Review: Weymouth 2005

Subject: Review: Weymouth 2005
From: MairSea
Date: 10 May 05 - 05:35 AM

Have just come back from Weymouth Folk Festival 2005 and would like to say that I enjoyed it very much. It was a nice friendly affair and the music was great. We were unable to get to any of the session/singsongs in the pubs but what was going on in the Pavillion made up for that. For anyone who might harbour thoughts that young people aren't "taking up folk music" come along next year to the open folk club sessions and hear the talent from Dorset. I know we all have young talent in our areas but it was great to see and hear these youngsters particularly Alex and his sister Lucy (I hope I have her name right!) who played accordion and fiddle respectively. Their arrangements showed a maturity way beyond their years.

Congrats to the organisers - another fine festival - thank you very much.

Subject: RE: Review: Weymouth 2005
From: Fran
Date: 10 May 05 - 01:46 PM

There are some pics of Weymouth and some of the concerts here Photobucket

Subject: RE: Review: Weymouth 2005
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 May 05 - 02:49 PM

I was there too.

I only caught some of the acts. members of our party had mobility problems and the venue was not so much unsuitable, as badly planned.
Why not move your dancing events upstairs - if you can dance, you can probably walk upstairs. That would leave the ground floor ocean Room free for a concert that could be enjoyed by everybody.

Doctor stomp - I hadn't seen before. But they were an oustnding duo of two young men, that combined step dancing with some excellent guitar playing, banjo playing. slide playing and singing. it was an infectious good timey sound - delivered with terrific energy and showmanship, and it reminded me of accounts i'd read of grandpa Jones.

I missed No Fixed Abode's folk gig on the Fri night, but caught their pub gig at Piddletrenthide - the next night. They are a very dynamic duo consisting of Una, a flame haired Irish lady with a highish/Joni Mitchell type voice of terrific power and Tony, a guitar playing Mancunian, with a laid back charm and sense of humour. Una's voice and and Celtic charm make this a very powerful act and they absolutely blew the room away. Not one to be missed.

Paul Downes played a set in the afternoon. if you saw The Show of Hands video and the Folk on Tap article - you will know that Exeter based Paul has been named as possibly one of the best guitarists in the world.
Certainly he is head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries as an accompanist. I saw him use 4 different tunings in four consecutive songs, and such is his at oneness with his instrument - I'm sure none of the audience even noticed him retuning - infact I'm not sure he noticed! Paul's facility and virtuosity are an absolute delight. He also accompanied his songs on a mandola. His current repertoire seems to be contemporary songs with a traditional feel.

Derek Brimstone had unenviable job of following the high energy Dr Stomp. Of course when you've had about getting on for fifty years experience as a raconteur/guitarist/singer - I suppose its the sort of thing you just take in your stride. With apparent effortlessness he had the Weymouth crowd singing along, laughing like trains and eating out of his hand. Another great gig - I bet they all are for Brimstone!

Please get the venue sorted out.......!

all the best

big al whittle

Subject: RE: Review: Weymouth 2005
From: MairSea
Date: 12 May 05 - 06:58 AM

Thanks Fran for the photos - especially of Ashley Hutchings Morris On. I am a convert now to electric folk-rock morris music. I never thought I'd say that but .... I was rapt. Sorry - I know that not everyone shares that opinion but ....

I do agree with weelittledrummer about access in the venue. Something needs to be done in order to accommodate everyone. The only problem with moving the dancers upstairs is that there is no room and I don't think the floor would be strong enough for some of the more energetic dancers - and some may go flying through the big windows - hmmm flying Morris dancers, now there's a sight eh? :-)

Subject: RE: Review: Weymouth 2005
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 May 05 - 06:53 AM

On the fri. night there were only about twelve people dancing. several of them - very lightweight kids. I think even the fragile floor of the pavilion could have withstood that, and the the disabled people could have seen the concert in the ocean room.

Subject: RE: Review: Weymouth 2005
From: The Shambles
Date: 13 May 05 - 08:17 AM

You can email any suggestions - from the following site.

http://www.weymouthfolkfestival.co.uk/