|
|
It was the last date on Thea's current tour and boy was it a night to end all tours. I can say without fear of contradiction that it ranks way up there with the best concerts that Acoustic Sussex have ever put on. I enjoyed every note they played and sang and I'm sure the audience did too. Thea's set seemed only to last about twenty minutes, that assertion based on the fact that "times flies when you're enjoying yourself", when in actual fact she played for the best part of 1½ hours. The audience behaved in their usual exemplary fashion, with a superb display of East Grinstead etiquette except when encouraged to be outrageous, when they excelled themselves. What a great audience, be sure to come back to Acoustic Sussex. The band; Thea on vocals and acoustic guitar, Nigel (Superstar) Stonier on vocals, stereo harmonica, mounted on a Dylanesque cheese and pickle sandwich harness (a John Tams definition, not mine) and acoustic guitar and Fluff on vocals, cello, acoustic guitar and violin played their socks off. When
they played last year at Chequer Mead they were brilliant, but on this
night they easily exceeding their previous performance. The whole event
just clicked as far as I was concerned and I came home as high as a kite
without the need to imbibe any substances whatsoever except for a swig
of Martin Snodin's Newcastle Brown Ale. The only thing that may have
marred the show was some old geezer in the west wing of the circle who
was obviously suffering from Tourettic outbursts, and they say the young
folks don't know how to behave themselves. Musically it was an exhilarating performance, sweet note perfect vocals and backing harmonies and solid driving rhythms in Thea's and Nigel's inimitable style. These people can do no wrong with me - and Fluff, a relative newcomer to Thea's band adding a lot to what was already a good base to start with. They played most of the songs from their new album "Liejacker" with some very new numbers and some older songs. The banter was flowing freely in a two-way fashion and towards the end of the set; the audience was invited up onto the stage to sing with them. Martin was skulking in the wings and they managed to get him to come out along with a member of the audience and they both gave a sterling performance. It was a shame it had to end but surely after tonight I can guarantee a repeat booking at some time in the future and I have a feeling it won't be too long. This band will be remembered for a long time and there will always be a warm place in the heart of Acoustic Sussex for Thea and her excellent band. Absolutely spiffing stuff…eh what? Total Symbiosis with the audience. An event like this enraptures the soul.
Oh well, Must split now as Big Brother has just started on the box. Jade Goody for never!
Maximum Bob (aka The Old Sod)
Comment
from Martin...
|
