Folk Music at the Royal Albert Hall!
One of the artists appearing at the Teenage Cancer Trust concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London this Wednesday will be Reg Meuross. He'll be sharing the stage alongside the likes of Fairport Convention, and Kate Rusby and I'm really looking forward to seeing him live; it will be my first time.
I came across Reg a few years back when Meg Rose of Whole Wide World Music (a great mail order source of folk and roots stuff by the way) sent me his second CD, Short Stories. I liked it a lot and felt that there was as well as good tunes and good playing there was a real depth to his songs; they went beyond the usual stuff about love and relationships and the pain and pangs of love; they told stories and painted pictures of other peoples' lives with real passion The Priest's Letter is my favourite from the album, an understated but terrific song.
When his last album 'Dragonfly' came into the studio I played it straight through twice. It's a terrific album, my personal favourites 'And Jesus Wept' and 'Lizzie Loved A Highwayman' will, I believe go on to become folk classics. So, as I say, I'm really looking forward to seeing the man live at the Albert Hall. If you haven't heard him, check out his website where there are samples of the songs for you to listen to.
By the way, this will be the first night that the Teenage Cancer Trust are hosting a folk night at the Albert Hall, I think that says something about the way that people are seeing folk music now. Perhaps the image of the Arran sweater and the beard is becoming less of a cliché.
Folk Music at the Albert Hall! All those hairy people singing subversive songs! Heavens!
Albert and Victoria will be turning in their graves. Good sez I.
When his last album 'Dragonfly' came into the studio I played it straight through twice. It's a terrific album, my personal favourites 'And Jesus Wept' and 'Lizzie Loved A Highwayman' will, I believe go on to become folk classics. So, as I say, I'm really looking forward to seeing the man live at the Albert Hall. If you haven't heard him, check out his website where there are samples of the songs for you to listen to.
By the way, this will be the first night that the Teenage Cancer Trust are hosting a folk night at the Albert Hall, I think that says something about the way that people are seeing folk music now. Perhaps the image of the Arran sweater and the beard is becoming less of a cliché.
Folk Music at the Albert Hall! All those hairy people singing subversive songs! Heavens!
Albert and Victoria will be turning in their graves. Good sez I.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~12~RS~)
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I agree, classics in the making.
Somehow Reg manages to write songs that are thought-provoking and worthy without leaving the listener feeling bludgeoned. They well deserve the attention they are getting, although it's a mystery to me how it hasn't happened sooner.
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I think that Reg is one of the most gifted 'story' songwriters around today - in the best tradition of folk songs. His songs are thoughtful and thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted. With his performance he has that rare ability to create empathy with the audience and he has a truly beautiful voice and a crafted guitar style.
Anyone who hasn't seen Reg before is in for a rare treat - sadly, I won't be there but will be going to see him again when he ventures a bit closer to home.
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Yes, hooray for singer-songwriters in the tradition! And good on you, Reg, I'm sure you'll dazzle 'em all!
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I have been a fan of Reg's music since the days of The Panic Bothers and have always felt that given a spot of mainstream exposure he would quickly garner a much wider audience. It is very gratifying to see this happening now so well done Mike and Smooth Ops for being in the vanguard.
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Was at the Concert but had to miss Fairport due to last trains to wildest Kent! Ashamed to say that I'd not heard of Reg, but his 'spot' was very moving - my wife actually cried at 'Jesus wept' song. I've just ordered the album!
Other concert comments - Seth was great but ****** loud! Video screen kept showing view of performers backsides... Otherwise, a wonderful, worthwhile, event. Here's to next year!
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I loved the show. Reg Meuross was excellent. Seth Lakeman was very rock'n'roll, fantastic energy. What was the named of the lady with Fairport, who sang "Who Knows ..." ? A great version.
Don't forget, text TCT to 80996 to make a donation
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A great show.
Are the beeb planning to transmit any of it - on radio or TV or website?
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Folk at the Albert Hall! Its like going back to the 60s when people like the Dubliners, Clancys, Watersons, Anne Briggs, Young Tradition, Bob Davenport, etc. performed. I might even have seen Mike Harding there!
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Seth was great. What a set - and those biceps ... !
It was Reg wot stole the show, though. A class performance of two of his greatest folk songs. Hopefully he'll get a much longer slot next year.
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Can't believe it's taken me so long to find out about Reg Meuross - anyone who has not heard his music is seriously missing out - a voice from heaven, thought provoking lyrics which can easily bring a tear to the eye, and the guitar playing is flawless. Once you've listened to one CD you'll want them all. I'm sure the Albert Hall was a great gig, but if you get the chance to see him perform in a small venue, I guarantee it'll be even better.
I'm hooked!
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