Thursday, April 28, 2000 Ole Blues Festival, Bergen, Norway (Night 2)

Report by Sali

set list: Morning Dew / ?? / Motel / Bummer in the Summer / Bluebird / Carpenter / Darkness Darkness / Think / Early in the Morning / Baby Please Don’t Go
Encore - August / Move It / High School Hop / Trouble in Mind

The Moroccan alarm clock goes off exactly on time (11pm) and Priory of Brion hit the stage in clean shirts. Carlisle’s is white, Eric’s is black, Robert’s is black shimmering with gold, Alistair wears a Bruce Lee T-shirt and Owen’s says ‘Who said old school?’.

Eric cool as a cucumber Bloodaxe and Carlisle are immediately together for Morning Dew. Each seems able to cover a third of the fretboard with the fingers of the left hand while nipping effortlessly from top to bottom while Owen’s fingers are sliding up and down the keyboard. Robert says ‘Hold on tight’ and we’re into an expressive rendition leading to a great waily ending. ‘It’s Friday and it’s Bergen’ says Robert as Alistair sets the scene for Motel and three guitars, including Owen on accoustic, play fast and furious while Robert shakes and shimmers . The place is really rocking and then we’re then into Bummer in the Summer with Robert calling out ‘Can you feel it?’ - he knows we can. This drumming ain’t gonna stop for anyone and Carlisle’s manic fingerwork on guitars is beautifully offset by some light piano touches while Eric Bloodaxe is sliding up and down the bass making it all look so easy. Robert seems able to go anywhere he wants to with the vocals and his hands are dancing in the air until Carlisle brings it to a close with a leap.

Robert tells a slightly weird story about Stephen Stills in a military style uniform, like something out of a Gabriel Marquez book, enabling him to say ‘Stephen, you’re a true Bluebird - what a great introduction to a song. Owen’s on guitar again and having a great time shaking it while Roberts sits on a stool to sing, appearing at times to fly and Alistair proves that he can be gentle as well as a powerhouse with some great dynamic range. The voice is perfect for Carpenter then Robert asks for some light on the audience and mentions coming back next year to continue inventing feedback. The voice seems even better for Darkness, particularly ‘the things that cannot be’ and some woderful wailing. Carlisle seems to have put in some new chords making it even more demonic and the flying fingers of Owen Glendwr continue to develop the keyboard contribution. Alistair missed a chime but made up for it with a lovely smile while Robert narrowly avoided a low flying rose.

‘Not for the first time - for the umpteenth time since the invention of feedback’ says Robert as he introduces the band - including, ‘Alistair Crowley….a man who travels the fjords in a pointed hat’ (Alistair gives us the sign of the cross with his drumsticks) and ‘Eric Bloodaxe…the hero from the sagas of the North, carrying the loadstone’ at which Eric was ceremoniously crowned with a horned viking helmet.

Having ‘Done white hippy stuff’ they launch into Think closely followed by Early in the Morning and then into The Bridge. Owen struts his stuff over drums and bass while Robert sings ‘Come on baby…….b b b b b baby’ - the audience loves it and Owen must cover every note on the keyboard for the ending. Baby Please Don’t Go was tight and fast with a great guitar passage by Carlisle and Eric with Carlisle really looking as if he is enjoying himself.

The encore starts with a song I don’t know but Carol thinks it’s Autumn. Anyway it was lovely. Then we had a story about a man who never married, but fell in love with a tennis player and shared biscuits with her….. as an introduction to Move It complete with some Cliff style moving and grooving embellished with Priory style wild guitars , (? one handed?) keyboards and demonic drumming. This really got the audience moving, as did High School Hop.

It seemed as if the evening might end with a storytelling session as Robert began the story of the three bears….. ‘Once upon a time there was a mummy bear, a daddy bear, and Elvis Bear, followed by a false start ‘Wrong set’ and Trouble in Mind. The only trouble in my mind was that it had to stop.

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

Thursday, April 27, 2000 Ole Blues Festival, Bergen, Norway (Night 1)

Report by Sali

The show started exactly on time at 11pm with the Morroccan alarm clock. The band received a huge welcome from the Norewgian (plus 3) audience.

Robert in black sparkly shirt, black trousers and black soft pull on boots welcomed us to the band’s first international appearance. Owen appeared brandishing a video camera which he was obviuosly itching to use, so Robert asked for the lights to be turned on the audience for a quick bit of videoing. This was very popular.

At first the sound was a bit muddy but it was sorted out and although one, possibly two of the band members were possibly a little tired from the travelling they were soon infected by the energy in the room and a lively evening ensued. There were particularly enthusiastic performances by Alistair Crowley on drums and Owen Glendwr on keyboards and acoustic guitar. Alistair was highly energetic and focused, producing some delicate fills and dainty touches amongst the driving power. Owen was apparently fresh from another border skirmish and wearing the spoils of war to prove it - huge baggy jeans, a T shirt with some number on it and a Body and Soul hat pulled right down to his eyes. He seemed particulary keen to get stuck in to Darkness Darkness - perhaps he enjoys it as much as I do - He certainly wasn’t going to wait for anyone else to be ready but they caught on And Alistair was there with his chimes. Owen and Carlisle really got it together, Carlisle almost laid back in places (!) while Owen fairly fizzed. Meanwhile the newly named Eric Bolldaxe on guitar made it all look so easy throbbing away underneath it all. Still waters run deep, especially in the fjiords. The bassline from Darkness was still in my head throughout the following day.

Endings are becoming particulary flambouyant with some notable leaps from Carlisle Egypt, complicated flourishes from Alistair and Owen’s fingers whizzing up and down the keyboard and Robert seemingly able to do anything he wants to do with his voice at the moment, we got some powerful, soulful wails.

The third song was new to me - I’m looking forward to getting to know it. I particularly enjoyed Bluebird. Robert sat down for this one. His voice was in fine form, sounding relaxed and melodic and he really got into soaring mode, complete with actions. There was a teasing hint of Light my Fire as they went into the bridge, and some light hearted reggae got an enthusiastic moving in the audience. For Carpenter Robert moved the music stand away, always a relief to the photographers but also to those of us who want to see the man as well as hear him.

Think was less powerful and dynamic than it has been but GLORIA made up for it with immediate and powerful audience participation. We all agreed with the sentiments of Baby Please Don’t Go at the end of nearly 90 minutes of pure pleasure.

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

Saturday, March 18, 2000 Aberystwyth Arts Center, Wales

report by Sali

Set List
Season of the Witch / A House is not a Motel / Bummer in the Summer / Bluebird / if I were a Carpenter / Darkness Darkness / Money / Think / Blues (sorry to be so vague) / We’re Gonna Groove / Baby Please Don’t Go / As Long as I Have You - Encore - Morning Dew / No Regrets / GLORIA / Trouble in Mind / Waiting for my Man.

Oh it was great to meet a few friends and make some new ones - and there was plenty of time for that while we waited for the door to be opened.

There was a Gilbert and Sullivan production going on in the same hall - Patience - and boy did we need patience. Many of us were there when the doors were opened for that show, still there during their interval, still there when the show finished….. waiting. Rumour has it that Robert was involved in the sound check, maybe that explains it but it was a very long wait.

It was good to get in there at last and good to hear co-operation between bands again in the form of Fernhill and The Rag Foundation whose Traditional Weird Welsh (their words not mine - although I would have to agree with them) is well worth a second (or third) listen. It went something like: Siren Song (Tim Buckley), Starry Night for a Ramble, Girls from Glamorgan, Jim Cro (I enjoyed singing along to this one), Dole e Tefi (don’t ask me I’m a foreigner), Henry Martin. This was a wonderful combination of guitars, flute and electric violin with two magnificent voices - bring some CDs next time please - and I don’t know his name but the male vocalist has real stage presence.

At last, approximately 11pm, the familiar intorduction and the band strolled onto the stage with Robert following a few moments later. Boy were we pleased to see, and hear them. Immediately the wait was forgotten.

They all seemed relaxed and happy, in spite of some problems with monitors etc. Season of the Witch cast its spell and there we were - hooked. Motel was great - Carlyle on guitar and Alistair on drums were a powerful combination tonight. Bummer in the Summer we were assured was nothing to do with sheep and had a particularly neat finish. Money seems to have sorted itself out now, or is it just that I am becoming familiar with it? ‘Let’s get Cosmic’ was Robert’s way of introducing Darkness which was so good, it’s difficult to know who to watch as everyone is making an important contribution at some point. At the end of this number Robert introduced the band - Owen Glendower was Dick Turpin for a brief spell - and they each received a red rose from the front of the audience. Kevyn gallantly picked up Brian’s (Brion’s?) and put it behind his ear but unfortunatley it didn’t stay there long enough for anyone to get a photo. Audience participation for ‘testify’ was not up to its usual standard but it was excellent during Think! and Gloria. The encores were powerful and no-one seemed to realise how tired they were. Robert was reminiscing about appearing on TOTP and even mentioned wearing orange. I don’t think so!

