Wintour Spoliers

[Jan_]

That's good news.  I hope they're down at Canterbury tomorrow.

[Big Dave]

Not a spoiler or a review, but a question.
Chris Bates has put a post on the FC list about the Wellingborough gig, in which he says that Brav is in hospital.  Any know what's happened? whatever the cause, best wishes Rob, thoughts going in your direction.

[Will S]

Better get the Donkeys out on the beach, so that Fairport can enjoy a traditional ride :-)

Would that be a One Way Donkey Ride?  

[Waterloo Wonderer]

The lights on lights off debate is not as important as the heating on heating off one that needs to be sorted by Sefton Council before Mondays appearance at Southport.
The Folkport day was made uncomfortable by the heat - I had to drink more. Terrible it was; the heat not the drinking more.

[PaulT]

Not a spoiler or a review, but a question.
Chris Bates has put a post on the FC list about the Wellingborough gig, in which he says that Brav is in hospital.  Any know what's happened? whatever the cause, best wishes Rob, thoughts going in your direction.

Seconded - all the best to Rob B - hope you're soon back!

[Jan_]

It's ages since I'd been to Canterbury and had forgotten what a lovely city this is – dominated by the cathedral, aged buildings abound and the narrow alleys wind between the beautiful old and the generally tasteful new.  The Marlowe theatre was a new one to us although we had experienced it virtually in a 2005 video but reality was much better.

As we entered the foyer we knew this gig was going to be radically different to the Tunbridge one. There was a buzz and an air of excitement which had been lacking at the former.  Besides, these people even looked more like us.  (Dare I mention the 3Bs – bald, beard and belly?  No!  Okay, I won't!)  These people looked and sounded like Cropredy people and they drank like them too.  It felt familiar.

The first half opened with The Happy Man – a cheery number to warm us all up and draw us in.  Then we were hit with the slightly unnerving and somewhat sinister Doctor of Physick.  It was great and better than any other version I have ever heard before – yes, even the Cropredy one!  The Rose Hip is such a lovely  tune, beautifully performed and gratefully received.  These boys know how to tug at your emotions – we'd run through a fair few different ones in the first three alone.  My Love is in America is one of my favourite Chris songs and Reynardine produced a tingle down the spine moment for Katy's Dad.  This half concluded with the semi-autobiographical Wood and the Wire which no doubt had a resonance with many in the audience; and Mock Morris which for me conjured up amusing images of Chris dancing at double speed while playing his violin – thanks Ollie!

At the interval the front of house area was packed – the Marlowe holds about a thousand people and it was full – as we attempted to reach our pre-ordered drinks waiting for us in the bar.  I lost Katy's Dad; he was accosted by some people he had not seen for years and whom I'd never met.  Having backtracked and found him, I was introduced and there was much discussion about the two different set lists, as these people had been at St Albans earlier in the tour.  We also saw some Essex people we know so by the time we reached our drinks it was nearly time to return to the auditorium.  I downed a glass of wine in seconds, although I needed a bit of help to finish off the last bit.  Katy's Dad said his drink tasted 'funny' which led to us to imagining an unlikely scenario involving drinks being spiked at an FC gig.  Maybe tasting it myself wasn't such a wise move!

The second half kicked off with Keep On Turning The Wheel – another cheerful opener, followed by Wat Tyler, which was one of the highlights for me.  I was worried I'd miss Maart’s bit but I didn't at all – a different version but equally good. Peggy explained The Swirling Pit which has made that tune more meaningful to me now and Jams O’Donnel’s Jig was marvellous – one of my favourite Fairport instrumentals.  My tingle down the spine moment came with Breakfast In Mayfair. Surprising?  It came as a bl**dy great shock to me especially after what I said about it last time!  (Then again, it might have been the wine kicking in!)  All three B. Lee songs have developed and improved in my opinion.  These guys just keep on delivering.  As mentioned by others, there was a pause after each song before the clapping started.  I don't think it was lack of knowledge this time – the songs were explained to the audience beforehand.  I wonder if people think they should maybe wait until the end to applaud.  After all, they are introduced as a set of three and the original album did not have track listings.  I knew what to expect of Eynsham Poacher and still really enjoyed it – I like to hear Simon's folky-voice. (Katy refers to it as his Welsh accent )  Hiring Fair was sheer bliss, as always, and I thought Matty Groves was one of the best I have ever heard.  I'm sure a new word was inserted between 'her' and 'shoes' in the servant swimming line, but have no idea what it was.

