Oh What A Week That Was

Monday 8th Jan.

The man from the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton, delivered the brochure for the forthcoming Spring season at my local Arts Centre. Imagine my delight when I found out the talented Irish Singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy was to play ( at long last) in my home town in May.

Wednesday 10th Jan.
Bought tickets

Thursday 11th Jan.

Thought it only right to thank her in person. So it’s off to Swindon to see Eleanor, where she was supporting Homespun, at the start of their UK tour.

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Eleanor McEvoy & Homespun
The 12 Bar,
Swindon
11 Jan. 2007


I arrived in Swindon mid afternoon on a extremely windy day.
And as previous readers will know that on my travels I always seem to find ropey Hotels to stay in. I failed miserably this time, as I stayed in a very comfortable, though lacking in character. Holiday Inn.

I found the venue, looking like, and indeed was, an old Irish Ale House. A comfortable Bar at the front with the Hall set behind.
Not for the first time I arrive early. Just myself and the genial barman for a good half hour.
As arranged, I met the much traveled Martin & Sue Hutton, who had come down from Essex. (they travel all over for gigs)
We had time for a couple of beers, while we waited for the room to open.
As we waited for the first act there were probably only 35-40 people in. though all where friendly. I met Julia and Mum along with Chris who came in later. It was like the start of a new season , friends meeting up again after the Hols.
Eleanor spotted us just before going on, expressing her delight in seeing us there. (She’s no longer shocked at the distances we travel)
And I was able to express my delight when talking to her about the up and coming Taunton gig.

Eleanor came on, looking resplendent in a bluish flowery jacket with golden thread embroidery. I’m no fashion guru, see for yourself.

The set consisted of 9 songs all bar one on acoustic guitar. the last number on mandolin.
A long drawn out note to try and get the audience attention introduced the first number “I’ll be willing”
Then it was straight into the Bluesy number “The way you wear your troubles”
It was at this point that I looked round to see Dave Rotheray watching from the Bar and also A lot more people had come in. In fact it had become quite busy. ( comfortably packed).
The Celtic Tiger song was next “Fields of Dublin 4” So called as

Dublin 4 is a very affluent area of said city. Much laughter when she asked if Swindon had a similar postcode area.

I don’t know what the performers think. I know they play and get paid. There was quite a lot of chatter from the audience, and when your there to listen it can be a little off putting.
The remainder of the set was over fairly quickly. I think due to the fact no one was listening there was not much talk between numbers.

It was however good to see Eleanor again. She puts a lot of emotion into her songs, and with her Irish accent , the stories within her songs are beautifully told. Case in point the stripped down version of Marvin Gayes “ Mercy, Mercy Me” A song about the Planet and what we’re doing to it.
A quick thanks, and CD’s are for sale at £15 and the set was done.

A brief break. Time to get a refill. and It was time for Homespun.
The stage cluttered with nick-knacks, (standard lamps, dumb waiters, and nodding dogs)

As the band entered the stage. Something was amiss, Clare Mactaggart, was missing. Another lass, Ros Stephen was in her place. A Bittersweet Violinist. And at very short notice she fitted in well.

I found out later that Clare was about to give birth. So Best Wishes Girl. Good luck.

I love the informality of Homespun sets, and this was day one of a 15 day tour. All the numbers for the band, are penned by
Dave Rotheray. And each have a small tale on how they came about.
The second number (a new one) “My Sorrows learned to swim” must of had a certain Paul Heaton in mind. Drowning his sorrows.

Another new one was “ Short Story“ did indeed have a short story to tell. Dave would make a good dead-pan comedian, especially when, at Eleanor's expense, quipped the price of their Cd's there were only a fiver each. Buy one of hers, and three of ours.

Two other new songs were on the list,. however one “Footsteps” was aborted after a few bars, when they for got how it went. I’m sure it’s a good tune - but not tonight.There was one other cock-up.
On “Unfortunately Young” The first song they ever did as a band, Alan Jones completely missed his Guitar solo. But like true professionals. they re-did it. So "Jonesy could have his bit in the spotlight

Special mentions should go to
Melvin Duffy on Pedal Steel Guitar, who gives this band it’s unique sound, and this is beautifully complimented with Gary Hammond's soft style on Percussion. And of course Sam Brown is just perfect. An absolute joy.




All the songs , bar the four new ones come from their first 2 Albums.
A third is on it’s way in March/April
And I am looking forward to having it in my collection. Though I might well Download it, then it could possibly get in the charts.
The set finished with the usual encore. Lindisfarne’s
"We shall Swing together” a great sing along song to finish the night .
(and not a homage to Saddam)


The set might of finished , but the evening was not.
I had another chat with Eleanor re her forth coming Australian tour, and of course the Taunton gig
17 May at the Brewhouse Theatre. tickets on sale now.

I then did my bit as roadie. Helping the band load the van, before coiffing a few more ales.

But Guys I wont give up the day job. as long as you don’t give up yours. An exceptionally Good night, with Good Friends, Good Ale and Great Music.

Do visit their MySpace sites Eleanor McEvoy & Homespun
Also Bittersweet Which I believe is one of Ros Stephen's other projects.