This was the Monday gig that worried me. I had always had a sneaking regard for Gilbert O’Sullivan’s early releases (‘Alone Again Naturally’, ‘Nothing Rhymed’ etc.) but given that they were recorded at very start of the 70s, that seemed a very long time ago and I will freely admit to knowing little of him or his material post late 1970s (at the latest)…..
Music
Maverick 2019
Spent Saturday at the by now well regarded annual pilgrimage to the Maverick Americana festival. As usual, took up our accustomed position in front of the Southern Sounds Stage for the afternoon session. It’s long been the case that even when not familiar with some of the lesser known (to me) artists the performances are never left that enjoyable and 2019 proved no exception.
London
…..and then what?? Well, following the Seville trip and a measly four or five hours sleep, a quick pack and we were on the train to London for a three night stay. Originally set up before we managed to squeeze in the Seville break, hence the short turnaround time between trips. As we were at the Albert Hall the first night, we decided to try the delights of the Gore at Kensington….
Skerryvore at the Apex
Skerryvore last night, at what proved to be the third in an excellent series of recent folk rock gigs, all of which were surprising and excellent in equal measure. I first heard the band with the release of their eponymous CD in, I think, 2010. So eight years or so later, finally got to see them in a live environment….
Oysterband at The Apex
Back to Bury after our excursion to the Maltings, and to what proved to be a fantastic night of folk rock from the Oysterband. Following on from the delights of Merry Hell, I’m definitely on something of a roll with Mrs. No Name. Only the second time for the full band (remember the ill fated Rhythm Festival in 2011) and a couple of years after The Oysters 3, the gig proved that those who are, sadly, of our generation can still singularly delight with the right environment and a stellar back catalogue…
Merry Hell at Snape
Realised that this was our first visit to Snape for a music gig that sat outside the annual Snape Proms festival; and coupled to that, it has been many a year sice I first expressed seeing Merry Hell in live performance. I’m a long time fan, having long enjoyed their rather singular take on the folk rock genre…
The Prom Trio
The final three in this year’s proms were completed last night. The concerts were supposed to be post ablation celebrations but that never happened, although it got pretty close!…..
The Four Seasons – Snape Proms 18
A first last night and the second of the proms. As a largely classical ignoramus, Vivalidi’s “Four Seasons” is one of the few pieces that I can genuinely claim to know reasonably well .Of Rachel Podger and the Brecon Baroque I knew nothing however. I suspect this is a little like a classical nerd hearing the great Aretha and saying that ‘she’s, you know , …
The Blues Band – Snape Proms 18
Spent last night on the first of what I think are five visits to the Snape Proms this year. A return for the now ageing Blues Band and at least the second for us, a little like old friends! It has to be said, uncharitably I might suggest, that the gig was somewhat lacking in uplift. The post interval performance was a significant improvement and …
MacLean at the Apex
Very last minute decision to catch Dougie at the Apex on Sunday night, coupled with an overnighter at the Premier Inn. Primary reason to catch MacLean was largely a morbid one – see him before either he or can no longer manage it. 🙂 Knew him more by reputation than actual repertoire (other than ‘Caledonia‘) and truth be told, whilst perfectly enjoyable, he seemed a …
Maverick 18
After missing a year in 2017 for ‘reasons unavoidable’, we were back yesterday for our ritual Saturday fix. Once again blessed with superb weather, the afternoon in front of the main stage was, as usual, the purveyor of an excellent and eclectic selection of bands and music. Big shout out in particular to an early set (11.00am) from Luke Tuchscherer (with band the Penny Dreadfuls). …
Gretchen Peters at the Apex
Booked for this relatively late, largely on the strength of owning and enjoying Gretchen Peters 2015 release “Blackbirds”. Looked on-line on the off chance after a reminder email and was fortunate enough to get two of the last tickets remaining for Thursday night at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds. She may often be compared to her country alumni (usually by the critical fraternity) but her peppery barbs have little in common with any of her peer or contemporaries.