TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

I saw them last night and they were excellent but very different, as has already been suggested. A lot of stuff from earlier line-ups of FAC and from the days when Simon and Ric were a duo. Things not heard for a while included Close to the Wind, Over the Lancashire Hills, Here There & Everywhere,
Dancer( which was the final song pre encore). A couple of senior moments but then it was early in the tour!
And Simon, if you are there, the guy who spoke to you on behalf of the children with special needs is very genuine and works very hard. I know because I sponsor them myself from my own business, as does Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry.

 The children have actually produced an excellent box set based on the 1970 Hollywood Festival.
If anyone is interested let me know, or if anyone has any memories etc which can be included.

Tell us more Nick.  Perhaps you could start a topic about the children's work and your sponsorship of them in 'Active'? 

Sir Robert Peel

Have you come across this site, Nick? Full of Archives and photos and info about the Hollywood Festival, but I think it contains a lot of pop-up things so be careful

http://members.fortunecity.com/timetortoise/Holly-dead.70.html#

I was supposed to play at that with Trader Horne but *ahem* I didn't................ ::)

Jude

Thanks Jude, I'll pass that on as they are continually updating the box set with new music or memories etc. I live only a few miles from the festival site but missed it due to university exams in Exeter.
Funnily enough, we took the teacher involved with the project to the FAC gig last night (+wife) as a  25 th wedding anniversary present and he told me then about your reasons for missing the festival. His research is quite thorough!
However I think we are going off topic a little, so will post a detailed account elsewhere tomorrow.

Saw 'em at Leek, The Swan, 4th May. First time I'd seen the Chris/Gerry/Simon/Ric line-up and it worked for me!  Can't remember all the set list but the overall sound was v good.  Simon plays "slightly more organised bass lines" on guitar (to quote the man himself) but other than that the arrangements are pretty much the same and work very well to my ears.  Gerry has all sorts of interesting stuff on percussion, especially the simulated pebble beach in a tube used to accompany the saintly Mary and her fossils.  Especially enjoyed Woodworm Swing with percussion and SN flashing jazz chords all over the fingerboard.  Love those major 7ths and flat 9ths....

Highly recommended.

Glad to hear the show is going well.
Only a few tickets left for Moulton now.
Telephone (01604) 646818 to get one
£15 each
Real Ale Bar etc etc

hello
have lurked here far too long!!
really enjoyed last night's fairport acoustic set (saltaire) - especially as i was supporting the chaps in my band , the hall brothers! a dream come true - the band were lovely to us and the audience couldn't have been more welcoming; yet more proof that fairport have the nicest audience of any band going :-)
fairport's set was lovely; the acoustic format a revelation, the playing and singing a joy, the song/tune selection spot on and surprising.
and... over the lancashire hills. always a firm favourite of mine
thanks very much if you were there for being so friendly

nick

Excuse the incursion from McTell Mansions, but I too was at Saltaire on Friday.  I consider myself something of a lapsed Fairport Fan, as I followed them through the 70’s, and was a Cropredy regular through the 80’s and early 90’s.  But I got to the point where they just seemed to be going through the motions, and in many ways I thought they had become something of the ultimate tribute band – playing famous bits of music, but never able to come up with anything to match it.  Even their best new bits were provided by someone else.

The support was great (well done Nick), and when Simon broke a string in the first few bars of the opening number, there was just a feeling that it might be another of those nights when it wasn’t going to go right and wasn’t going to get any better than the support band.

But something has happened to Fairport.  At last, certainly with this ‘Acoustic’ line-up, they have managed to find a formula that works and I came away thinking it was the best I’d seen them in a good few years.  I’d give particular mention to some great percussion from Gerry.  There was little reliance on ‘old’ Fairport, indeed only Now Be Thankful and Meet on the Ledge made it into the set.  For the rest, there was everything from Duke Ellington to George Gershwin and the Beatles, plus other old favourites such as Hiring Fair, Woodworm Swing etc.

