5th Nov 06 Review by JaiL

 

Romford’s own Simon Oliver opens proceedings with two classic Olivierian tales of love. The first ‘Privateers combines Oliver’s stipe-esque vocals with melodic 12 string chord work. ‘When a man is in love follows in the same vein. Afterwards Simon, inspired by his boot sale success gets out a puppet frog to introduce Rockin’ Bob, whos set is a very upbeat sing-a-long tap fest.

 

 

Lyon the frog says “Next up is Dennis”. Dennis starts of with a love song (capo fret 2) which talks of love in ASDA (now part of the Wal Mart empire of course). Never has a cheese counter been so happily described. Excellent use of cheeses for a relationship metaphore. Roquefort on Dennis!

 

 

Afterwards Fab club Virgin Ken dresses as a builder to read poetry from John Agards book ‘half caste’, as well as some of his own unbacked songs. What a splendid way to lose his FAB club virginity.

 

 

 

 

 

Joe is up now! She sings unbacked about the life of Hobo Joe and a grandfather who has seen a lot of changes both songs are linked by the themes of change and time.

 

Bill wants some backing and Claude obliges, and the audience get foot tapping along to a stirring song about honour and the futility of war. The Duchess herself requests the next song 15 times a night. Ooh!

 

 

Yes! Up next an organ from Joe Migdal telling us about ‘Driving to Portsmouth’ using a great melancholy sound produced by great organ playing. The organ is supplemented on the next song by a recorder to add to the timbre. Nice one!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jail had a choice of plectrums before he started playing – he likes it soft! (ed note).Oi watch it Claude this is my review!!

 

 

 

 

Trevor then touches us with a song ‘somebody new that brings a tear to the eye and this heartfelt songsmanship is repeated on “Breathe”, accompanied by some maracas.

 

 

 

 

 

The Duchess of FAB herself is up next playing some French language folk, giving her songs a distinct continental feel.

 

 

 

The biggest shout out for TDL! Bo selecta! Hear me Now?! Wot day gonna play?!! The audience always warm to the Irish drum and acoustic guitars, lovely stuff. Simons frog Lyon then sits on the drum next song for more effect.

 

 

Afterwards there’s time for more:

 

Ollie gives us 10,000 miles a song he co-wrote,

Rockin’ Bob: tap yr feet to his wonderful beat!

Ken: more poetry please!

 

 

Len: Performing a single song showing some excellent dexterity on the guitar,

 

 

Bill: Foot stopping galore in the song about Essex!

Trevor: English rose about children leaving home

Here comes Joe here we go, another moving organ song after a short fiddle.

TDL or TDG? Nice to see ‘em back

Then Claude sets up a dancy number followed by Jails Circle:/Line closer involving Simon and the Leopards.