What was your last concert you went to ?

Steven Wilson.

Impressive.

Wow, nearly the same here, Paul. Saw Biily Joel at the London Hammersmith Eventim Apollo (or whatever it is they call it nowadays!) last Tuesday (was really good) and QOTSA next Saturday, with a bit of Texas on Sunday! Really looking forward to QOTSA though - slightly different crowd I reckon.

Yesterday Evening in Düsseldorf:

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

WHOW.....!!!

"The Reflektors" aka Arcade Fire at the Roundhouse on Monday night were terrific.

They certainly played most of the songs from the new album (all but 2), but also played the majority of Funeral and a few others. 

They (13 of them) just looked like they were having a great time. Fantastic to see them quite close up in a small(-ish) venue. The sound quality was excellent (it has always been good at the Roundhouse the four concerts I have seen there in fact).

Went to the the ballet last night - Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet at the Royal Opera House.  This is the "jewel in the crown" of the ROH's repertoire. I had read the rave reviews and hoped that it would live up to the hype - we were not disappointed.  In fact, I'd go so far as to say it was the most enjoyable ballet I've ever experienced and the music...  fabulous!  The pairing of the two principal dancers, Steven McRae and Evgenia Obraztsova, guest principal from the Bolshoi Ballet, was as close to perfect as you might wish.  For want of a better word, they had great chemistry.

Barry Wordsworth had come in for some minor criticism from the critics but I felt the performance from the ROHO was well up to their usual high standard.  To echo a quote from critic Mark Ronan, "If you can find tickets for a later performance with McRae and Obraztsova, grab them at any price".

Also, it was nice to have really great seats as well, 2nd row centre of the stalls.  I noticed that the seat right in front - front row, centre - was dedicated to Alastair Robertson-Aikman, founder of SME and one of the country's great Opera buffs.  Fitting that arguably the best seat in the house is dedicated to his memory.

Bryan Ferry - York

Where was that?

On Thursday night I went to see Ane Brun supported by Tonruket at the Forum in Kentish Town.

It was not an entirely successful evening.

First of all I was stuck at home waiting for some furniture to be delivered. It came late and I had to dash straight out to get to the venue in time (we had unreserved seats on the balcony so wanted to get there early to secure a good spot) and so I missed meeting up with Denis A of this forum.

Safely inside, from our second row dead centre seats we had a good view of the stage. Tonbruket (former E.S.T. bassist Dan Bergland's new outfit) were excellent - drummer Andreas Wiirlin was absolutely outstanding - but the played far too short a set: about 35 minutes. Just as they were really getting going, they stopped!

Unfortunately there was a really partisan (ie only there for Ane Brun) crowd around us, and these incredibly inconsiderate oafs just yammered all the way through the 'Bruket's set. Obviously the group's mix of E.S.T., '69 Floyd and Weather Report didn't appeal - but what I didn't understand was why they couldn't go and talk drivel at the bar. Tonbruket are not exactly a quiet acoustic group but it's difficult to concentrate on the intricacies of their music when you're surrounded by inconsiderate turds talking shite. I lost count of the number of times I asked people to STFU. The two worst were a couple of girls right behind me. One kept going on to her mate about how difficult it was to keep a boyfriend when you were a famous actress (I didn't recognise her). In front of us were a couple of lezzers who ostentatiously snogged throughout the set. Their mate, a woman with the biggest arse I've ever seen, kept leaning over the balcony, presumably to spot fellow idiots in the stalls; my view was intermittently - but irritatingly - blocked by a vast expanse of denim-clad bum. Not nice.

To make things worse, I thought Ane Brun was dreadful. Affected, bombastic, tuneless; doesn't even begin to describe it. Bored and irritated, we left after the fifth number to go and get some Thai noodles at The Pineapple, an excellent pub round the corner.

The noodles were great, but my crap evening was topped off when I discovered that I'd lost my iPhone. Turns out I'd dropped it at the venue, and some kind, honest soul had handed it in. So at least some of my faith in humanity was restored. I'm off to pick it up later today.

PS Denis - sorry I missed you!

The best description of this behavior at live events I have seen called it 'F**kwittery' and participants are 'f**kwits'. Drives me crackers too. Like you they always seem to sit right next to me too so I have to listen to drivel instead of listening to the music.

Hi Kevin,

That explains why you've not returned my call

I was seated in the stalls 5th row dead centre, thankfully bereft of f**kwits. I enjoyed Tonbruket set and bought the first two CD's (cheaper than Amazon!). I thought you were a Bjork fan might like Ane, as there are some similarities in their voices. It just shows how were are wired differently. In any event I really enjoyed Ane and the fact that Tonbruket formed the core of her band as well, gave the sound a more solid foundation than seeing her previously.

I'm supposed to see Emily Barker tonight in Hastings, but a bit of man-flu has convinced me that a 180 mile (round trip) drive makes it a bad idea.

ATB

Denis

Hi Denis

Yes, it would explain: I wasn't ignoring you! To be quite honest it has been quite nice these past 36 hours not having a phone.

