live tracks.

Thanks for the recommendation, Will. Totally agree with you on the rest  

[Jules Gray]

Who sings lead on that clip of Who Knows? Is it Cathy?

Jules

[davidmjs]

Who sings lead on that clip of Who Knows? Is it Cathy?

Jules

Kellie While (see my pic of the programme on the page above which lists who does what).  ps Kellie is 49, Cathy is 72.  Just saying in case the lawyers get involved  

[Jules Gray]

Kellie While (see my pic of the programme on the page above which lists who does what).  ps Kellie is 49, Cathy is 72.  Just saying in case the lawyers get involved  

I have no thought of time.  

Jules

[davidmjs]

Kellie While (see my pic of the programme on the page above which lists who does what).  ps Kellie is 49, Cathy is 72.  Just saying in case the lawyers get involved  

I have no thought of time.  

Jules

Ha ha

[John From Austin]

Who sings lead on that clip of Who Knows? Is it Cathy?

Jules

Kellie is fab. Love that clip. She absolutely nailed “A Sailor’s Life” at the 2009 Barbican show. Bewitching performer.

[Delfini (Diane)]

Unfortunately I was away so couldn’t go. I was at an Albion Christmas band gig and Ashley refused to shake hands as he had significant arthritis in his hands and he was in a lot of pain. Maybe that explains his lack of playing.

[Will S]

Unfortunately I was away so couldn’t go. I was at an Albion Christmas band gig and Ashley refused to shake hands as he had significant arthritis in his hands and he was in a lot of pain. Maybe that explains his lack of playing.

Very likely. How much did he actually play at that gig?

[StephenGiles]

Now that I've listened to much of the gig   all credit must go to Guy Fletcher for such excellent drumming throughout!

[PaulT]

Guy didn't play on all the tracks, btw.  Michael Gregory on a few, and another drummer (whose name I didn't catch) on a few.  But I agree, the rhythm section was superb all night (but I would say that, being a bass player...)  Hats off to Mark Jolley (and AH) playing the "low notes".

[David W]

Guy didn't play on all the tracks, btw.  Michael Gregory on a few, and another drummer (whose name I didn't catch) on a few.  But I agree, the rhythm section was superb all night (but I would say that, being a bass player...)  Hats off to Mark Jolley (and AH) playing the "low notes".

I think Neil Marshll was listed - great drummer. played with Blue Tapestry

[davidmjs]

If you haven't seen Graham Whitmore's photographs of the bash, as shared to Fairport's Cropredy Festival & Fringe on FB, then you really should make the effort.  I'm ashamed to say I even feature in a few of them myself