Saturday, 15 July 2023
In Dreams - Friday 14th July 2023
FIRST NIGHT | THEATRE
In Dreams review — Roy Orbison’s hits lift an irresistible show
Leeds Playhouse
Rachel Halliburton
★★★★☆
Death has rarely felt so exuberant as it does in this gloriously irreverent musical, which channels the spirit of Roy Orbison for a story of hopes and dreams that’s so cheesy it would give your average Roquefort an identity crisis. The Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read pulls out all the emotional stops for this New Mexico-set tale of Kenna, a country-rock singer who checks into a joint specialising in margaritas, tacos and memorial services for a reunion with a twist.
Appropriately, the plot is so skeletal it almost deserves its own wake: it’s no spoiler to say that Lena Hall’s sassy, wisecracking Kenna suspects that she’s dying and contacts her old bandmates to say goodbye without telling them why. As with Mamma Mia!, the story’s a shameless device for shoehorning in as many songs as possible, whether it’s two rock stars turned exhausted parents singing A Love So Beautiful or Kenna being raucously welcomed to the hotel with You Got It.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HId94DB-lI
Luke Sheppard’s pacy, colourful production takes Mexico’s Day of the Dead as its inspiration: there’s a sombrero-wearing skeleton called Katrina and the family restaurant in which most of the action is set is festooned with lights and marigolds. The vibe’s not so much about mortality as each character’s attempt to recapture a younger, more carefree version of themselves, whether it’s Oliver Tompsett’s hilarious Uber-driving ex-drummer, Ramsey, or Alma Cuervo’s vibrant, scene-stealing matriarch, Ana Sofia.
Any hint of sentimentality is quickly deflated by a barrage of one-liners; when Ana Sofia is introduced as a widow, it’s explained: “We say she’s in a long-distance relationship.” The gloriously awkward reunion between Kenna and her ex, Ramsey, is considerably enhanced by the scene in which he misguidedly tries to show her how much she means to him. “Somehow your arse tattoo isn’t telling me you’re serious,” she quips.
In the true tradition of feelgood musicals, a story unfolds for everybody on Arnulfo Maldonado’s ebullient, cluttered set, filled with vintage neon signs. There’s the young couple about to have a baby, Oscar and Nicole (Manuel Pacific and Gabriela García), George the widower looking for new love (Richard Trinder), and Sian Reese-Williams and Noël Sullivan as Jane and Donovan, parents trying to reconnect.
In a universally strong cast (not least Leon Craig as Tom, the band’s unashamed fanboy), Hall and Tompsett provide a credible and funny emotional core as the wild-at-heart exes. A rigor mortis-defying evening all round.
Alma Cuervo (Ana Sofia) Gabriela García (Nicole) Lena Hall (Kenna) Leon Craig (Tom) Manuel Pacific (Oscar) Noël Sullivan (Donovan) Oliver Tompsett (Ramsey) Richard Trinder (George) Sian Reese-Williams (Jane)
Tuesday, 11 July 2023
Focus at the Brudenell - 29th June 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My7RAgJrj2M
Sophie and I went to see Focus. They did two sets - and amongst other stuff I didn't know they did “Hocus Pocus” (see below for an very early version!), and "Eruption“ from ‘Moving Waves’. "House of the King" from Focus Plays Focus as well as "Sylvia" from 1972 album Focus 3
Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Udo Pannekeet, and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, complete the band’s current line-up.
Thijs van Leer now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ill06Ekj6QI
Laura Cantrell - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - 23 June 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9hJ8eI8vWU
I met a guy in a west coast town, had four walls to bring him down.
And he sometimes speaks of you, the way that you want him to.
Late at night he'd reminisce, over the lips he used to kiss.
And his hand upon your hip, why don't you send him a line.
Cause I'm almost certain, That he's going crazy.
For two seconds of your love.
Two seconds of your love, Is all I need from you.
Two seconds of your time, that's enough to say we're through.
Two beats of your heart, enough to know we'll never part.
Two seconds of your love, that's all I ever want.
I never thought that he'd go that far, lost his job and he stole a car.
And he's running back to you, the way you'd want him to.
Late at night I reminisce, over the lips I used to kiss.
And your hand upon my wrist, why don't you send me a line.
Cause I'm almost certain, that I'm going crazy.
For two seconds of your love.
Two seconds of your love, Is all I need of you.
Two seconds of your time, that's enough to say we're through.