I could see the similarities between Brun and Bjork but I didn't like her voice and I didn't think she had any (well, from the five I heard) tunes. Did like the band though, I thought the two drummers idea was a good one. Normally I'd have given her more of a chance but I think by the time she came on I was in a very bad mood and absolutely starving; my two mates were similarly angry/hungry so we decided to cut our losses and fill our stomachs...

Kevin,

Understood, angry & hungry do not form a good basis to absorb and enjoy a concert. My cough is driving me up the wall, which is why I'm missing Emily tonight. Hope you get your phone back ok.

BTW, her song 'Undertow' was wonderful - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnGA8MGx5NY 

D

Usually going to a concert brings an intense personal reaction that is not something I happily share, but Saturday evening - 16-11-13 - saw me at a performance in Tewkesbury Abbey by an orchestra I used to play in, under its conductor of nineteen years. The Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra under Mark Finch in his farewell appearance with them. 

I took my old bass teacher there and as he is wheel-chair bound now it was quite an exercise. 

The music ranged from English late 20th.Century via Prokofiev to the Enigma Variations - all played very nicely.

The solos violinist was absolutely top-flight.

After the concert there was an informal reception at the Bell Hotel just across the road from the Abbey where I was recognised by quite a few including the conductor. It was a lovely social occasion, and for once the soloist was in attendance. I was bold enough to engage him in conversation and explaining my connection with the band from more than two decades ago. He was a Pole, which only came out in the course of the talking. He said that I should visit Poland, which it surprised him to find that I had on several occasions. He wanted to hear all about my Polish adventures! 

Well I am sure that I have been to better played concerts, in more sympathetic acoustics, but few that will resonate so long in my memory!

On taking my old friend and one time teacher back to his home, his daughter suggested that I visit again shortly so as tp play the wonderful late eighteenth century English made double bass to him once again, as he can no longer support himself in the playing position. what a prospect. an instrument that I played in concerts [a tremendous compliment considering that the instrument has a big value], and the model for the five stringer that I commissioned in 1993. In fact this London bass was clearly modelled on a famous 1666 Magini, so that in certain respects my new instrument was closer to that venerable baroque instrument that the London bass!

I sold my instrument in 2002, and have sadly lost contact with it, so playing this one will be rather poignant.

I'll have to look out my book of orchestral excerpts. I have a special favourite in the slow movement of JS Bach's Violin Concerto in E Major, so will read ity through carefully in preparation. Though it is a bass line, it runs almost continuously under great contrapuntal [but very gentle] orchestral tutti lines and the breath-takingly beautiful solo line, and it still makes perfect musical sense on its own. Bach is always gratifying to play on several levels..

I wish I could afford to buy this instrument, but unfortunately it would cost more than the flat I live in!

Much more than a top line Naim set as well!

It was altogether a very nice day out;  we went to the rehearsal as well, and had fish and chips in the Bell between the "probe" and the performance.

ATB from George

 [NB - please excuse crap cameraphone pic]

Last night I went to what was probably the most eagerly-anticipated jazz gig of the year - the Wayne Shorter Quartet at the Barbican as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Show completely sold out as you might expect.

When I met up with "Bad Boy Baker", who sourced my ticket, I was delighted to learn that we were sitting... in the front row, just to the left of [drummer] Brian Blade.

The WSQ were introduced as "the best jazz band on the planet", which they probably are: Shorter, Blade, bassist John Pattatucci and pianist Damilo Perez have been together over 10 years now, and have an almost telepathic rapport.

The first set consisted of the quartet embarking on two 25-minute improvisations (although I recognised fragments of "Orbits" and "Zero Gravity" in the mix), both of which began serenely and ended, after numerous swells, thunderous crescendos. At first I wondered whether the great man had lost his puff, but of course he is a highly intelligent player who learned from his old mentor Miles Davis the value of terseness and of placement.

In the second half the quartet returned, this time accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. This time there was less emphasis on improv, and more on Shorter's skills as a composer and arranger - although Blade and Pattitucci looked like they were having the time of their lives. Again, I recognised elements of compositions like "Three Marias" and "Pegasus" in the pieces, but really this was new music - questing and exploratory. It was more akin to being taken on a musical journey into terra incognita . It was a journey everyone was happy to go on, as evidenced by the 15-minute standing ovation the musicians received at the end.

All in all it was a magisterial performance and I felt privileged to be there.

For those interested the whole show was recorded by the Beeb for broadcast on Radio Three sometime before Xmas; the second half was filmed for inclusion in a BBC4 documentary.

@ George & Kevin.  Thank you both for two beautifuly written reviews. This is why I read this fourm to catch a flavour of peoples pasion for the music. 

Regards Graham.

Thanks G. My invoice is in the post.

x

Texas at Birmingham Symphony Hall 18/11/2013. Fabbo concert with Sharleen giving it 100% as usual. Great seats (Row 7 Stalls, left side). Sound decent and comfortably loud. Excellent support from Girl Called Johnny.