It was a hot night in Saltaire, and they upped the temperature a few more degrees.  But was it Fairport?  Interesting that I was a bit fed up with them trotting out the same old stuff, but when it wasn’t there, there was a sense that something was missing!  Perhaps after all, Fairport are really about re-invention, and that has to be good.  It will be interesting to see the ‘full’ version when they next come round again.  If you’re as yet undecided as to whether to see this line-up, check it out.  It’s well worth it. 
 8)

OOhhh this time next week Fairport Acoustic will be playing for us at Papplewick Village Hall..

A few tix left.. don't miss out!!!

 ;D ;D ;D

Thanks to Gibson for the balanced and insightful review of Faircousticonvention.

'Is it Fairport?' 

Now that's an interesting question.

Peel

There will be a fair few of us at the Sheffield gig tonight...

Well...  Amy, Puggs, Rachel +, Rachie Poos + Andrew son of Tarda, Big Dave, Pete Gray +..

Have I forgotten anyone??

See you there...  ;D ;D ;D

Have a brilliant time all. Wish I could catch a spring tour gig.

Well, I'm looking forward to Saturday.  Cup Final in the afternoon, then off to see the chaps in the Evening.  It should make the first more palletable, whatever the result!

Neil

Looks like you're a West Ham supporter.  I'm pretty confident you'll enjoy Fairport more than you'll enjoy the Cup Final.

Doc
Fairport and Liverpool FC supporter.

A great night in Sheffield last night...  good to see a selection of TAWs... 

Gill your offspring were looking good and enjoying the gig!

 ;D ;D

Thanks Jenny.  :-*

Glad that a good time was had by all (- but was there ever any doubt?!!  ;) )

I'm everso envious!

No ... never any doubt!!!

Southampton tonight, I know Chris Bates will be there, are any other TAWs coming along?

No, but going to Worcester tomorrow.

So who's coming to Papplewick...  just a few tix left....  ;D ;D

Bah humbug.  I left the UK just a few days too early, didn't I?   :-\

There's still June in Cleveland, though.   ;D

Also going to Worcester tomorrow - but booked late so have to sit on someone's lap in one of the Huntingdon Hall's somewhat cramped boxes.

James

Me!!!

BTW, what time do the doors open??

Hi Neil.. are you who I think you are???

Have you got your ticket/s?

Doors 7.30.. Start 8pm

See you there...

I've sent a PM. Hopefully it will work this time......

Looking forward to it!

Nettlebed on Monday anyone?

Grace

Lucky you! Or lucky someone else?

Looking forward to Nordern Farm in Maidenhead next Wed. Bought tickets as a surprise  for husband's birthday - somehow he managed to find out about it, which is just as well, as he had been intending to buy tickets for Nettlebed as a surprise for me! 

Dammit, got to take my better half to Heathrow so I'm going to miss Papplewick!!  >:(

Never mind, don't forget Peggy & Peeje in June folks....unsolicited plug for Farnsfieldiddly Acoustic.....

Don't think they need one!!! 
 ;D

Just found out there's a support tonight!  Now, I know you all love Tiny Tin Lady, but you don't have to live in the same town!  All I get is dirty looks!!!! ???

Up the Hammers!!!!!!!!!

Heehee... thanks Ed!!!

Not at all old bean!!!  I thoroughly enjoyed it - much rather lose than have to endure boring football!  And am still sober enough to enjoy the FC gig this evening which I'm also looking forward to!!!!!!!!!!!!  Will post a report tomorrow!  Anyone else coming to St Helens tonight?

Stirring night at Worcester on Friday. Packed house, and the chaps on excellent form, I thought. The acoustic line-up offers a real opportunity to appreciate the sheer musicianship and subtlety of some of the songs and tunes. I was really taken by The Hiring Fair segueing into Summertime . . .and by the use of the Native American Flute on the Mary Anning song.

