The Night Crewkerne Went Still

The Reg Meuross Band,
Crewkerne,
6th October
2006

Reg Meuross bought his brand of gentle Country numbers home last night at the official launch of his new album "Still",

(although available since July)

The venue, in Reg's home town, was the grand sounding venue of

The Victoria Hall in Crewkerne's Town Hall.

Grand it may of sounded. Small it was. The upstairs venue, looking just like one of the village halls he has been visiting over the past year but with a high curved ceiling. It was a sell out. At least 200 of us there. After the usual house rules, Reg was invited on stage.

Warm applause, and brief "Hello nice to be here", before starting off with a couple of solo acoustic numbers. The first tune was a new one to me "Dragonfly." I believe it is a cover of one of the fellow artist.

Miranda Sykes, Roy Dodds and Howard Hughes (not the recluse, the one who used to play with Ron Sexsmith) then joined for the next three numbers. Those there expecting John 'Rabbit' Bundrick tonight were not surprised to find he was still in America playing with Messer's Townsend & Daltry.

Reg. Clearly enjoying his night, playing with friends, then invited

Phil Beer (Show of Hands) and Jackie Oates ( Rachel Unthank and

The Winterset) on stage for a rousing version of "And They Danced"
The first set concluded with the bonus track from Still,

"Is it me or Elvis" which did encourage some audience participation. Ending the set with the jolly lilt of "Man in the Moon".

I could be a bit critical now. Reg was having a ball. We in the audience were appreciative. But you wouldn't know it. When they played "And They Danced", I wanted to, but it is hard to do so

when 90% of the audience sit arms folded and just clap at the end.

After a longish break (CD buying, Fag smoking and Raffle)

Reg and Phil sneaked back on stage Sitting down, for a couple of soft tunes, with Guitar and Fiddle. Phil is a versatile musician and although he's only heard these tunes a couple of times, and not his usual style. He played with a great feel and enthusiasm .
Jackie then joining them for a lovely rendition of "Jealous"
Jackie Oates doing Country there's first.

When the rest of the ensemble re entered the stage they were joined by Vashti a singer/songwriter in her own right, who was lauded by Reg. Difficult to make my mind up here. It could of been where I was sat. Miranda's backing vocals are so strong and clear.

(You could say Bliss, but that's just shameless promoting)

But I couldn't make out Vashti's voice. Which is a shame, because after visiting her Myspace site, I found out, the lass can sing.

My favourite number of the night was, to my ears. "My Nirvana."
And I want to be the first to say this,

"Reg Rocks."

The Evening finished with probably Reg's best known song

"The Goodbye Hat" and two encore numbers, that could of in my eyes, been a little bit more stronger. I know this is selfish of me, but I feel the set list could of done with a bit of re jigging.

All in all though. I thoroughly enjoyed the night. The hall with it's high curved ceiling lent itself to excellent acoustics. And Reg who does get many talented musicians to play with him, performed to their usual high standard. It was lovely afterwards talking Phil. Show of Hands used to play in my local. (before they were famous) Jackie, who I know quite well from The Winterset. And Reg, my MySpace friend.

I also met fans of his there, who had travelled from far and wide for the concert. He's getting quite a following.

Reg Meuross lyrics always do tell a Short Story. Still.

1st Set
Dragonfly
Good with his Hands
You Left me Crying
Edward Hoppers Bar
Down To The River
And They Danced
Something New
Me Or Elvis
Man In The Moon

2nd Set
The Poacher
Jelous
Days Like These
I'll Come Back
Don't Give Up
All I Want
Worry No More
My Nirvana
You Face
Goodbye Hat

Encore
Backdoor Man
Back Home To Me

The Band & Links

Reg Meuross, Guitar

Miranda Sykes, Double Bass & Harmonies

Roy Dodds, Drums

Howard Hughes, Keyboard,

Phil Beer, Fiddle, Guitar & Mandolin

Jackie Oates, Fiddle

Vashti, Harmonies

The Whole Wide World

Tim Symes