Larmer
Tree Festival
Tollard Royal.
SO much to savour this year at this most mellow of music
festivals! The
line-up was better than ever, with a myriad mix of talents on four stages
over
the four days. I caught the last two days of the festival which included a
stunning set from The Angel Brothers and Satnam Singh with their extraordinary
female lead singer from Iraq. The visual and vocal exuberance of Black Umfulosi
from Zimbabwe was totally compelling as was the earthy humour and raucous vocals
of Australian bluesman Stringybark McDowell.
Stringy’s
compatriots Derrin Nauendorf and David Downing (pictured) graduated to the main
stage after their big success last year. They responded with a taut set building
to a climax with a shattering version of
“Voodoo
Chile.” Superb singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith from Canada also impressed with
his poignant and melodic songs, as did the evocative outfit Wai (pictured) with
their vocal harmonies and Maori
dancing.
The moving melancholia of the bard of Fife, Jackie Leven, was another highlight,
but so many more musicians turned in first class performances: Oi Va Voi
(pictured) with their great violinist Sophie, the
introverted
American Jesse Sykes with her wistful songs, the funky Jelitara Futa band
(pictured) from Senegal with their dance-happy act, and so many more.
Superbly organised and overflowing with atmosphere in an exotic location, the
Larmer Tree must be the best music festival in the south of England. The last
day’s carnival procession was also bigger and better than ever,
with
all the kids putting an amazing amount of effort into their colourful costumes. (© Peter Ashton
2003)
Folk
at the Abbey
Titchfield Abbey
PERFECT weather, great entertainment. Hundreds of folk
fans flocked to the first Folk at the Abbey event to be rewarded with some
contrasting acts, starting off with two excellent young folk bands, Legacy and
Arlen, who weighed in with a fresh mix of traditional and contemporary sounds.
Legacy returned later to back the engaging Bob Cheever from Nashville USA. His
country-tinged songs, especially the witty “I Like Sheep” were well-received by
a relaxed crowd as they lolled on the lawns. Headliners Blue Horses, fronted by
feisty fiddler Liz Prendergast, who also excelled on electric mandolin and harp,
were as compelling as ever. The mini-skirted Liz exhorted the crowd to get up
and dance, and they did, as the Pontypridd-based band ripped through their
unique brand of folk-rock.
This well-organised event was a rousing success - hopefully it will become an
annual fixture on the summer festival calendar. (© Peter Ashton
2003)
Sarah Sharp
The Railway Inn, Winchester.
THREE local acts demonstrated the wealth of Winchester’s songwriting talent
before a sensational set from American singer-songwriter Sarah Sharp.
Sensitive songs sung in ethereal style by Kate Stables impressed before
all-female trio The Sense upped the tempo with some soulful pop harmonies and
some great songs. Quirky Rachel Dadd’s introverted songs also got a great
response.
As for blonde Texan Sarah Sharp, well, here was a star in the making. Her
dynamic vocal range, immaculate phrasing, and witty perceptive songs left a
packed Railway Inn crowd gob-smacked. Accompanied by partner Andy with some deft
acoustic guitar work she sang self-written songs like “Mom’s High”, “After
You’ve Gone” and “Surrender” with supreme confidence and charm. She really let
rip with her encore “Let Me Sing” - a real tour de force which, to use an old
cliche, left the crowd begging for more. (© Peter Ashton
2003)
Shine
Talking Heads, Southampton.
“SOUL’S True Face” was revealed for the final time as
Shine played their last ever gig at the popular Portswood music venue. The
demise of the Southampton-based band was down to singer Andy’s relocation to
Australia. Dedicating their first number, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to
soul giant Barry White who had died the previous day, Andy and crew were on top
form for a well attended gig.
Over the next two hours or so Shine’s tight soul-soaked fusion of jazz and funk
entertained a packed crowd who drank, sweated and danced the night away.
Songs like “Hercules,” “Heavenly Pastime” and “Losing You” got a final
groovy workout as Shine shone on their final gig. A fitting finale for an
original band who will be much missed on the local live music scene.
Larry Miller
The Brook, Southampton.
STUNNING guitarist Larry Miller seems to be much bluesier these days.
There’s still a lot of outright rock in his act though, and he still enjoys
whipping up an audience. From the moment he came on stage and ripped into “Mr
Mango” he had the crowd with him, exhorting them to clap along.
If Larry’s guitar skills are amazing, then drummer Andy Aust’s work is
just phenomenal. Certainly the best drummer I have seen at The Brook, Andy
combines power with subtlety. The highlight of the evening was “Bite The Bullet”
with Larry hammering out some heavy guitar licks, Andy’s hands just a blur on
drums, backed up by dependable Mel on bass.
If there is any criticism of Larry and his band it might just be that they
play too loud. When you are as good as they are it’s not really necessary to do
a Spinal Tap and turn it up to 11!
CD Reviews
EDDI
READER
SINGS THE SONGS OF ROBERT BURNS.
ROUGH TRADE RECORDS CD097.
Playing time: 45.32.
That glorious voice of Eddi’s is used to great effect on this collection of
Robert Burns songs. I’m sure the man himself would have loved the sensitive
way these eleven songs have been reinterpreted with the help of Eddi’s team of
favourite musicians and players from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Even hoary old songs like “My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose” and “Auld Lang
Syne” sound fresh when Eddi gets hold of them. The playing of Boo Hewerdine and
Colin Reid on acoustic guitars and Christine Hanson on cello is particularly
impressive. There is a good balance between gentle ballads like “Ae Fond Kiss”
and “Wild Mountainside” and more spritely offerings like “Charlie Is My
Darling.” Folk music and Eddi Reader fans will love this enchanting album. (© Peter Ashton
2003)
KELLY JOE PHELPS.
SLINGSHOT PROFESSIONALS.
RYKODISC CD 10633.
Running time: 52.33
Having built up a reputation as a bluesman Kelly Joe seems to be evolving into
all kinds of musical directions. There is a bluesy feel to a number of the ten
songs written and performed by him on this new album, notably “Knock Louder,”
but there is also a rootsier, folkier feel to a lot of the songs. I don’t
pretend to understand all the lyrics, particularly on the title track -
existential might be the best way of describing them - but the overall standard
of songs and instrumentation is impressive.
Kelly Joe’s guitar work is as deft
as ever and he is helped out by some superb musicians including a sensitive
drummer in Scott Amendola, Bill Frisell on electric guitar and Jesse Zubot on
violin and mandolin. Every track is highly listenable: I particularly liked
opener “Jeriocho” and the gentle closing track “Rusting Gate.” Great husky
vocals from Kelly Joe too - just go out and buy it! (© Peter Ashton
2003)
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