Venue:
The Works, Sowerby Bridge
Date: 30/09/2015
I have not seen Nic jones for nearly forty years and after the car crash in 1982 thought that I would never see him perform again.He had played a few festivals, but this was the chance to see him in a one-off concert this year in a folk club. I thought I wouldn’t be able to go as I’m awaiting an operation, so I was glad it was delayed as I may not have been able to see this.
I imagined that there may be tears, which there was, however it was mostly tears of laughter, there is a rapport between the two, with much gentle rib taking, and the occasional muffed note which brought forth much hilarity. Nic no longer plays guitar as he says he knows what to do, unfortunately his right hand can’t physically do it, but Joe’s playing makes up for that.
Nic has to read the words as he sings and maybe the voice isn’t as strong as it was, but just to be there and see him perform again was wonderful. As our Cheshire feline chum said “ I was worried that it could have turned into some awful nostalgia/freak show. It didn’t. His performance still stood on its own two feet.”
Songs from throughout his career, including those impossible to get early albums ( due to the person at Celtic music not allowing them to be rereleased). He was also joined on stage by Pete and Chris Coe, and John Adams( standing in for the late Tony Rose) for a Bandoggs reunion to sing Loudon Wainwright’s Swimming song.
Thanks to Pete Coe, and the rest of the folk club for putting this on. A memorable night.
Will add some photos from the concert later
The audience:
Greys with a smattering of youngsters
It made me think..
I was lucky to be there.
Sounds wonderful. I suspect there are more than a few of us who are a little envious.
I saw them at The Red Lion in Brum last year & it was a wonderful evening – emotional without being mawkish.
Saw them at Cambridge Folk Festival three years ago where they also had Belinda O’Hooley on keyboards. One of the most uplifting and intimate sets I’ve ever seen, Nic was so happy about being onstage and sang like an angel.
Trust you weren’t stood behind a big bald bloke. I can echo what you say. It goes to show how talent will out, despite whatever is thrown at it.
Great review, thanks
A couple of photos from the evening, second one a bit blurry, probably from laughing.
http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u577/Mrpolly/nicjoe2_zpszjq2ao3l.jpg
http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u577/Mrpolly/nicjoe_zpsx10vj2fh.jpg
1. Thanks for the review, Hubert. I’m very envious. I’d love to see Nic Jones live, but living where I do, it’s rather unlikely.
2. Sowerby Bridge. That rings a bell. Wasn’t that where the drama series “Happy Valley” was set?
I felt was lucky to be there. Forgot to mention it was filmed at the insistence of Nic’s wife. I may be able to get a copy as a friend of mine is a friend of someone who has filmed Nic and Joe at a folk club in Essex.
Sowerby Bridge and environs in the Calder valley is indeed the setting for Happy Valley.