This past few weeks has been incredible for live music I have been flat out. Here’s a little recap…
I caught ‘Mad Dog Mcrea’ in Frome at the ‘Cheese and Grain’ and although I missed the warm up acts it was a cracking night.
They played through their usual set and as ever brought me both to tears and back round to laughing. Only in seeing them live do you realise just how many incredible songs they have under their belt. Some of which are originals, some are covers that they’ve breathed new life into. They played their rendition of “Bee’s wing” which is the best version I’ve ever heard live, they also treated us to a cover of “Whole of the Moon” which stirred all of my emotions into a blissful frenzy.
I can commend them on their crowd interaction, taking requests and the loyal followers that travel the country to catch them.
If I was to criticise one aspect, and this isn’t the bands doing by any means… it would be that massive gap between the band and the stage. It makes it that much harder for the band to look after us, it’s just a seasoned gig-goers opinion and these guys did a grand job regardless. Frankly we’re over the moon that any venues are having live music at all nowadays.
The security, staff and bartenders at the ‘Cheese and Grain’ were all so helpful and welcoming. I cannot fault them for their service. They encountered brief sound issues but nothing a band with that much talent and experience couldn’t overcome.
The violin player was mesmerising, the drummer didn’t miss a beat, infact everyone brings something to this band and they have tricks up their sleeves that are worth seeing. Not to mention some fantastic stories to tell. I say stories, at what point do they become folk legends? Find out for yourselves at a show near you and let me know!
Now if you wish to stand and be still and absorb the music you are ofcourse more than welcome to do so, but as a musician myself it truly helps to see people feel the emotions and find the beat of the music reflected in the crowd. As a tiny dancer myself, I really appreciate the tall-standing people making space for us to move to the music in the front row.
Just don’t forget these guys are carving a space for you to dance your troubles away, and while there is never a wrong way to celebrate music I ask that if I’m not in the crowd to tap my foot that you tap yours on my behalf.