Over the years I’ve enjoyed my fair share of nights in a pub with musicians playing folk music. There’s a camaraderie among musicians that seems to come to the fore in this genre. Last night saw me invited by Lady G to see some legends in the field at The Exchange in Twickenham. Fairport Convention have been going since 1967, and have quietly kept going without pause. In that time, members have been in groups like Jethro Tull, played sessions with Gerry Raferty and Art Garfunkel, and set up their own label and music festival.
Last night was an acoustic session and we were right in the middle of the front row, face to face. Four hugely experienced musicians, a cheerful and intimate atmosphere, a back and forth chat with the audience, and a cheeky beer in hand. The youngest and most spritely of the group was Chris Leslie – born in 1956 – who would have been 11 years old when the group first started. He’s written a lot of their newer songs since he joined in 1996, but the set took in pieces from their whole history.
The contrast of song styles and instrumental pieces kept the energy of the evening waxing and waning. It demonstrated how the group’s style has changed through the years to better match the vocal ranges of different lead singers. When I’m listening to, and watching, live performances, I really enjoy picking out the structures of the pieces – how the instruments weave in and out. It’s the same with electronica, rock, classical, or acoustic – different ways of expressing things but similar building blocks and techniques. This gig was a joy to watch at close distance as well as listen to.
There’s just something about the practiced ease of people who have been playing for longer than I’ve been alive that is deeply satisfying. It wasn’t necessarily an event I would have gone out of my way to see, but I’m so glad I accepted the invitation – even if I misinterpreted their final song of the evening “Meet on the Ledge” – as “Meat on the Ledge”. I was a little confused why Lady G had said she’d want it as a song played at her funeral.
So – fire up Spotify (or other music stream of your choice) and give them a go for a Sunday morning quiet chillout.