The Barbican Bluegrass Extravaganza
11th April
1998
A General
Consensus
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Tom Travis, Back Rowarth, Stockport.
The day was very informal, with four British bands playing on the “FreeStage” area in the huge Foyer - that means that anyone could see them free of charge. But it struck me as a bit unusual to have a rock band on at a Bluegrass event.... My overall impressions - a wonderful day out - let’s hope the standard can be maintained next time!
Bev Williams, Milnrow
As far J.D.Crowe & the New South went I enjoyed them - J.D. himself took a back seat, but I think that’s generally his thing. All-in-all it was a good event which I’d like to see repeated.
Arthur Robinson, Scarborough.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DAN QUINTON
and everyone that made it possible for us to visit London on April 11th and
all those who came from near and far to our concert at The Barbican Theater.
We felt very fortunate to get the opportunity to perform at a theater as
wonderful as the Barbican. We also enjoyed (as usual) working with Sam Waller
& The Country Gents and The NBB. Thanks also to those who attended the
workshops that Curt and I put on. Thanks again for making us feel “at
home” when we were so far away. We hope to visit again sometime and
hope to see you all again. Be sure and give Dan a “pat on the back”
for his hard work. He really went that “extra mile” for this
concert.....First class all the way!! All of the American bands, in common with the rest of us I’m sure, were fittingly impressed with the fabulous Barbican. Whatever it took to swing that venue should be put into action again. If it can be done once...
Geoff Bowers, Nottingham
All the above are fair comments, but bear in mind many are personal preferences.. The event was a huge success - overwhelming, in fact. Too many people to meet and much to do. But if you get the chance then be sure to go to the next one! The highlight of the day for me was being in the J.D.Crowe & New South sound check, where they ran through whole numbers for 20 minutes. And only me in the whole 1,500 seat auditorium.... like a private concert! I tried out various seats - about 6 rows back was best... Photos from on the stage, behind the band, posed shots like on the cover.... “Beam me up, Scottie!” If you do go, here are a few pointers. For someone like me, with a bad leg, there was a general shortage of seats in the Foyer and a lot of standing to do, so do like Arthur Robinson and take a folding seat. The drinks were expensive so we were pleased to get the right tip from Brian Waterhouse and discover the excellent ales in The Kings Arms, only 100 yards left from the Barbican main entrance in Silk St. If you’re on the trains be sure to find out (a) the time of the last train and (b) how to get back to the station before going in. Derek Brandon, Chester
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AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BBMA I’m extremely
pleased to see such a tremendous turn-out - thanks to everyone because with
this kind of support we can look forward to more, similar events and to the
high quality Bluegrass music that they attract
LIKE THE FIRST EDALE IN 1977
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I THOUGHT THE VENUE WAS GOOD, especially
the free concerts - it enabled people to get together; people not really
interested in Bluegrass eventually went to the evening concert. The best
bit for me was the workshop by Charlie Waller and the Country Gents - they
gave a fair idea of how they put things together and I got far more out of
that w’shop than most other events. I also enjoyed the Charlie Waller
performance on stage - I thought people would say it was a bit
“samey” but it was good for me. I was disappointed in the National
Bluegrass Band because they did the same set as they did at Edale in 1990,
even to the same comments, etc. Stuart Duncan was the outstanding member,
but Roland White wasn’t representative of American players.
WHAT A GOOD DAY WE HAD AT THE
BARBICAN! We reckon that the NBB were the best by a very long
way - but that was no great surprise. The other two bands, although obviously
more than competent, didn’t even come near for our money. Stuart Duncan
is head and shoulders over the competition in fiddling that really hits the
spot. I asked Roland White if I could buy a box full of whatever Stuart lives
on: without a flinch he just showed me the box of money with the takings
in! Dry wit or what? When we arrived I started picking with what turned out
to be a French band who were very good. Also had a good bar session with
Chris Morton and his band together with the amazing young guy “Jake”
on banjo. He’s bound for great things that lad - watch his space! If
he lived in our area he’d be in the band like a shot.
AND FINALLY THE EDITORS TWO PENN’ORTH: