FESTIVAL REVIEW

Gosport & Fareham Easter Folk Festival, Ferneham Hall & Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham.

THOUSANDS of folk fans made the annual pilgrimage to Fareham where the standard of music was of the highest standard throughout the five-day festival. The opening night presented an early dilemma with the dream pairing of Eddi Reader and Jackie Leven at Ferneham Hall and Lindisfarne over the road at Ashcroft Arts Centre.
I opted for the Ferneham concert and was rewarded by an enthralling set from the mood-inducing Jackie Leven and an equally enjoyable performance by the gifted Eddi Reader whose soaring voice embellished her own songs and several songs by Robbie Burns from her forthcoming album. Friday night’s audience with Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson in the same venue proved a novel event with songs and flute-playing from the charismatic Ian, a humorous conversation between Ian and BBC man Freddy Rostand, and collaborations with local songwriters including Southampton’s Richard Hunt.
Afternoon sessions in Ferneham Hall on Friday, Saturday and Monday
produced a host of intriguing acts including Wood, Wilson & Carthy, Fianna, Legacy and Cross O’The Hands, while over at the Ashcroft guests on Friday and Saturday included the impressive North Cregg and The Mick West Band. Saturday night headliners The Saw Doctors saw Ferneham Hall rocking to some typically driving contemporary Irish music. Sunday night at the venue provided a complete contrast with a committed performance by the intense Martyn Joseph, a man who wears his conscience on his sleeve, inspiring a rapturous response from a full house. Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, better known as Show Of Hands, followed up with their usual masterly multi-instrumentalism seamlessly combining contemporary and traditional styles.
This twelfth Easter festival was as good as any I have seen in recent years - a big hand to festival organiser Peter Chegwyn! (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CD REVIEW

JACKIE LEVEN.
Shining Brother, Shining Sister.

COOKCD250. Running time: 66:50.

THE most amazing thing about Jackie Leven, apart from his quirky and highly individual talent, is his ability to maintain such a high standard of songwriting on each album. Releasing an album a year over the last four years, the standard has been astonishing and each album has had its’ own special flavour. This latest Cooking Vinyl release is no exception as Jackie’s noble, world-weary voice wraps itself round the opening song “Classic Northern Diversions.” Typical Leven laments here with some beautiful poetic lines: “I’m in Huddersfield drinking in the Slubber’s Arms, And I walked through slush by broken farms, where huddling sheep are turning grey in the cold light of a nothing day.”
The album is full of unusual touches including spoken-word contributions
from American singer David Thomas, Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith and American poet Robert Bly. There is also a specially commissioned trumpet solo from Geoffrey Burgon preceding the track “Savannah Waltz.” Plenty of stand-out tracks on an engrossing CD - just buy it! (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CD REVIEW

ARNIE COTTRELL.
Crazy Train.

Running time: 73:27

IF Arnie Cottrell’s first release, “Sorry About That” had a largely R&B Feel, “Crazy Train” is a rootsier affair. Accompanied by the cream of local Hampshire talent including Tim Payne, Rick Foot and Luke Daniels, the multi-instrumentalist tackles material as diverse as Bap Kennedy, Bob Dylan, Curtis Mayfield, and “Walk Away Renee” by the Four Tops performed solo on slide guitar. An exotic touch is two songs in French, and the original material is strong and memorable. Fans will be pleased to know there is an abundance of slide guitar and mandolin wizardry, and the CD is a valuable reflection of Arnie’s current set. As a homegrown product, so to speak, it comes highly recommended. (Review by Hamish Rattray)

GIG REVIEW

Colin Blunstone & Rod Argent Band, Salisbury City Hall.

THE unique vocal talents of Colin Blunstone, the original keyboard skills of Rod Argent and the backing of a first-class band all combined to make for an engrossing two-hour concert. Opening with “Andorra”, the band continued with more familiar material including a medley of Zombies’ hits, several Argent hits including the inevitable “Hold Your Head Up” and newer material from Colin & Rod’ s last album including “Mystified.”
The real highlights of the evening though were two sections where the band were joined by a string quartet. Four highly talented musicians accompanied Colin on original arrangements of his finest work including “Say You Don’t Mind”, “Misty Roses”, and “I Don’t Believe in Miracles.” The results were superb and warmly received by an enthusiastic audience who were spellbound by the new song “I Want To Fly” which, if released as a single, should put Colin, a national treasure in my opinion, right back where he belongs at the top of the charts. Quality entertainment, with Colin’s breathtaking voice better than ever. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CD REVIEW

ROD PICOTT.
Stray Dogs.

WELDING ROD RECORDS. RP3167.Running time: 39.03.

NOT the longest CD ever made, but sheer quality on every track. Rod Picott is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who will be touring the UK soon.
Slightly reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen, he has a smoky voice, also
sounding at times a bit like Chris Rea, but apart from those references, the songs and the lyrics are original and every song has its own flavour. Good lyrics throughout, particularly on tracks like “Workshirts and Turpentine” and “Circus Girl.” Some fine musicians back Rod up and Slaid Cleaves and Alison Krauss provide backing harmonies on several songs. Every song is written by Rod, whose songs are already being recorded by other singers. One for the future.
Anyone within range of Brighton can catch him at The Greys ( 01273 680734) on April 28, 2003. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

GIG REVIEW.
ERIC BIBB.
The Brook, Southampton.
INSPIRATIONAL  is the only way to describe Eric’s performance at The Brook.  The charismatic bluesman radiated peace and love as he entranced a packed house over ninety compelling minutes at The Brook.  To pigeonhole Eric as a blues singer is a little unfair though, as gospel, rock and soul are all ingredients in his compelling recipe.
  Backed by his own deft guitar plus bass, drums and keyboards Eric wrapped his smooth voice round old favourites like “Mandela is Free”, “Goin’ Down Slow” and “Angel.”  He also introduced some new songs from his brand new “Natural Light” CD including the plaintive “Circles” and “So Sorry” and the witty “Champagne Habits.”
  A highlight of the gig was an extended version of “Needed Time” when Eric got the audience to sing along to a song all about the need for peace and understanding, particularly relevant in the current climate.  There are few performers who can unite a crowd through the power of music in the way that Eric does.  A moving and magical gig by one of the most sincere and genuine characters on the music scene. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CD REVIEW

GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT - THE LEGACY OF SUN RECORDS.
CD 31165.Running Time: 48:39.