Live!

There’s nothing quite like it, if I had to choose between recorded music and live appearances, it would be gigs almost every time. The only exceptions might be where bands play songs note perfect to the record, in which case, why bother? Luckily, live music has been heading my way recently, from the inimitable Patti Smith (see review on Wighteye blog), to the pure entertainment of Wild Willy Barrett’s Mad Dogz and the blues of Fruteland Jackson. Next week brings the Larmer Tree Festival in Dorset, can’t wait, there are loads of bands I’ve never heard of, so hope to find some great new music, plus looking forward to seeing Richard Thompson weaving his magic on guitar. Hopefully a chilled time with folk, world influenced live music and the chance to do a bit of drummin’ etc. Happy times!

Patti Smith

A few weeks ago I was mightily disappointed in myself for missing the news that Patti Smith was appearing at Farringford Hotel, once home of Tennyson, here on the Isle of Wight.  With only about 200 tickets on sale, they apparently sold out in minutes.  Having scoured the net, visiting Wightbay regularly and brooding over the lack of progress in tracking down a ticket, I was fortunate enough to visit Vaguely Sunny’s website.  Information there pointed me to another source and now I can look forward to a great evening in June.  Patti will be singing and reading poetry.  The event recalls an incident in the late 70s when I bought an import picture sleeve 45 of Patti’s version of Gloria from a record store in my then home town of Reading.  Imagine my dismay when I got home and found that there was paper in the vinyl itself, making the disc unplayable!  This was then compounded by the shop refusing me a refund for what were plainly goods of unmerchantable quality.  Trading Standards sorted out the issue for me and I was able to collect a refund a week later, though of course no longer welcome at the one store that had good stock! Laying in bed this morning, listening to Gloria on CD over the headphones, I am struck by what a great version Patti’s is and how her voice seems almost elastic in its phrasing – a real gem.

Renewing an acquaintance

Last Friday found me at Quay Arts on the Isle of Wight, enjoying a solo acoustic performance by Glen Matlock. Of course, I’d enjoyed his antics with the Pistols from across the river at last year’s Isle of Wight Festival, but I’d also seen him with The Rich Kids circa 1978. Glen’s the same age as me, so it was interesting to see how he was still in music this many years on, while I have hopped from one thing to another and currently seem to have dropped out! Having commented that the t-shirt I’d bought so many years ago at that gig had shrunk, I was delighted that he dedicated his rendition of ‘Burning Sounds’ to me. The gig contained a sprinkling of Pistols (God Save the Queen, Pretty Vacant, Stepping Stone), another Rich Kids track (Ghosts of Princes in Towers) and a range of more recent material. I particularly enjoyed the Iggy Pop song, Ambition, that Glen had written the lyrics for. A nice walk down memory lane, but also good to hear that he’s still creative with his band, The Philistines.

Up and coming?

Middle of the bill, sandwiched between The Denvers and The Pretty Things, I was initially unsure about Martin Newnham, his work initially seemed a little brash in comparison to the subtlety of The Denvers, but as his set progressed, I found myself enjoying the vitality of his approach, particularly when his accompanying percussionist switched from snare drum to other forms of percussion and the rhythms became more varied. In my opinion, a vibrant folky sound, an act that may be in competition with the likes of Seth Lakeman and Teddy Thompson.

West coast – Wight style

Arriving at Ryde Theatre to see The Pretty Things, I was frankly not that bothered about the support acts, but the quality and subtlety of music from opening act, The Denvers, was a real treat to hear.  It reminded me of the west coast acoustic sound of bands such as CSN.  My 18 year old son and his friend enjoyed it too, they classed it as ‘morning music’.  The duo were well received, I’m intending to take Mrs.Wighteye to The Woodvale at Gurnard next week to catch them again.  Feel good music.  As Whisperin’ Bob would say “Mmmm….nice”.

No longer so pretty, but still got the blues

Live at Ryde Theatre 24-10-2008

Had a great night out last Friday at Ryde Theatre, here on the Isle of Wight.  Top of the bill were The Pretty Things, making a rare appearance on the island, despite their lead guitarist, Dick Taylor, living here.  They arrived onstage in suits, but it wasn’t long before vocalist Phil May, 63, shed his jacket, loosened his tie and began to unbutton his shirt.  Dick Taylor looked a little fragile and aged, but this belied his ability on guitar, he’s a natural and clearly enjoyed what he was doing.  Their set included material from their present day album, Balboa Island back through the psychedelia of the S.F.Sorrow period to the blues/R&B influenced singles from the mid 60s.  Tributes were also played to Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters and a beautiful duo section with May and Taylor recalling the Sidcup Art College Days;  This section of the show recalled the blues roots that influenced Dick and others (including the Rolling Stones) in the early 60s, with much bottleneck guitar and a wonderful rendition of a Robert Johnson original.  It was great to see 50 and 60 somethings gyrating away, myself included, it was an evening of real fun and authentic blues. My favourite rendition was LSD, which included an extended guitar workout incorporating feedback and what I can only describe as strange chords in a psychedelic context;  I guess it was a reflection of the experience that these bad boys of rock would have been through!

Pretty Things returning after 39 years

This Friday sees the return of The Pretty Things to the Isle of Wight, first visit since the IW Festival in 1969.  Of course we have Dick Taylor, lead guitarist, living in Ventnor, so hopefully the turn out will be good for what should prove to be a good gig.  I’m attending with my son, 18, heavy metal fan (well, lots of us have been there…) and we’ve both had the benefit of guitar lessons from Dick in the past.  If you look at youtube there are some great videos of the band, recommended viewing.

Free Jazz

Great to catch some free Jazz today at an Isle of Wight Jazz Festival fringe event;  Third Man were the trio in question and a write up can be found on the Wighteye blog at http://wighteye.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/isle-of-wight-jazz-festival-fringe/

Third Man are an island band and deserve a wider hearing, they are currently gigging at a variety of island venues.

Listening to Eagle Eye Cherry’s  ’Desireless’ in the car, though plagued by youngest son to play ‘Before these crowded streets’ by the Dave Matthews Band whenever he is present; he plays along on my harmonica!

Shakey live at the Hammy Od

Just returned from London having been privileged to see the legendary Neil Young live at Hammersmith Odeon, or the Apollo as it likes to be called now.  We were treated to a 75 minute solo acoustic set followed by a 90 minute electric set with his band.  Neil has such an extensive back catalogue to draw from, particularly memorable from the acoustic set was ‘Old Man’, Neil was in good humour and there was much calling out from the audience, the atmosphere was highly charged.  Whilst the acoustic set was reflective, Neil really rocked out in the electric set.  For me, highlights were ‘Hey Hey, My My’, ‘Tonight’s the Night’ and a fine ‘Fucking Up’ with a long rabid guitar solo and extended feedback.  This was the final gig of a 51 date continental tour and Neil didn’t look like someone that had relatively recently been at death’s door.  Keep on rockin’ in the free world!

World music fusion experience

          

Having been cajoled by Littlecat’s Dad into attending a local gig at Quay Arts by Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara last Friday, I found myself enjoying a combination of blues and african music.  Justin often plays guitar for Robert Plant and Juldeh is a griot, a master musician from Gambia playing local stringed instruments. They were ably assisted by Salah Dawson Miller on percussion; this guy had a weird hat to die for!  The whole experience was amazing and we left the gig with a couple of great CDs which I can’t stop playing.

Greatly enjoying ‘Desert Road’ by Justin Adams