Two beats of your heart, enough to know we'll never part.
Two seconds of your love, it's all I ever want.
Two seconds of your love, Is all I need of you.
Two seconds of your time, that's enough to say we're through.
Two beats of your heart, enough to know we'll never part.
Two seconds of your love, it's all I ever want.
Sophie and I went to see Laura - not sure of the set list but she covered the following ...
Churches Off the Interstate
Someday Sparrow
Do You Ever Think of Me
Queen of the Coast
Brand New Eyes
I'm Gonna Miss This Town
Can't Wait
AWM-Bless
When the Roses Bloom Again
Secret Language
Not the Tremblin' Kind
The Whiskey Makes You Sweeter
Two Seconds
REVIEW BY PAUL RHODES
Laura Cantrell is one of a rare breed. Seeking a life, rather than a career in music has enabled her to resist the drip-drip to pander to today’s fads, which is perhaps why her body of work is so consistent.
Cantrell is also a DJ of note, so it was not a surprise that the setlist on Friday was crafted with the same care that goes into her songs. The 13-tune, 80-minute set showcased her new album, but began and ended with tunes from her debut and had enough forays into her back catalogue to keep everyone happy. It helped that over more than 20 years almost everything she has released is of the highest quality.
Despite being an Americana artist, what also startles is how many of her songs feel like bona fide hits – from the 1960s. Her cover of Amy Rigby’s Brand New Eyes recalls Ronnie Spector. Do You Ever Think Of Me (from her proper debut, Not The Tremblin’ Kind) would sit proudly in the country pop canon of Skeeter Davis, while Two Seconds, the closing song on Friday, can devastate just as effectively as her heroine Kitty Wells. Listening to too much Wells can be a bit of a straightening experience, but Cantrell’s set was far more varied.
This was her first show at the Brudenell since 2016, and it was clear from the first that she hasn’t spent the last seven years gargling stones and whisky. Her voice was as clear and wonderful as ever.
Kicking off her UK tour, Cantrell’s five-piece band were still, laughingly, brushing off a few rough edges, but these enhanced rather than detracted from the show. Adding too much polish would obscure the music’s soul.
“Laura Cantrell’s voice was as clear and wonderful as ever,” says reviewer Paul Rhodes
Alongside Cantrell (rather than at a deferential sidestep), Mark Spencer and Jimmy Ryan on electric guitar and mandolin shone. They took in the different contours of the Americana map, with country at the centre, but more than a smidgen of rock, rockabilly and folk.
Cantrell’s new album, Just Like A Rose, her first since 2013, is among the strongest of her career. It is saying something that the new duet with Steve Earle of her signature song When The Roses Bloom Again (penned by Jeff Tweedy, but made entirely her own by Cantrell) is not the best tune on the record.
That honour goes to AWM – Bless. AWM (Angry White Man) is a protest number that takes aim at any number of entitled white-backed alpha males. Written in anger, it retains a dignity that makes such songs endure.
When it comes to Laura Cantrell, the Leeds crowd were powerless. They also enjoyed entertaining opener Doug Levitt. This songwriter is leading a colourful, itinerant life, a former foreign correspondent and travel writer too (listen to his Greyhound Stories on BBC Sounds).
His first album, Edge Of Everywhere, is an apt title for his journeyman songs. The pick of the bunch, (not coincidentally the shortest by some distance) was I Killed Buddy Gray.
The crowd gave Levitt a warm hand, but for Cantrell they really didn’t want her to leave. A great night at the Brudenell, thanks to Joe Coates and Please Please You Productions.
Review by Paul Rhodes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kifh6UOOZyo&t=31s
Laura Cantrell - When The Roses Bloom Again
They were strolling in the gloaming
Where the roses were in bloom
A soldier and his sweetheart brave and true
And their hearts were filled with sorrow
For their thoughts were of tomorrow
As she pinned a rose upon his coat of blue
Do not ask me love to linger
When you know not what to say
For duty calls your sweetheart's name again
And your heart need not be sighing
If I be among the dying
I'll be with you when the roses bloom again
When the roses bloom again
Beside the river
And the mockingbird has sung his sweet refrain
In the days of auld lang syne
I'll be with you sweetheart mine
I'll be with you when the roses bloom again
Mid the rattle of the battle
Came a whisper soft and low
A soldier who had fallen in the fray
I am dying, I am dying
And I know I'll have to go
But I want to tell you
Before I pass away
There's a far and distant river
Where the roses are in bloom
A sweetheart who is waiting there for me
And it's there I pray you take me
I've been faithful, don't forsake me
I'll be with her when the roses bloom again
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jeff Tweedy / Woody Guthrie
Thursday, 22 June 2023
The War On Drugs - The Piece Hall, Halifax
Sophie & I went to watch The War On Drugs at the Piece Hall, Halifax. Parking was an issue.