The musicianship seemed better than ever to me tonight - even with a couple of technical gremlins. At one point Kevyn and Owen seemed as if the might get into a ‘battling banjoes’ situation. Owen varied between sitting back and playing it cool and really getting into the music. Brion was on form, during one track I noticed some particularly impressive finger work (Sorry Brion I can’t remember which number it was!) and the drumming was cracking. I got the feeling that Robert got one or two surprises, hence the comment ‘That’s Jazz’, and everyone seemed to be smiling.

At the end of the show Owen came to the front briefly and Robert stayed on stage signing autographs and receiving cards.

This was a long but happy night shared by a friendly audience and a great band. Thanks everyone, it was a lot of fun.

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

Friday, February 18, 2000 Fiddlers Night Club, Bedminster, Bristol

Report by Sali

Set List: Think / Bummer in the Summer / Waiting for my Man / Season of the Witch / If I were a Carpenter / Darkness Darkness / We’re Gonna Groove / Baby Please Don’t Go / Early in the Morning / As Long as I Have You / Money Encore: Morning Dew / No Regrets / GLORIA

I’m sure there was more to it than that but I was too busy ‘getting down’ to make mental notes. Support was Catherine Tran who has an undeniably beautiful voice but there wasn’t enough volume and she needs more varied material. Her voice reminded the silent partner of All About Eve who were apparently performing in Bath tonight. He also commented on Brion’s gleaming new Laney bass rig which came into its own pretty quickly. (Who was the other one for, still wrapped in plastic in the corner?)

A quick word about the audience - now this is what I call an audience; polite, considerate, moving around to let people see, take photos, dance etc and hugely enthusiastic. well done Bristol - the most difficult venue to find but the most fun to be part of. The band came on stage looking relaxed, happy and energetic. Robert seemed to be bursting with energy and the audience response was immediate. For the shirt fans it was the red and black with red buttons (done up quite high) and - wait for it girls - the leather trousers. No wonder someone fainted during the encore but I’m getting ahead of myself. (It’s the excitement!)

The opening number was so very good bass, drums, keyboards, guitar powering away together and oh! that voice. Season of the Witch was very strong, great keyboard and guitar work from Owen and Carlysle. Funny how someone in the audience thought his name was Kevin - but Robert was quick to point out her mistake. Carpenter is an obvious favourite and a great photo opportunity. A very well equipped photographer from The Bristol Evening Post took loads. Darkness Darkness is still unbeaten for me. The magical combination of the various percussion - sensitive undercurrents, perfectly timed chimes and total power, thanks Alistair, holds it all together and drives it through its changes beautifully and Robert’s voice really does touch the soul. The very friendly American next to me (also taking rolls and rolls of film and clearly appreciating every moment of the evening) told me that Robert takes this number seriously. So do I!

A rose that fell at Robert’s feet was handed on to Owen which seemed entirely appropriate considering his contribution. Robert was offered another which he took and passed on commenting ‘She’s got twelve’. At this point I felt they all deserved a rose. There was fantastic audience participation at several points this evening, notably during We’re Gonna Groove and encouraging Robert to testify. At one point he acknowledged ‘I can hear my brothers and sisters’ which recieved a roar of approval. Robert introduced Money with the words ‘drums and bass, drums and bass’ and boy did Brion and Alistair rise to the occasion. Alistair was syncopating the syncopation several times this evening and Brion keeps alongside him without appearing to try. As for Carlyle he blistered in with some amazing fingerwork. I am beginning to get the hang of this one but its a tricky number; very exciting though.

Fantastic to hear Morning Dew. We love it and again Robert delivered it so well. His voice was on top form. He looked wonderful too, his hair is getting long again - lovely and curly and light. By this time he was very hot and probably tired but he was still giving us 100% After the opening bars of Gloria, the excitement was really beginning to build when Robert unexpectedly stopped the band and asked for some help for a girl who had fainted. Owen thoughtfully nipped over with a bottle of water for her. I hope she was OK - she looked very pale as she crossed the stage to get to fresh air. Many of us enjoyed the breeze when the door was opened for her. And then we were instantly transported back to a fantastic rendition of Gloria with audience participation to raise the roof. I could go on and on about how good this evening was. Thank you Priory of Brion for coming to Bristol. How about Devon and/or Cornwall?