Television - Roundhouse London.

Great set that basically consisted of the whole of Marquee Moon plus Little Johnny Jewel and a couple of newer songs. Sound was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable.

+1. Wonderfully written, both of you. Thanks very much!

Hook

Laura Veirs , Islington Assembly rooms, 21st November. A very good and enjoyable gig, she, the band and the audience seemed to enjoy themselves. An element of end of term as this was the last date in the tour. Laura gat a couple of slightly giggly teens up on stage to dance , she seemed taken by them.

Sound was OK+, a little one sided for us as we opted to sit on a radiator on the hall side, very cosy it was too.

Led To Sea, AKA Alex Guy she is a viola player with electronics pack, also a member of LV's band.

Quite interesting sounds but not really my cup of char but certainly better than some supports we have seen recently. (Nick Cave gig comes to mind). 

So worth the effort to see LV , good venue with the usual ridiculous rules and a quick exit by bus to London Bridge and home in about an hour and 3 quarters but this meant we missed the signing session.

Bill Wyman tomorrow.  

Cheers Hook.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor.  Last night (21 Nov) - Brixton Academy

A fantastic gig.  I wasn't convinced about seeing them at the Academy (or O2) it's a barn of a venue and way bigger than anywhere I'd seen GY!BE before.  I needn't have worried.  You can barely see the band anyway, and their interaction with the audience consisted of a raised eyebrow and a couple of raised hands as they each left the stage near the end.  I say near the end because the feedback stopped and applause started long after they'd all cleared off and were no doubt half way through their post gig mung bean soup.

But what a gig.  100 mins, 5 tunes, three of which I recognised.  All played with intensity, delicacy and layer upon layer of raw power.  It speaks volumes that the new tracks (one of which I now know to be called Behemoth) were the highlights - they're very very good.  For the uninitiated each 20 mins slab tends to go Quiet, Quiet, Medium, Loud, Quiet (optional Loud to end with).  Monotonous?  Absolutely not.  Their ability to build and maintain tension leaves you almost holding your breath in anticipation of the next key change, only to take you on to an even higher precipice.  And the audience played their part too.  Very few bands can command near silence from a 5k crowd but you could hear a pin drop during the quieter sections.  I was very proud of London last night! 

They had their customary 16mm film mixing visuals live, but after 10-15 mins I found my focus entirely on the band in the half light, or, for a few minutes, with eyes closed to really heighten the audio assault.  Speaking of which, the (imho) notoriously variable Brixton sound system started off a bit wooly but got into its' stride after half an hour or so.

Bonus Review

The Fall, Clapham Grand.  Last week.

Terrible.  It really pains me to say so, but they've been in a gentle decline for most of the 23 years I've been going to see them - but always have pulled out a few blinders.  Last week was the first time I've seen them hit total mediocrity.  PA was awful.  The highlight was hanging around after the gig for the 'discotheque' where a bespectacled and besuited gent who I swear must be The Grands accountant busted some serious moves for 10 mins before presumably retiring to his General Ledger for the evening. 

Mark

Queens of The Stone Age on Thursday night at Birmingham NIA.

Great concert with a set list covering songs from all their albums. Fantastic video screen too.

Regards,

Elkman

Bob Dylan - Blackpool - Friday 22nd November 2014

The Blackpool Opera House is a relatively small and intimate venue to see Bob and his Band, far better than any large cavernous aircraft hanger.

The sound quality was really quite good, we could hear him play piano and even make out his lyrics…well some of them!

His set list was mainly from his recent albums and included some strong renditions of  She Belongs To Me, What Good Am I? and  Duguesne Whitsle but also Tangled Up In Blue, Simple Twist of Fate, and as encores All Along The Watchtower and Blowin’ In  The Wind.

The faithful loved it and I am one of them! After the gig everybody seemed ecstatic with his performance, music and the venue. We were dead lucky with a couple of seats in the front row of the circle, just off dead centre…great sound and view!

After all this praise I have to say that Bob basically played the same set list he has been playing all October and November throughout Europe. This meant, I think, that the band were very well rehearsed, slick and sounded really smooth and swinging. To many this was great but to my partner and I it lost some edge. In fact I was really surprised when my partner said exactly the same as me in that whilst it was a good gig it lacked some excitement in the unexpected, Bob and the band seemed to be going through the motions. The band knew exactly what and how Bob was going to play in what tempo, style etc. So as a result, unlike all the other gigs I have seen him at, the band were not looking at Bob to see what he was up to or would do next. As a consequence it was perhaps a bit too smooth with no rough edges and lacked that certain excitement and thrill in working out what he was playing!

As those of you who have seen Bob with his current band will know they are very slick. I think that they are too slick and it is time for Bob to find a new band to give him back that spontaneous and rough edge…in my mind that is.

Saying that I would not have missed this gig for all the LPs in the world as he is still Bob and to see him at such a venue was a delight!

Richard