Bellowhead’s Christmas Revels was certainly different from the average gig.  For this one-off musical extravaganza, we were treated not only to two sets by the unique 11 piece folk big-band but also an opening performance by the Hammersmith Morris Men, a Mummers play and a guest appearance by Lisa Knapp.  The choice of venue was equally different to that of standard gig going fare with the Royal Festival Hall Ballroom providing plenty of light and room to dance, chat or go and get a drink.  Although this provided some gains in comfort, it was somewhat at the cost of atmosphere with the event feeling a bit like a free afternoon concert at a University Arts Centre.  Maybe as a relative newcomer to the Bellowhead collective’s superb music I might have preferred a more regular, no frills performance.

Aha, onto the music.  Bellowhead are a modern folk band playing melodic versions of traditional songs and instrumentals.  Most unusually, their line-up includes a four-piece brass section who at times give the group an almost ska-like sound, most notably on the closing third of the excellent instrumental Sloe Gin.  Further highlights performed from the band’s first full-length album Burlesque included Across The Line, Flash Company and Jordan though the obvious choice of London Town didn't feature in the set list.

Maybe we shouldn’t have expected obvious choices though as this wasn’t a regular gig anyway.  In addition to the bands own songs, we did hear a couple of Christmas carols (Ding Dong Merrily On High and The Holly & The Ivy) as well as the unusual array of special guests.  Of the latter,  Lisa Knapp’s first song was a highpoint for me with an astonishing vocal performance more like Bjork than Baez…

Despite the size of the band and the universal temptation to overplay in the live setting, Bellowhead on stage show the same admirable subtlety as they do on record with the band members knowing when not to play as much as when to display their considerable musical chops.  This restraint highlighted further their excellent musical arrangements as well as the crystal clear sound mix at the Festival Hall which compensated greatly for the venue’s lack of atmosphere.

 All in all then an excellent, unique live experience though next time, I’ll probably try to see the band in a more regular gig setting.

4.1.08