And thankfully we didn't win the raffle. Anyone who's been to Huntingdon Hall will know what I mean. I did buy Off the Desk - but haven't got round to listening yet.

Packing the bags for tonight as I type  ;D ;D... 

We're not doing a raffle tonight.. but I'm intrigued... what was the prize there??

Yes I was there. :)

An no, I wasn't that drunken woman with the upside down Cropredy flag....in fact I'm male, so I couldn't be. :D
johnnysaint

Huntingdon Hall has a notorious raffle at all its gigs with ticket vouchers as first prize, a CD as its second prize and then some appalling third and fourth prizes in the worst possible taste, which usually look like unwanted Xmas gifts. It always completely humiliating for the"winners". But it's become a sort of kitsch institution now. On Friday it was some kid of dreadful suncatcher thing for sticking in your garden - a bloke sitting near me will have had to carry it through the streets of Worcester late at night. I hope he got home safely.

In ten years of going to the hall I've never won a thing.

Lucky you.. maybe you will win next time!

Only been to that venue once.. it was one of Gerry Conway's first gigs as a full member of the band.

Sat on the balcolny.. very poor veiw.. asked to be moved..  ended up in a side box...  even worse view..  I think you need to book early to get decent seats there!!  Great gig though!

In its defence, it does have a lovely atmosphere, and a great acoustic. I think the gig you remember might have been an acoustic one, when Gerry joined them for part of the second half playing a little more than a beer crate or something. Or am I just going mad?

Row J for future reference. First row of the raised seats.

Completely OT, but at a Boo Hewerdine gig courtesy of the Colchester Folk Club, Oor Lass won .....a melon.  ;D

Wasn't she annoying!  Grrrrrr. 

Is she the woman from Southport who sends the FC lads birthday cards and presents? Sounds like a stalker to me :D
johnnysaint

Not sure about that.  However, at one point she told me to move, rather than ask me.  Then towards the end was "Ssssh"ing everybody - loudly.

So you were the bloke with the camera then?
 ::)
 

No but that was quite amusing. When you moved downstairs, I was stood to your right in a green jacket....me and me bird.

I think the sshing came as a result of someone talking very loudly with their mobile phone. There were anumber of people complaining on the way out.
johnnysaint

And it wasn't me, either....

johnnysaint
Serious allegation that to call anyone  a 'stalker'

Also at Worcester - agree it was a brilliant set - and, chatting to the chaps afterwards, they seemed to have enjoyed it as much we did! HH is a terrific venue, although it can get a little warm.
Its been said before, but I still think Ric missed a trick by not including the Summertime version of Hiring Fair on the CD, although,of course, there may have been technical reasons for going with the straight version.

Steve

We've got two FRONT ROW tickets for Wimborne this coming Saturday..............

................and now we can't go  :(


B'WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!    :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(

If anyone's interested I'll let 'em go on a two-for-one basis, ie £15.50 for the pair and I'll even send 'em SD for nowt extra.  They're being offered elsewhere so don't delay; contact me via my home addy: hedgehog@bint.biz .

By the way, it's all HIS fault by booking himself in for two hill climb meetings next weekend.  Blimmin', blimmin', flippetty-flip-flip!!

Huh... go on your own Hedgehog..  don't miss it!!!

Just posted a review of sorts about last night's gig  ;D ;D

I dont know how they do it but --yet again the Farnsfield Massive pull off another coup. Fairport Acoustic Convention !!----Well what can we say but another fabulous nights entertainment was had by all attending last night.
Now as we know  F C are good.  I think I`ve sussed them out .----- They start off the evening with some superb songs then when you think it can`t get any better ---it does . Some of Ric & Chris`s fiddling just completely blows one  away to some higher level . They hold you there at this higher level for a bit then take you even higher. SUPERB JUST BLOODY SUPERB  [;-)
Now -----How do I get down to Earth again . -------Blimey I can see my house from up here  ;D
Thanks Farnsfield xx

Thanks PB... (are you after freebies???)  ;D ;D

It WAS a bit special wasn't it... ;D

Oh, I wish!  Unfortunately, my back's still recovering from a major op, and I'll still need a chauffeur to help with the 4-hour round trip from where we'll be, and back again.  Curses.

