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Abbey
Music Festival @ Reading Abbey Rugby Club, Emmer Green, Reading,
Saturday 26th June 2004.
If
only we could control the weather. A remote control to zap off the
rain when the heavens open and you're outside, in a field, trying
to watch a band.
Looking
on the bright side, the showers did usher people inside the little
acoustic tent, which for me is where most of the talent shone through.
 And
if you got bored you could crack open a fortune cookie kindly
supplied by the Reading College. |
Not that
the main stage didn't have its share of delights, but seeing Platinum
Abba, Rod Stewart Tribute Band and Robbing Williams sing a load of
covers in funny costumes has nothing on hearing self-penned sets from
serious performers.
However,
the fact that Robbing Williams was the headlining act above original
acts such as the cheeky Naked Apes, Brit soul band Carter and alt
acoustic Nayfumble shows that the focus was on a family day where
the mums and dads can sing along to the golden oldies while the young
uns go off to the fairground for some candyfloss and rides.
The tiny
acoustic stage, sponsored by Reading College, featured no less than
16 mini-sets ranging from the traditional strumming tunes to the truly
gawp-worthy performance of Amrit Sond, who uses his guitar as a percussion
instrument as well as the usual to create abstract songs.
Bendy's
falsetto singing, Natascha Sohl's jazzy Alanis Morrisette-style singing
and Mike Halliwell's dark music and distinctive high voice all made
for an entertaining relaxing mood in the tent.
Ooh it was like seeing Robbie Williams at Glastonbury.
But not.
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And if
you got bored you could crack open a fortune cookie kindly supplied
by the Reading College. Only you'll find they all have the same encouraging
message to join one of their courses. Nice little ploy.
It was
worth venturing out towards the main stage to see Rob Reynolds, who
with Beverley Knight's former back band belted out passionate guitar-driven
tunes.
Nayfumble
were striking with Nathan Ball's Cat Stevens-esque voice.
Carter,
though it was only their fourth performance together, sounded marvellous
with their groovy soul and the sweet tones of singer Samantha Carter.
It may have rained on the festival, but it didn't rain
on its parade.
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The Naked
Apes and their saucy rock n' roll were incredibly popular among the
young ladies in the audience, though because of the blasted weather
they didn't show off their trademark pectorals. Damn!
After
Rod Stewart's tribute band Kaldera took the stage with more stunning
and sunny soul before the headline act stomped on to the stage. Ooh
it was like seeing Robbie Williams at Glastonbury. But not.
Let's
hope the day raised more cash than last year for the Sue Ryder Care
Home and rugby club funds. Judging by the by the good turnout it should
beat its record. It may have rained on the festival, but it didn't
rain on its parade.
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