*****

What a privilege to see such fantastic musicians perform at such an intimate venue.  The 100 Club is barely bigger than a village hall and had a superb sound quality as the acoustic Fairport played two sets lasting two hours in total.

The Fairport Acoustic autumn 2005 version consists of long-time member Simon Nicol on vocals and acoustic guitar, Chris Leslie on mandolin, violin, bouzouki, recorder and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.  Another stalwart Dave Pegg is currently not playing with the group for personal reasons though Simon reassured us twice that he has not left the band and will return when he is ready.

All four musicians were superb.  Simon’s exemplary guitar work used the right hand to dampen the string s as much as the left for intricate lead lines and quick chord changes.  His deeper vocals worked well in collaboration and contrast to Chris’ more nasal voice and superb versatile musicianship.  Ric was brilliantly innovative, playing improvised lead and creating evocative effects on his violin whilst also leaving space for the songs to breathe while Gerry was excellent on a variety of drums and percussion.

This is definitely a band still perfecting their playing and learning new styles rather than an outfit lazily recreating songs from their glory years.  This was evident from the set list which leant towards recent albums including several songs from their latest release Over The Next Hill which was described by Mojo magazine as simply Fairport’s best album in 25 years.  There was however still time for some of the classics including an excellent Now Be Thankful and closing singalong to Meet On The Ledge as well as superb violin-led instrumental cover versions of Here, There & Everywhere and Summertime.  Several songs were extended with superb interplay between the four very well rehearsed musicians, never venturing into the pointless noodlings of self-indulgence.

Unlike most gigs, it didn’t matter that I didn’t know the majority of the songs performed as the playing and sound mix were so good. All in all a superb unfaultable gig with a great intimate atmosphere.  Fairport are going on further tours this winter in electric format and as their side venture, the Dylan project.  They are probably playing in a town near you and I would very highly recommend that you try to see them.

21.11.05