Sorry.. didn't realise.. good luck  :-*

Well, Im not sure if its Fairport or not but it sounds like they play a much more interesting set list than the winter tour. Having heard the usual suspects for the past ten years its time they gave us a bit of variety.

From Rob

Bernie, it was you!

If the cap fits, wear it ;)

Cheers
johnnysaint

Can't say fairer than that.

Gerry's percussion added 'light and shade' to the evening and Ric and Chris were on splendid form.  'I'm already there' was the best I've ever heard - it sent shivers down my spine - and Ric and Simon playing together was a real treat. In John Gaudie  I thought Simon was going to fall off his chair he was playing with such energy :o

Thanks Farnsfield, thanks FC. :-*

I too was at Farnsfield Acoustic in Papplewick on Sunday night.

I'm useless at reviews, but:
I enjoyed it.
The band seemed to enjoy it.
The rest of the capacity audience seemed to enjoy it.

Old songs, recent songs and new to me songs and instrumentals.

Gerry brought an unusual set of instruments. Big bongos, and various
other instruments which made a fleeting appearance, such a rain stick(?)
(a big wooden thing which makes a tinkly liquid sound).

Chris's mandolin seemed more pronounced in the mix than usual.

All the band stayed seated, though Ric seemed to be having trouble
restraining himself at times. Chris dropped a near ultimate giveaway
about growing older - confessing to wearing vari-focal lenses.

The lads were on good form last night in Nettlebed.  Bentley Ben had a front-row seat to himself which he was very pleased about - especially when he met another little teddy bear and they sat together for the whole show.

The lads came on and announced that he show last night was to celebrate the newest member of the Fairport Convention fanbase: James Edward Bull (known as Woody to his family and friends) who was attending his first gig at the age of five days! ;D  Woody stayed awake for the whole first half, thoroughly enjoyed himself and was even seen dancing and moving his head to "Canny Capers".  His next gig will be Cropredy according to the proud (and quite-rightly-so) parents.

worcester was ace on friday.

Simon completley forgot the set list at one point which was funny... just shows how wonderful live performances are...

absolutley great. good show. worth everything.

they played slipjigs and reels! love - that - song!!!!

Interesting point. There have been a few posts on this thread (and others relating to Cropredy) which seemed to imply that people couldn't be bothered to turn up to hear (and I paraphrase) "the same old thing".

I wouldn't dream of criticising this view as we're all different, but one of the joys of a live Fairport set for me is the chance to experience different interpretations of the core music, not only between the standard or acoustic line-up but also the development during a tour.

Worcester was sensational, but I'm already looking forward to Stratford!

Steve

Are 'me too's allowed here? :-)
Find me & I'll buy you a beer....just you, mind!

Really enjoyed Maidenhead last night! Highlights for me were  "Here, there and everywhere", "Over the Lancashire Hills" and "Close to you". There was some hitch with the  guitar amplifier towards the end, and Gerry's expressions and gestures were great fun to try and interpret as he communicated with the balcony. I hope that Simon did not think we were laughing at him - it was the gurning that was going on behind him!

As to the question posed earlier in the thread:"Is it Fairport?" - as I only "found" Fairport less than two years ago, it doesn't really matter to me, because all I saw and heard were some great musicians playing some great music. 

steve-n! I read back on what I said and I think I phrased it very badly indeed, I wasn't trying to be sarcastic or anything.

I love live gigs, BECAUSE of the way the band re-interprets their own song.

