Tonite's gig by The Magic Band @ Concorde2 in Brighton had an early start because Friday Night Clubbin' had to begin shortly after 10 o'clock so arriving about 7.30 I only just saw the last few numbers by support band Son Belly and by their last I felt they seemed to be settling in nicely so I'd guess they'll be well worth seeing in their own right before too long.
The Magic Band led byDrumbo stormed on with I Got Dem old Human Gets Me Blues and follwed up with a pre-Safe as Milk Howling Wolf number whose title escapes me just now! They then dangled numbers from several LPs at least upto Doc at The Radar Station [a couple of numbers were either unknown to me or not placeable in myageing memory so I can'r be sure none were newer than that!] Fitted in between were an absolutely stunning bass solo [when did you last hear a totally bass solo number?] and a drum two-hander with Drumbo cutting in on Craig Bunch and handing the stool back over, both changeovers being affected while the both drummed in unison - pretty impressive!
Half way through the gig the band took a break to enable audients to meet and greet - this is a feature more and more bands are doing this - a habit started as far as I know by the likes of Fairport Convention. In the second half they launched back in with the 'difficult' Hair Pie Bake 2, which they followed up with the more accessible Hair Pie Bake 1 - nothing like getting the problematic ones outta the way first! They cruised on through with more numbers from the spectrum of The Don's output climaxing with Moonlight on Vermont and Big-Eyed Beans from Venus - both showstoppers and probably two of a half dozen or so of The Cap's most well-known numbers. Members of the band were rewarded when a [female] member of the crowd leapt up on stage and showed her appreciation.
Sadly the afforementioned Curfew prevented the Audience getting the Electricity or any other of the many titles I heard being shouted out Muvch foot-stomping, rhythmic chanting, clapping, whistling, etc all came to no avail and we ventured out into the night, with much muttering of fuck the dj!
If The Magic Band is touring anywhere near you and you have the dosh to afford the ticket price, I'd say you'd be foolish to pass over the opportunity - you'll not see anything like it anywhere else.
Recent Comments