Recent gigs

[Andy]

We saw the Young'uns last night at Pontardawe Arts Centre and they were very good.

Thoroughly recommended - they're on their 20th anniversary / 40th birthday tour this year - go and see them!

I videoed a couple of songs but FB simply mutes them if I put them up.

So I've uploaded them to my seldom-used YouTube channel.

Links:

01 Sea Coal & Jack Ironsides performed by the Young'uns at Pontardawe Arts Centre April 26, 2025


02 Ghafoor’s Bus, performed by the Young'uns at Pontardawe Arts Centre April 26, 2025

[JJ (Joanna)]

Thanks Andy
It was a brilliant evening at Union Chapel, London on Wednesday.  
Matt was there from the Matt and Naz Foundation, very emotional that song.

[John From Austin]

Canadian jazz artist Diana Krall, last night at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin!

She played Queen Jane Approximately by His Bobness, but otherwise stuck with jazz and the American Songbook. She is an accomplished pianist, and was accompanied by a bassist (stand-up and electric) and very jazzy drummer. She sings quietly and breathily, reminiscent of Julie London. She hasn't aged a day since she started recording over 30 years ago. A fine evening for all.

[Peter Allen]

A group of us saw Astrid Williamson , largely because we are close friends with her sister , at Wrecking Ball in Hull
Astrid was struggling with a sore throat , so no chat between numbers
Very atmospheric , the Shetland Suite particularly ,  but when she delved into her Goya Dress material musically she distantly reminded me of Nico (not vocally) with hints of the harmonium in her keyboard playing...but then both used to work with John Cale

[mickf]

Steeleye Span last night, at the Riverfront, Newport. I know the audience for a concert of this kind is likely to be from the older population, but I was a bit put out when, after getting to the venue, there was a sign pointing to the Newport Dementia Support Group!

Anyway, Steeleye were on formidable form, with songs old and new, including about half a dozen from their new album 'Conflict'. One was an acapella reworking of 'Dogs and Ferrets', from the 50 year old 'Commoner's Crown' album. I have since heard the album version, having purchased it after the show, and I think it holds up well next to the original. Of course they encored with what Maddy called 'That Song!' Even though I am not its biggest fan, I joined in the chorus along with everyone else!

The current line up is still blazing a trail with both trad and new songs and I, for one, hope they continue to do so. A great evening - and I can't wait to see them again.

[John From Austin]

Tom Jones last night at ACL Live in Austin, Texas!

He observed that Willie Nelson is still touring at 92, so he has no plans of retiring at the relatively young age of 84.99. His voice remains a powerful instrument, and he has a charming stage presence. Best of all, he has impeccable taste in songs. Long may he wave.