Warpint - the support was already on and the balcony was full. We got a spot right at the end.
Then at about 8;45 The War On Drugs came on and were brilliant. Bloke next to me asked me if I seen them before to which I told him twice. He and his partner had seen them three times - once in Hamburg, which he told me was cheaper than seeing them at the O2 in London and they stayed 2 nights!
Set list was
Pain
Oceans of Darkness
An Ocean in Between the Waves
I Don't Wanna Wait
Victim
Strangest Thing
Harmonia's Dream
Red Eyes
In Chains
Play It All Night Long
(Warren Zevon cover)
Living Proof
Come to the City
Eyes to the Wind
Under the Pressure
I Don't Live Here Anymore
We left after I Don't Live Here Anymore - which was excellent but not as good as the version with Lucius singing backing of course. Apparetnyl they finished with
Occasional Rain
Strange Boat
Tuesday, 13 June 2023
The Mountain Goats - Waylon Jennings Live!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Kqdu8_w9c&list=RDMM&index=18
Drunk at the Meskwaki casino
Right where God intended me to be
Looking up at the one man in this room
Who's handled more cocaine then me
Think back on the good times just an hour or so ago
Before I got myself this drunk
When the valet parked my rented Mitsubishi
With a beat up old brown suitcase in the trunk
Full of firearms and flash drives
Full of passports
And international money orders
For just in case I make it cross the border
Get a postcard from the gift shop
Let my family know I'm doing fine
Looking up at a map up on the ceiling
To find the place where we all meet up further on down the line
Head back to my table
Get another scotch and soda for the road
The band on stage is really working off a head of steam
Close my eyes and lean my head back, dream a little dream
Full of firearms and flash drives
Full of passports
And international money orders
For just in case I make it cross the border
Thursday, 4 May 2023
Gena Rose Bruce featuring Bill Callahan - Deep Is The Way
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXiclx6gtoE
I'm in love with you
So let me awaken you
I'm going to follow you through
The darkest day
Just like the sun
Sadness is real
Just like the sun
It's going away
So don't get lost in a world that favours fast living
Cause you've got a mind for drifting and dreaming
A beautiful mind that will both terrify and free you (And free you)
But for a beautiful mind, deep is the way
There is a place for you
There is light
It's just hard to see
Through the heavy fog
And I know how quickly
Thoughts can turn dark
But you can stay
In this place of love
Don't get lost in a world that favours fast living
Cause you've got a mind for drifting and dreaming
A beautiful mind that will both terrify and free you (And free you)
But for a beautiful mind, deep is the way
Don't let them break you
You're going to break through
Take the mind that time gave you
Take my love and my time too
A beautiful mind that will both terrify and free you (And free you)
But for a beautiful mind, deep is the way, deep is the way
Songwriters: Tim Harvey / William Rahr Callahan / Gena Rose Bruce
Tuesday, 2 May 2023
Tom Waits - "Downtown Train"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLtZKkCIVmI
Outside another yellow moon
Has punched a hole in the nighttime mist
I climb through the window and down to the street
I'm shining like a new dime
The downtown trains are full
Full of all them Brooklyn girls
They try so hard to break out of their little worlds
You wave your hand and they scatter like crows
They have nothing that'll ever capture your heart
They're just thorns without the rose
Be careful of them in the dark
Oh, if I was the one you chose to be your only one
Oh, baby
Can't you hear me now?
Can't you hear me now?
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?
Every night, every night it's just the same
On a downtown train
I know your window and I know it's late
I know your stairs and your doorway
I walk down your street and past your gate
I stand by the light of the four way
And watch them as they fall, oh baby
They all having their heart attacks
They stay at the carnival
But they'll never win you back
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?
Every night, every night, it's just the same
You leave me lonely
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?
All my dreams, all my dreams fall like rain
On a downtown train
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?
Every night, every night, it's just the same
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?
All my dreams, all my dreams, fall like rain
On a downtown train
On a downtown train
All my dreams fall like rain
On a downtown train
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