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Donovan
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I've
always imagined Donovan strumming along to his guitar infront of
thousands of stoned hippies in a field.
The
church-like surrounds of Oxford Town Hall are far removed from that,
but the chance to see a key musical figure anywhere is not to be
passed up.
The
first half of the show recreates Donovan's early years when he busked
around London smoking weed and writing songs.
Early hits Catch The Wind, Ballad Of Geraldine and Try For The Sun
are all dusted down before Donovan is joined on-stage by another
60s enigma, Julie Felix. Her appearance is met with hushed excitement
by the audience.
The pair sing the anti-Vietnam War song Universal Soldier, which
Donovan says is just as relevant today, and are later reunited for
Tin Soldier.
Blues guitarist Mac MacLeod, who Donovan cites as an inspiration
to his own playing, also duets on a couple of songs. This was the
first time the two men had played on stage for 40 years.
Unfortunately these are golden moments tarnished by technical problems
which blight much of the set.
The
depth of the lyrics is lost in a mush of feedback and when Donovan
is joined by his band in the second half the drums are too loud
and the keyboards inaudible.
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| Old
friend Julie Felix joined Donovan on stage. |
The
quality of songs still shine through though with Season Of The Witch,
Hurdy Gurdy Man and Barabajagal all winning whoops from those who
may have seen them the first time round.
New songs from the Beat Cafe album may not match the classics but
don't sound out of place.
But it's Donovan's most famous song Mellow Yellow that really gets
the audience going with many joining the legend at the front of
the stage.
It's a simple song that's so well-written that it still sounds good
today. The second encore is Atlantis, Donovan's Hey Jude, and is
equally well-received.
It's a slightly bizarre night in which genius songs at times sound
like they've gone though a mincing machine.
Difficult to fault the man himself though. Whether it be at Woodstock
or in a town hall, Donovan remains mysterious, cool and multi-talented.
A living legend indeed.
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