mandovark
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Post by mandovark on Feb 24, 2024 23:10:10 GMT
It's not easy to write a review of this. My first Show of Hands gig back in 2003 was my real entry into the world of acoustic music. They've been in the background of my musical life for the last two decades. They've shaped my own playing, introduced me to instruments I'd never heard of before, and they were my first step into a musical community that I never knew was out there. They're a big part of why I'm part of this forum now. So seeing them live for what is probably the last time tonight was a bittersweet experience.
Well, I say 'live'. Between work and family commitments I was afraid I wouldn't be able to see them on their farewell tour. Thankfully, the good people at Live To Your Living Room were livestreaming their gig from Newbury tonight. It's not the same as being there, of course, but it was far better than nothing.
This was Show of Hands in its purest form; just Steve and Phil telling stories and playing a mix of the back catalogue and a few more recent songs. It had a different feel to other gigs of theirs - more personal, more songs about their own musical journey, none of the angrier songs (no 'Country Life'!). There were some very early pieces - a revival of Beat About the Bush, as well as Phil doing a Davy Graham tribute, and Steve playing the first song he ever wrote and inviting the audience to finish the Dylan-inspired and very predictable rhymes. When they played some of their best-known songs, they gave them a gentler, more intimate sound than some of them have had in their previous incarnations. They played beatiful versions of 'The Dive' and 'Exile', and a haunting 'Santiago' dedicated to the group of exiled Chilean musicians who inspired it. They finished the main set with 'Cousin Jack', complete with an extended and strangely haunting middle section. Singing along to the final chorus, remembering singing along to it at that first gig twenty years ago, I suddenly seemed to have something in my eye.
For the inevitable encore, they played a newer song inspired by the challenges of lockdowns and the importance of holding on to community and music. In its way, it seemed to sum up a night that was about looking back over a musical life, but which was also about two friends still enjoying making music together and going out - as a touring band, at least - at the top of their game.
Thanks for the memories, chaps. It's been a pleasure.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Feb 24, 2024 23:59:53 GMT
I was at the Live to your Living Room Zoom thingy too.
Totally wonderful!
Keith
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Feb 25, 2024 9:27:30 GMT
I saw them live at Bury Met on Thursday and agree totally.
It was very reminiscent of when I first saw them as a duo supporting Ralph McTell back in the last millennium - including having to overcome a broken jack socket on one of Steve’s instruments (Phil just passed him one of his and played something else instead).
The evening left me excited/wondering/sad about a few things:
Will the new songs get recorded (I particularly enjoyed the chip shop song)?
Will they give time for their voices to rest? I know I can’t talk - but they weren’t hitting as many high notes as usual, changing melodies to accommodate either a long tour or just age.
The merch lass said that Phil is hoping to do some more stuff with Paul Downes again - and that prospect fills me with joy (though I suspect it will mostly be in the West Country)
It reminded/reemphasised just how much Miranda Sykes brought to their recent live performances.
How did they get away with not playing Galway Farmer?
And, of course, the big one: will they ever tour/record again or will the indefinite hiatus turn into a permanent one?
There was, and is, clear friendship and mutual respect.
They have added so much to the canon of UK acoustic music. I hope, whether individually or together, that continues.
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andrewjw
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Post by andrewjw on Feb 25, 2024 15:26:39 GMT
Plus one to what the others above have said ...I'd only add that Steve K has always been incredibly generous in encouraging aspiring players to give his songs a try and particularly during Covid giving many online tips as to how to achieve some of the sounds that he does. Very best wishes to them all in their semi retirement ..  |
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Feb 25, 2024 19:07:45 GMT
My money would be on more than one 'revival' tour sometime in the future. I hope so!
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Feb 25, 2024 21:39:02 GMT
My money would be on more than one 'revival' tour sometime in the future. I hope so! Me too - especially if Miranda were included! Keith |
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mandovark
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Post by mandovark on Feb 26, 2024 9:34:36 GMT
My guess is that SoH will continue to exist in some form, but probably doing one-off events and smaller-scale things rather than full tours. I think they've already mentioned plans to join Seth Lakeman on a river cruise in the autumn - I assume to play music, and not just take in the sights! Personally though I doubt that we'll see another tour of the kind they've done in the past. It's a pity, but also understandable if they feel they need to focus on their health - Phil in particular has had some health issues in the past that made him step back from touring for a while.
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Jo whoever he is.
