Review: Fairport at the Lowry

Subject: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 May 03 - 04:18 AM

Did anyone else go to see Fairport Convention at the Lowry on Sunday? Excellent show I thought.

I was a bit dissapointed that they were without percussion at first but I soon got over it. Rick Saunders was, to me, star of the show as his fiddle playing was, as ever, magnificent. Simon Nicols was, of couse, as good as ever as were Dave Pegg and Chris Leslie but Rick did shine!

Choice of favourite song was difficult for me. The ten shilling note or slip jigs and reels, whatever it is called, has always been a favourite of mine and they played it brilliantly. The last song before the totaly unexpected (;-) ) encore was a long version of Matty Groves, incorporating some other tunes and that was wonderful indeed. The encore of Meet on the Ledge was very moving because I always associate it with Sandy Denny. I think though that the one which left me with the best memories was Don't despise the deserter. Any know who wrote that?

Best comment, I reckon, was Dave Pegg asking Simon Nicol if In Flagrante Delecto was that new Italian restaurant...

I liked the venue as well. First time I had been in the Quays theatre at the Lowry. Nice and intimate even over the three tiers it is on! They need to organise the bar a bit better for the interval though:-( The other thing that surprised me was that they had Eddi Reader on in the other theatre. Now I know that they are a completely different container of cod but I would have thought that both Fairport and Eddi would appeal to a similar audience? I certainly would have liked to see both but Fairport won out in the end.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: Ed.
Date: 27 May 03 - 04:29 AM

'The Deserter' was written by John Richards

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 May 03 - 08:10 AM

Thanks, Ed. Were you there btw?

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: DMcG
Date: 27 May 03 - 08:16 AM

I saw them a few weeks ago at the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford. They apologised that Mick couldn't be there, but he was playing at the Dave Pegg Centre...

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: GUEST,VINCE
Date: 28 May 03 - 08:34 AM

Hi Dave, i saw em the night before at Pacific Road, Birkenhead. As ever, a great gig, even without Gerry. Don't think i've ever bin to a fairport gig and bin disappointed, (and i've bin to a few o'er t'years - ee bah eck!)

The Deserter's a great song. Also thought Thompson and Swarb's 'Now Be Thnkful' and Ric's great instumental 'Portmeirion' were gradely done too and of course no gig of theres would be complete without the timeless 'Matty'. I think Simon trys to vary it each time !

A grand band - may they live on forever!! (and never fall off 'the ledge')

(p.s. Pacific road's a grand venue (and i live in Manchester), especially when it's cabaret style seating which it, unfortunately was'nt on that night.

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 May 03 - 08:40 AM

Thanks for the heads on on the Pacific Road, Vince. I'll keep my eyes open for what's on there. Is it used in the Wirral Guitar Festival do you know? I know they used to use Birkenhead Town Hall for that but I think it spread to other venues and I am not sure where it is now!

And fully agree with the other mentions. One other thing. Don't you think Peggy is turning into Victor Meldrew? :-) Only in looks of course. And how does Rick S remain so young looking and active? Just goes to show that not all great fidlers end up like Swarby (Long may his obitiuary be a false one!)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: smallpiper
Date: 28 May 03 - 09:37 AM

Saw em in Worcester on thursday they were excellent. However I'm supprised Peg made it to any other gigs cos he sure as hell was intent on going somewhere other than were they were booked! :-)

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: GUEST,VINCE
Date: 28 May 03 - 10:21 AM

Think i see what u mean about Peggy's looks. Would make a great Tiller girl too ( if you're old enough to remember em) with that nifty little dance he does - needs to get his leg a bit higher tho!

I reckon C.leslie looks like the little boy of the band now he's got his hair cut - sorry chris!

Thinking of Sandy Denny - i can't remember seeing her with Fairport (not sure) but did see her with Fotheringay at the Free Trade Hall (i think that was the venue) - still got the LP! Great lass (gawd rest her soul)

Subject: RE: Review: Fairport at the Lowry
From: John J
Date: 29 May 03 - 07:42 AM

Bloody hell Dave, I didn't even know they were on. Soddit!

I did see Roy Bailey & Tony Benn a couple of weeks ago in Bury....superb.

John