It was all over too quickly.  The sound and acoustics were much better than at T. Wells – we could hear the different instruments clearly.  The chaps were in good spirits; they obviously like this venue.  And there was no quiz and no lights.

Thank you all.

[peterwales]

To be honest, the set at Canterbury sound pretty much the same as at Norwich last Tuesday- which is not to take anything away- I thought they were great at Norwich- better than on some  previous winter tours I have been to see. Acoustics were not great at Norwich though- alot of "echoing" just slightly marred Anthony John Clark's support gig- but this is (the Norwich Assembly House) a fine old Georgian house where perhaps the acoustics are not what people would expect at a more "modern" venue. A great version of Matty Groves but also "spoilt" for us by the distress of an ageing Fairporter apparently collapsing 2 rows in front of us- caused a bit of constrernation and the band also looked worried as they played on. The important thing, was of course, if he was alright, and he seemed to, from what we heard afterwards.
Anyway, a great gig last week in East Anglia- one of the best in recent memory!

[Malcolm]

 My Love is in America is one of my favourite Chris songs and Reynardine produced a tingle down the spine moment for Katy's Dad.  

And for me. So unexpected and to hear Chris's voice projected with such power. When getting his autograph on the 40th DVD afterwards I suggested Reynardine should be included on the next studio album. After all, Polly on the Shore was revived/revamped for SofO. He said I wasn't the first to make that suggestion so let us hope.

[Amethyst (Jenny)]

I wonder if the band/Simon reads these posts??

[delfini (Diane)]

I would love a recording of Chris singing Reynardine - it sent shivers down my spine.

One of the best things I've heard for ages

[gower flower (Shirl)]

I would love a recording of Chris singing Reynardine - it sent shivers down my spine.

One of the best things I've heard for ages

Oh I agree! I remember watching him just before they began to play it and thinking "he looks as though he is psyching himself up".  

[Amethyst (Jenny)]

I would love a recording of Chris singing Reynardine - it sent shivers down my spine.

One of the best things I've heard for ages

Same here Diane.. if anyone has one....  

[steve-n]

Just a quick note to record a terrific gig at Leamington last night - the chaps were really on top form! Set list seems to be much the same as that for Canterbury, but, from our point of view, very different from the first night in Tewkesbury.

Highlights? Reynardine,of course, which Chris has really taken to a different level, Wat Tyler, Hiring Fair, Rosehip, Mock Morris, the Babbacombe Lee mini-set (particularly the Hanging Song) and a storming Matty to finish with!

And does anyone else agree that Anthony John Clark is doing a brilliant opening spot? The mix of serious and lighter songs plus a genuine warmth and audience engagement really seems to work.

Steve&Julia - already looking forward to Birmingham........

[Malcolm]

And does anyone else agree that Anthony John Clark is doing a brilliant opening spot? The mix of serious and lighter songs plus a genuine warmth and audience engagement really seems to work.

And a nice bloke to talk to as well.

[Bridgwit (Bridget)]

Really wish I'd gone to Pontardawe now to see them!  

Having travelled many miles to see FC in the past, I decided 40 miles was just too far this year, and as we'll see them at Cropredy I thought I'd take a raincheck.

Seems I picked the wrong year. I'd have gone just for the Babbacombe Lee mini-set. Hopefully, they'll do it at Cropredy.

Never mind  

[Tasha]

Sorry bridgwit you really have missed a corker - Best i've ever seen the lads! Right on form and the babacombe lee songs an absoulute gem. I really do hope they do them at cropredy as well!  

[Big Dave]

Good point Tasha, which has got my brain cell warming up.  Is there any correlation between the winter tour set list and the backbone of the Cropredy set?

[Ollie]

Really wish I'd gone to Pontardawe now to see them!  

Having travelled many miles to see FC in the past, I decided 40 miles was just too far this year, and as we'll see them at Cropredy I thought I'd take a raincheck.

Seems I picked the wrong year. I'd have gone just for the Babbacombe Lee mini-set. Hopefully, they'll do it at Cropredy.

Never mind  

You could always try Bristol on 27th. I know it's further, but it's worth it.

[Amethyst (Jenny)]

I agree there.. go to Bristol.. you won't regret it!!

[Bridgwit (Bridget)]

I might just do that - if I can get someone to go with me  

Part of the reason I didn't go is that none of the usual "gang" fancied going so far as we'd seen them 5 or 6 times in 4 years. So we went to see the Ukes in Newport instead.   They were brilliant, mind, I don't regret going to see them for one minute!  

Will put some feelers out tonight. Fingers x'ed!