Friday, February 11, 2000 The Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale

Report by Sali

Setlist
Season of the Witch / My House is not a Motel / Bummer in the Summer / Early in the Morning / Waiting for my Man / North Country Girl / If I were a Carpenter / Darkness Darkness / Think / Money / We’re Gonna Groove / Baby Please Don’t Go / - encore - As Long as I Have You / GLORIA / No Regrets / Trouble in Mind (with a hint of Hey Joe!)

Well I’ve said before that I don’t like seated venues and this was no exception. Although some people managed to get up and dance I was politely asked to sit down again, and I felt so far from the stage–OK for other contexts but it doesn’t feel right for Priory Of Brion. Perhaps a legend is beginning? But that’s my only quibble, the staff were friendly and helpful and the audience enthusiastically civilised.

Robert’s voice was both mellow and exciting - we had some wonderful wails (no pun intended), and some entertaining snippets - we almost got an anecdote about Kiss. He became camera shy half way through the evening, hiding behind the music stand, covering his face and wondering about security. Or was he just playing hard to get? He certainly missed the would be photographer when she nipped out - possibly a victim of an apparent incontinence virus.

But the music…… great! Carlysle was really on form, particularly in the ‘Money’ number which suited his style perfectly; full of surprises, and Brion’s bass line saw interesting on that one. Think! stood out for me as a powerful example of what PoB are doing. Owen Glendwr seemed very laid back while doing incredible things on the keyboard. As always the chimes on Darkness were highly significant. All in all it was not a set to sit still through, although Robert did give permission to ‘wriggle your bums on the seats’. Sorry - no roses - apparently there has been a bit of a rush on roses in the motorway services this weekend.

Roll on Bristol.

article courtesy Sali, who allowed the contents of her Calling to You website to be added to ManicNirvana.com.