Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour

Subject: Steellye Span at Buxton
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 04:09 AM

Went to Steeleye's last date in the 40th anniversary tour last night. I've seen them many times in the 40 years but i've got say this wast the best by a long way.
They've now been invaded by the master musician, Emperor Zorn. What a man. Must be hard work wondering whether to play with, Richard Thompson, Barbara Dickson or Steeleye for a job.
Main highlight [amongst many] was 'I live not where I love'. Pete's fiddle, Ken's guitar and Maddy's always incredible voice was just out of this world.
I've seen three incredible concerts in the past week. Jez Lowe, Waterson Carthy and Steeleye. Each better than ever. Long may it continue.

Subject: RE: Steeeye Span
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 04:20 AM

So glad to hear it - I loved Steeleye in the old days but hadn't heard anything about their recent activities, so it's nice to get some feedback (also great to hear about Emperor Zorn). I have some of Maddy's beautiful Carnival Band records and her Seven For Old England, which I like a lot. Glad to see that the whole outfit is playing so well.

(PS: Be sure to give yourself some sort of screen nickname because completely anonymous posts can sometimes get removed. Anyway, it'll help us to distinguish you.)

Subject: RE: Steeleye Span
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 04:52 AM

That's what happens when you try to run before you can walk with a new phone. I messed everything up. Spelling, login. Doh!
It really was a fantastic performance.
Emperor Zorn really lifted 'Seagull' with his whistle playing.

Subject: RE: Steeeye Span
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 06:38 AM

Emperor (Pete) Zorn as you call him, also has a brother - Bill who is a very clever banjo player, currently in the Kingston Trio. Both were members of the Arizona Smoke Review in the 1980s. Pete was also in the final line up of the Albion Band around 2002. Unfortunately when I saw Barbara Dickson he was not in the band.

Subject: RE: Steeeye Span
From: MuddleC
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 02:07 PM

First, let me say that I am a fan of Steeleye, have been for over 35 years, and saw them at the Tewkesbury gig several days ago..... epic, very good concert ... one niggle though... I know that every member of a band has to 'let it rip' to show their expertise/skill and take it it turns to do so... but why Peter (brilliant violinist that you are) did you have to do it halfway through Maddy's rendition of the Selkie of Sule Skerry??? If I were Maddy I would have kicked him. Peter can makes flames spring from that fiddle ... but the 'variations on a Selkie' theme didn't do it for me... sorry.

I'll get my coat

Subject: RE: Steeleye Span
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 05:03 PM

bonzo3legs - Seen Pete in a variety of groupings. A phenominal, talented musician.

MuddleC - I know what you mean re the Silkie. I think they have intentionally set out to do it as a perfornance piece with them getting so close to each other and almost improvising. Typical Steeleye pushing the boundaries whilst staying routed in the trad. I loved it but would have enjoyed a straight version as well.

Subject: RE: Steeleye Span
From: Sawzaw
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:36 PM

Love Steeleye Span but where did the name come from?

I thought it was Steely Dan for a long time.

Subject: RE: Steeleye Span
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:40 PM

Horstow Grange

Steely Dan tried to get an injunction against the band over name use. Bloody cheek.

Subject: RE: Steeleye Span
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:42 PM

'Twould help if the K in Horkstow had inderted itself . . .

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:52 PM

40th Anniversary. Can't really be, can it? Why it feels just like yesterday.

Ah me! Take my advice the lot of you, and don't get old... It'll make you as boring as me!

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: GUEST,David E.
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:08 PM

The only thing I need to know: Is Maddy still dancing?

David E.

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 03:50 AM

She's still dancing and skirt twirling on the stage though not in the aisles. Elf & Sefferty most likely won't allow such a dangerous and deadly practice to take place any more.

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: Muttley
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 08:18 AM

Sawzaw - I believe the name came from an old tale where Steeleye Span was a character

Any other 'catters know differently?

It's the story as I've always been told.

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: Muttley
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 08:32 AM

Sawzaw - just double-checked my sources and I was bloody close!

In fact Steeleye Span was a character from a story / ballad called "Horkstow Grange" which originated in Lincolnshire.

"Steeleye Span: Mk #13" released an album titled "Horkstow Grange"   in 1998.
This lineup consisted of Bob Johnson, Peter Knight, Tim Harries & Gay Woods with Dave Mattacks as 'guest percussionist/drummer

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: GUEST,David E.
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 10:25 AM

"She's still dancing and skirt twirling on the stage..."

Then I'm still in.

David E.

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 12:06 PM

I did link higher up to the notes to Horkstow Grange but the genesis of the band's name was 30 years earlier, arising from a conversation between Tim Hart and Martin Carthy (who didn't even join the band till afterwards.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.kellett/complete.htm

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: GUEST,Borchester Echo
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 12:17 PM

That was me. I have been turned into a non-person.

Subject: RE: Review: Steeleye Span-40th anniversary tour
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 12:31 PM

Steely Dan tried to get an injunction against the band over name use. Bloody cheek.

Walter Becker and Donald Fagen are prima donnas of the worst kind. Some of their songs are quite good, but many simply do not pass the old grey whistle test!