I used to get very annoyed when bands used to mime... it destroys the whole point of going to see the band live. If you just wanted to hear the record exactly the same you could just listen to it and not see the band.

also at gigs I feel you can get a more personal look at the members themselves (and therefore indirectly the songs and the meaning behind them.) Little querks like Simon's forgetting, Rik's jokes and Chis's explanations means their personalitly comes across, rather than on albums where it's just the songs which have been edited and refined.

also as the band's style has evolved over the years (anyone who says over the next hill sounds just like unhalfbricking needs their ears clearning out!!) means that when the current line up plays an older song it will always have a different style and I love that about live fairport too.

sorry if my phrasing was a little off, if it reads as sarcastic I really didn't mean it to.

rock on live fairport!

I couldn't agree more Bethan.. well put  ;D

Without wishing to divert this thread on to apologies, I'm sorry if you thought that I had interpreted your comment as sarcasm.
 I certainly hadn't read it as such and it was actually a nice excuse to express my thoughts on live performances.
From your subsequent post it seems we're pretty much in accord -  :)



Steve
(who definitely didn't win the suncatcher in the raffle)

thanks steve and amethyst...

anyhow, back on topic. Gerry was on top form I thought. That's the first time I've seen him perform within viewing distance (I consider a field apart being non-viewing distance).

Recently I've been fortunate enough to be both close to and with an unobscured view of Gerry at work. Absolutely fascinating. For example, the quickness of the hand when retrieving or replacing the white tambourine.

See FC website topic "FC in a Hole" on the Accoustic Tour.

Will Chris be writing a song about this or does John Gaudie cover such eventualities?
 ;D

Nah....that was a rehearsal for the 27th.....(go check the gig dates)

Finally some photos from Farnsfield.

Good, Neil,.....very good.

Anyone going to the Carnglaz=e Caverns on the 27th?....

Great pix Neil.. thank you.. I can tell where you were sitting now ;D

I was sitting where Simon's face was almost always blocked by the mic; and shots of Gerry were blocked by Simon's guitar :-\

Here's some more - from Southampton this time.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Last two....

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What wonderful pics! As FC rarely come past the Severn Bridge I don't see them as often as I'd like so these are a real bonus (come on guys, it's only a fiver - or go the scenic Gloucester route for free! - lots of good venues in South Wales!)

... and I still say it's about time Chris had a haircut .... !!

November - 18th at Lewes,  Sussex, probably Lewes Town Hall.

You sound like my dad, circa 1970.

Me and the boys went to see the Chaps at Tonbridge last Friday, and WOW! what a night. Though we have seen the Fairport full line up many times, for some strange reason that I cannot fathom out, we were Fairport Acoustic virgins, but what a memorable and mind blowing introduction.  Sensational to hear the different slant they gave to familiar tunes. For Dennis it was not only entertaining but educational  as his eyes rarely seemed to stray from watching Simons fingers and I know he tried hard to memorise many of the chord changes.
I cannot really add anymore to the great reviews allready written, but must just add a huge great big thank you Chaps from me Dennis and Jack and enjoy America! :-*

Last gig of the tour at Cox's Yard ("Fairport in your front room" for those who know it!) - the chaps seemed really relaxed and out for a good time and whilst the set itself was pretty much that which we had seen previously, it was fascinating to see how the interpretation has developed over the weeks. No need to be too analytical though, suffice to say that it was a brilliant night.

Still trying to figure out the link between Mary Anning and Charles Dickens.... presumably Simon is preparing for an American creationist audience.


Steve

Charles Darwin, possibly? ;)

(First try at adding a quote - hope it works !!!)


My reasons are totally different to your Dad's (I hope). Long hair on most men is to be encouraged!

It's just that Chris looks better with short hair.

Sorry, but it's a girl thing ... or maybe just a Bridgwit thing

Oooerr! Bridgwit, don't let that Amethyst hear you saying that! (better with short hair.....)

She'll have you walking the plank at Cropredy ;)

As a follically challenged male I'm just envious of Chris's ability to grow such luxuriant locks.

