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 , …

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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 …

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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 …

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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). …

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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.

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Bury and Bibb…

A Saturday nighter at the Bury St. Edmunds Apex and another fan(s) visit to the super talented Eric Bibb. Seen many times before, this time with a three piece band (Canadian Michael Jerome Browne, Neville Malcolm and Paul Robinson) fleshing out the sound in a way which I have always preferred. Coupled with an overnight hotel stay, a great breakfast, a lovely pre gig meal …

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The Red House

Spent a portion of yesterday at the Britten – Pears home at the Red House on the outskirts of Aldeburgh. Worth a visit, £5 entry gives you a yearly pass to catch any exhibitions that might be running so good value for the locals. Another ‘twenty years and finally go there’ sort of scene but more than just a tick in the box…..although the more …

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Heart Full of Songs

The last of the four, what I loosely describe as “gigs”, 10cc’s Graham Gouldman performed his heart full of songs in acoustic fashion at the Snape Proms last night. With accompaniment from Mike Stevens and Iain Hornal, with percussion contributions from Dave Cobby.

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The Bluesman gig (Eric Bibb at Snape)

This year, at the third of four concerts, Eric Bibb appeared at the Proms on Friday night, accompanied by a slide guitarist,  bassist and percussion but missing piano. As is customary with Bibb, his genial in-between song patter betrayed his current less than relaxed opinions about his own homeland and beyond. We have lost count of the number of times we’ve seen Eric live, sometimes …

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Barbara Dickson – two of four!

Well it’s Saturday night……..and another trip to Snape to see Barbara perform at the Proms. Good to hear such a strong voice in her 70th year, she understandably and justifiably focused the majority of the set around the folk recordings of recent years. A few throwbacks to the past, including a Blood Brothers number, a nice take on ‘Another Suitcase’ and a couple of Gerry …

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Clare Teal – Snape Proms 2017

So, our first visit to our yearly Snape Proms selection yesterday, sadly tempered by the knowledge that our last visit was pre stroke but with atrial fibrillation in full swing. Clare Teal (with Hollywood Orchestra) was the first of four visits this year, and this time she was celebrating the work of Ella Fitzgerald, post stroke but still AF encumbered. The sort of musician with …

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Show Of Hands – Snape 25th August 2016

Following the excellent surprise that was Le Vent Du Nord the previous evening, on Thursday we were back with old favourites Show Of Hands, with Steve Knightley and Phil Beer again accompanied by the double bassist and vocalist Miranda Sykes in the now familiar trio setting. The set was split between the newer material in the first half and a selection of favourites in the second.

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