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

February 16, 2000 Junction, Cambridge

Report by Bev

Cambridge was excellent.

The crowd were a very civilized bunch compared with Oxford. They may get our support in the next boat race! We met with some great, like minded folk - one guy who had flown in from New York just for Cambridge & Bristol. Robert said he was tired - yet another trip to the second home! - and was not as talkative as usual, but he still seemed to recognize a familiar face or two! I’m glad I put my teeth in!! Glad to say the black silk shirt died a death last night and he wore blue. Who says colours aren’t important.

We had no chance in hell of getting an autograph and it seems that, as word is getting about, people are more reluctant to vacate the premises early. I was told by the Security that only people who were invited could got back stage. I tried to convince him that if they knew us, they would invite us as we were really very nice!

Kevyn was on great form and as usual shone during Darkness Darkness.No fancy floral arrangements tonight - not even the usual sprigs.

My favourite line of the evening was from our New Yorker, to anyone one stage - “So Robert - when are you coming to New York ?” Kevyn replied straight back to him - “Bloody Hell - I’ve got to get up for work in the morning”

Again, driving snow most of the way back and two days to recover from a late night!!!!

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

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.

December 23, 1999 Regis Hall, Cradley Heath, West Midlands

Report by Sali and Ismet

Set list (approximate): Season of the Witch / Motel / Bummer in the Summer / North Country Girl / If I Were a Carpenter / Darkness Darkness / Bridge - We’re Gonna Groove / Waiting for my Man / Move / Baby Please Don’t Go / Early in the Morning / Think Encores: Morning Dew / You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet / GLORIA / No Regrets /

Santa’s Song Buddies began the evening by rattling through fifteen vintage rock ‘n rollers from a mixture of Buddy Holly, Elvis etc. I think there was even a Cliff Richard number in there, (though not a number one!!). We liked the interesting chords in ‘Just Because’ and the band really came to life with their Buddy medley - most notably ‘Ready Teddy’. A Brass band - sorry we didn’t catch the name - helped the Christmas mood along with carols, leading up to a resounding drum solo.

At last it was time for the music stand and white rose to come on stage for what Robert described as the last appearance in the Black Country. We were reassured to hear that there will be more of this and he even said ‘Well yes we could do Bristol’ but tonight was very definitely a Black Country evening and it was great fun. For us it was probably the best we’ve attended, Oxford was fantastic but tonight the audience made the evening perfect. We were talking Christmas party with happy friends.

Robert seemed a little serious at first. Perhaps he was worried about Carlisle Egypt who was not feeling well but once those fingers hit those frets it was all smiles and ‘Season of the Witch’ was great. The festive shrine at his feet, complete with Christmas tree, cards, holly and glitter and a little sack of presents also brought a smile. There was much singing along with ‘Motel’ and ‘If I were a Carpenter’ and ‘Bummer in the Summer’ is clearly becoming popular. ‘Darkness’ was wonderful. It’s a perfect vehicle for the band who give it everything they’ve got and Robert’s voice is so good it all sends shivers down the spine. We got a great view of Alistair Crowley as he stood up for his chimes (the Genesis style mirror ball switched on again much to Robert’s surprise!) Brian was on form tonight and there were a few magic moments as he got into the groove as Robert was wanting to testify and later when he gave us some Rosie (a la ‘How Many More Times’), and ‘Let that boy boogie’ reggae!

The two solos during ‘Morning Dew’ were magnificent. Carlisle seemed to rise above his illness as he and Owen Glendwr produced their powerful blood curdling harmonies and discords. We were lucky enough to meet Owen’s mum - Mrs. Glendwr senior - and sister and this was a great experience to share with them. Robert aired the possibility of the band leaving the stage and waiting to be called back for a second encore but decided to go for the ‘conceited bar steward’ option and they remained on stage. Tinsel and mistletoe were contributed to decorate the mike stand and ‘Santa’s Song’ was a perfect ending to a wonderful Black Country season.

After the show Robert and the band were generous with time, smiles and signatures and there was a wonderful atmosphere and feeling that we have been sharing something really special. I got 4 out of 5 signatures on my ticket but Brian proved too elusive for me. Maybe next time. Happy Christmas and Merry Millennium everyone.

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