Wish I could've seen this tour, sounds great.  Thanks for all the reviews and photos people, I may not get in here often anymore (work pressures) but when I do it's lovely to be able to see photos of the Chaps doing what they do and looking pleased to be doing it.

PS Bridgwit.  I happen to agree with you, but keep the tin hat handy...  Still, haircut or no haircut I wouldn't say no to a Native American Flute lesson or three.  Hell, I'd even take up the fiddle!

Erm,yes.....hence the second part of my sentence. ;)

Steve

I heard that Bridgwit .. and Anna...  plank ready... :o ;D

TOPIC DRIFT.....

Apologies for the delay in posting this but I have been rather busy lately and I’ve not been around as much as I would have liked.

Katy’s Dad and I were at the Tonbridge gig.  We only just arrived in time due to hold-ups on the M25 and entered the foyer as the request to take your seat was broadcast.

I think the set list was similar to last year’s but as I don’t keep records of such things I cannot be sure.  No matter – it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  The musicianship was superb, as you’d expect, and the atmosphere was relaxed and more intimate than a normal FC gig.  It was an opportunity for the audience to experience some different aspects of the band members’ personalities, as expressed through their music. I am particularly enjoying the contrast between these two dimensions of Fairport.

Two songs stood out for me.  One was Over The Lancashire Hills.  It was the first time I’ve heard it performed ‘live’ and the whole evening was worth it just for that!  It was sung with such feeling and sensitivity that I nearly cried.  The other was Close To The Wind.  The arrangement and the performance were excellent and it sounded brilliant.  As I have been responsible for some rather uncomplimentary remarks about it in the past (when it was performed at Grays) I feel I need to make amends.

All in all, a great evening out.

(And was that Henry Nicol I spotted on the merch desk?)

It was indeed....

We were at Carnglaze Cavern at the end of May en famille, me, dh, son (8) and daughter (10). I lurk on this board a lot - normally over dh's shoulder! - but feel my first post must be on behalf of the children who are captivated by FC, particularly my daughter. They are her favourite boy band (!) and she actually fell for Simon's line about the band being set up by his father, bless her.

Carnglaze is an underground cavern (as I suppose most caverns are) and I have to say the setting for the acoustics was quite mesmerising. Luckily dh and daughter had already been last year so knew how cold it was going to be.....so we were all well wrapped up. Where else would members of the band discuss the lyrics of a 10 year old's favourite song (Rosemary's Sister) with her, or make the effort to come over and ask how they enjoyed the concert? Thanks to you all, lovely men, it's so wonderful watching the children fall in love with the songs we know practically off by heart.

A very warm welcome to  Kalproos and thank you for the heartwarming report from Carnglaze.

I've noticed you standing on someone's shoulder, with your nose pressed against the window.  I'm glad you've taken the plunge and decided to make your first post.  Every effort will be made to ensure that you stayawhile and tell us more.  You've obviously been aware of FC for some time and so we look forward to getting your thoughts, views, memories and so forth.  When you have the time, please join me in the members only Hospitality Area - the Corporation Arms, see 'Introduce yourself to members' - for sherry and nibbles.  Bring your favourite CDs.

Sir Robert Peel
Global Moderator
218 years.

What a sweet welcome - thank you! Have definitely been aware of FC for some time - was distinctly uncool at uni 22 years ago when everyone else liked The Human League. Trying to turn my daughter into the same kind of woman, obviously, and she's well on her way. Son wants a ukulele for his 8th birthday!

Sorry for the topic drift....but I want a ukulele too, klaproos! Saw the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain in Reading last Sunday, and they were hilarious, but also brilliant musicians. Don't know how they get such rich sounds from those funny little instruments.

Aren't they astonishing? We saw them at Cropredy and loved them. They are indeed brilliant musicians. My best friend laughed her head off at me until I showed her a clip from youtube whereupon she pronounced them rather sexy!

Some photos appear here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomf/154651896/).