Huntingdon Hall - 18th November 2011

[keithmeredith]

Friday evening found me loading up the Harley and setting forth for the fair city of Worcester to attend Gordon’s concert at Huntingdon Hall. This atmospheric building – originally built as a Calvinist/Methodist chapel in 1773 – is unique, Grade 2 listed, and retains many of its original features following its restoration.

Some gigs have a certain vibe and this was one of them -the Troubadour was in ebullient form. A much-revised set list kept the performance fresh and kept this reviewer on his toes.

As a touching tribute to Davy Graham and Bert Jansch the opening number was Gordon’s version of Angie. And the music and repartee continued with Appalachian Dreaming – one of my favourite pieces – Rain in the Doorway, Under this Blue Sky and Maddy once again went West. The pre-interval rendition of Heartsong left the appreciative audience in a jovial mood as they advanced on the bar/loo/ice cream concession.

With all comfortable in their seats/pews again, the wit, charm, and undeniably prodigious talent that is Gordon Giltrap continued to amuse and give pleasure with his music and jocular ad-libs. Surprisingly, as well as private concerts and after dinner speaking, keep in mind that Gordon is also available for decorating assignments (downstairs WCs a speciality).

A perfect recording of Dodo’s Dream eventually concluded a wonderful evening – well almost – no concert is complete without a vigorous encore of Lucifer’s Cage.

I continue to meet charming and interesting people at Gordon’s gigs. On this occasion I had the pleasure of meeting Carol Sampson – together with her other half, Gareth. This lovely lady – together with Rev. Martin Green – is collaborating on a project to record spiritual vocals to existing Giltrap compositions. (See September’s news) She has an outstanding voice and enunciates the lyrics superbly.

Thank you again, Troubadour, for making my two wheeled travels so worthwhile.

[GORDON]

Hi Keith.

I think you have captured the vibe of the evening perfectly sir. THANKYOU.

Be Well.

G.

[Mike Stranks]

Sir Keith...

Ever thought of pitching as a review writer for one of the "Qualities"?

As ever, a superb review which made me chuckle more than once.

I've been privileged to hear a sneak preview of a track from the forthcoming album you mention - beautiful!

[Sorry I'll miss you at the esteemed Mr Burley's concert on Saturday... duty calls! ]

As ever Mike