24-Aug-07 Poole Concert Review
We're in Dorset, on the edge of one of the largest natural harbours in the world, but tonight no foghorn whistles blow. Forget the cry of gulls and the deep-sea swell, as it's a fine summer evening in olde Poole town.
At seven o'clock sharp a singer arrives backstage, clutching a worn old
leather briefcase, muttering something serious, then smiling, he leaves a
silver Mercedes and driver, free to move on, and disappears into the club.
It's been a while; several years have passed, since the man's previous
visit with a certain Linda Gail Lewis. Wasn't that when it all went wrong?
Well tonight expectations are high as a new Van is back with a fresh
combo, and who know where he's heading now.
A surprisingly refreshing Guinness (extra cold) in a quiet Lighthouse bar
begins to work its magic in the waiting game. Eight o'clock sharp take
your seats, old folks, for the show is about to begin. And yes, thank
Christ, drinks are allowed in the full, comfortable, seated theatre.
Musicians wander on stage, back up singers, violin, banjo, a drummer
needing no raised platform, a close, tight group, confined by the
equipment.
Maybe we should have guessed, here he comes now, Chris Farlowe, with a
warm up of sorts, but he is quickly joined by the man himself, who treats
us to some very fine saxophone, and later detailed acoustic guitar.
Despite George Ivan still wearing a tight-buttoned suit, hiding behind
shades and a pork pie hat, a comical figure, he appears relaxed, smiling,
comfortable, and having a pretty good time. The voice, the voice, weighty
bass barreltone healing season'd and glorious.
Between swift exits to the bar for Guinness replenishment, dodging ribald
security festering reliant yellow monkey men who vex the harmless aged
multitude, we are treated to a varied robust tight set that includes the
disappointing Vegas style Have I Told You Lately, a novel bluegrass Bright
Side Of The Road, a mellow Magic Time, Farlowe sounding strangled on
Stranded, a throw away Precious Time, I'm Not Feeling It Anymore, sung
with great feeling, and a predictable goodnight folks Brown Eyed Girl
after the quickest ninety minutes ever.
Bonuses include a surprised Tom Jones (OK, Chris again) duetting on Cry
For Home, a reprise of their big hit. Two great tributes - a Ray Charles
number to die for - in all its majesty - beautifully arranged, pure love,
and a comical Dylan ditty with Chris again helping out to great effect,
for It's All Over Now, Baby Blue.
Other highlights include a Tupelo Honey that was worth the price of
admission on its own, sung with a passion and depth you don't see every
day. Well preserved, and skilfully converted.
Hitching a ride into the night we made haste to The Bricklayers to mull
over the nights events, over frothy pints, buttered scones and crumpets,
footfalls echo in the memory.
An old white horse galloped away in the meadow.
Wonder if anyone taped it. Some of these bootleggers, they make pretty
good stuff.
-Bill N.
Setlist:
I Love My Baby [*, CF]
This Love Of Mine
Magic Time
Have I Told You Lately [Las Vegas version]
Early In The Morning (‘Bout The Break Of Day)
Bright Side Of The Road [Satchmo ending]
Cry For Home [CF]
Hey Mr. DJ [CF]
Little Village
I’m Not Feeling It Anymore
Sometimes We Cry [CF]
Stranded [CF]
Playhouse
I Can’t Stop Loving You
Don’t Start Crying Now >Custard Pie
Precious Time [scat ending]
Tupelo Honey [CF]
It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue [CF]
Brown Eyed Girl
Stand By Me [CF]
1 comment:
Thanks for a descriptive review. I'm always as interested in the venue experience as I am the gig. You brought us there, those of us who could not be with you.
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