Fairport 2000 left to right
Chris Leslie, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders, Gerry Conway, Simon Nicol
Photo by Grace Morris
Fairport Convention
Fairfield Halls Croydon February 5th 2000
I have been following Fairport with varying degrees of interest since first seeing them perform on the bill with Led Zeppelin at Knebworth in 1979. The Knebworth gig and the one that followed it the same day at Cropredy supposedly marked the end of the band finishing a soap opera tale of line-ups that began in 1967. However the band continued to tour and perform at the now famous Cropedy festival and are still going strong into the new millennium.
One of the jokes that Simon Nicol made on stage on Saturday was that the majority of acts touring the UK these days seem to be tribute bands whereas Fairport are still the real thing. I am sure that a number of people would take issue with him. Simon is the only original member, Dave Pegg has been serving time since around 1970, Ric Sanders since 1985. The new boys Gerry Conway (Fotheringay, Cat Stevens, Tull, etc, etc) and Chris Leslie (Whippersnapper with Swarbrick in the mid 80's - do I have to say 1980's now?) have been with the band for only two or three years now.
Fairport 2000 left to right
Chris Leslie, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders, Gerry Conway, Simon Nicol
Photo by Grace Morris
I guess that the most famous and artistically renowned line ups were those including Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny and Dave Swarbrick in the late 60's and early 70's. However it is interesting to note that the longest lasting line up was the post Swarbrick one that kicked off in 85 and marked a new level of success and professionalism in the band. Personally I think most of the best songs and album performances date from pre 75 however the post 85 band still has a lot to offer. Recent albums such as 'Jewel In The Crown' from 95 and the current 'Wood And The Wire' still feature some excellent material, far better in many cases than some of the late 70's offerings (steer clear of the recently re released 'Gottle O' Gear').
Of the Fairport performances I have seen over the last 10 years the best have been those coinciding with a new album release. The presence of new material always seems to inspire the band and this is particularly the case with the current album which contains for the first time in years well over half of the songs written by a band member. Indeed the presence of Chris Leslie has for me transformed the band for the better in a number of ways. First there are the songs, secondly the presence of an alternative strong lead vocalist and thirdly his instrumental contributions on violin (the band now has two virtuosos although I still miss Swarbrick), mandolin and bouzouki. I am really glad that Martin Allcock's forays in heavy rock guitar sounds and synthesisers have been left behind. I love rock guitar, just not in Fairport.
On to the gig...
Support tonight was from Bob Fox who is the sort of artist that gives folk music a good name, rich vocals, precise powerful acoustic guitar and a choice of songs that stays well away from sentimental remembrances of country life.
The band joined Bob for his last number and then a set of tunes (instrumental diddly diddly bits to the un-initiated). I have a problem here because the band played a number of such sets during the evening which unfortunately I am unable to name. I am pretty sure that Fiddlestix, Hens March… and Dirty Linen were in there somewhere but forgive me if I am wrong.
The first set then progressed in roughly the following order:
Life Is Dangerous - new song to me, not on 'TW&TW', sort of pop rock, not bad but I was not awfully keen.
Tunes
Crazy Man Michael - lovely rendition by Simon of the Sandy Denny song
Now Be Thankful - best I have heard it live, with Chris on vocals
The Wood & The Wire - great, powerful song, distinctly funky in places (Gerry is generally a funkier drummer than Dave Mattacks and perhaps a touch more sensitive).
The Dancer - nice Chris Leslie song from the new album with Chris on vocals
Rocky Road - Simon on vocals for a Steve Tilston song, again from the new album. Upbeat and rocky as the title suggest but without that annoying heavy rock guitar sound.
- - - - -
Before the second set we were treated to something rather special, a short set by Dave Swarbrick and Kevin Dempsey (guitar and vocals). It was great to see Swarbrick playing again and even in a wheelchair the sheer power and emotion of his playing shone through. Get well soon Dave we miss you. The set featured a couple of Whippersnapper songs including 'Pride of Kildaire' and some new tunes from Dave, 'The Wives' and the achingly beautiful 'My Heart Is In New South Wales'. Fairport joined for this last number before the whole team crashed through a classic set of Fairport tunes in superb style.
- - - - -
Fairport's second set (shorter due the Swarbrick interlude but I'm not complaining) then went something like this:
Hexamshire Lass - a favourite tune of mine from 'Fairport Nine' wonderfully done.
Still A Mystery - another good new Chris Leslie song from 'TW&TW'
A Year And A Day - one of those lovely instrumentals by Ric Sanders that graces each of Fairport's later albums
Walk Awhile - again an old tune wonderfully performed, big cheesy grin time
The Good Fortunes - four good tunes from the new album (get it?).
The Heart Of The Song - Pete Scrowther song from the new album
More classic tunes whose name I couldn't place at the time and can't now
The Wandering Man - another Chris Leslie tune featuring Gerry playing tablas cross legged on the floor, a bit dangerous at his age I would have thought.
Matty Groves - having thankfully dispensed with the Spinal Tap inspired renditions of recent years this is now performed with a distinctly reggae flavour. Wonderful and only slightly marred by Ric's OTT echo drenched rock fiddle licks.
Tunes to finish - another classic set whose name I can't remember.
And of course the encore was 'Meet On The Ledge' for which the band were joined by Bob Fox and last years tour support Anna Ryder.
All in all this was a great evening's music, wonderfully played by a band who were obviously enjoying themselves immensely. OK so it's not cutting edge and the audience weren't particularly lively (although I think they all loved the show - it's just an age thing) but there's life in the old dogs yet apparently.
If you have never heard Fairport there are a couple of excellent compilations currently available. I believe that Island are offering both a single CD 'Introduction To…' and a double retrospective, 'Meet On The Ledge'. Both feature exclusively pre 75 classic material and I would suggest that they are an excellent way to acquaint yourselves with the wondrous Fairport oeuvre. Then catch them live (if you like the albums that is) to hear what they can still do.
Thoroughly enjoyed myself.
DW