15th March 2007 -  Special Guests Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby

MC Val got the night off promptly and politely at 8:31 introducing Alnwick based Geoff Pickard as local support.

Geoff provided 4 songs, starting with Gerry Rafferty’s 'The Coat She Wore' in G# nicely picked, followed by the expected Tom Paxton song 'Troubadour' with a lovely run based around Dsus4. Then reminiscences of Newcastle 1960s nights out gave us 'Palais Girl' with some wonderful lines – “eating cold chips from a bag” brought several smiles, and "loose girls holding tight" was poetic. Geoff closed with his own song 'Busker Bill' based around the story of a tramp who used to busk in Fenwicks doorway in Newcastle. Solid stuff.

<Listen> to an extract of Geoff's support slot.

Cathryn and Brian are wonderful together, tonight starting with 'That Old Guitar' showcasing superb Brian solos which were featured throughout the evening. One of a series of family songs came next with (Aunt) 'Genevieve' - yet again, this had the the audience stunned by the clarity and emotion in Cathryn's voice and the brilliance of Brian's dexterity. Cathryn handed her guitar to Brian as she introduced the next song - this new song, yet to be named (maybe 'Surrender' or perhaps 'Calling On Angels'?) went down well in an audience with many people here to see them for the first time. Brian switched to nylon string guitar for 'Alice's Song', an exquisitely beautiful song written for Brian's niece. Cathryn recounts many stories around and between the songs - she told us about “Yucky and Stinky” from the days of the Pigg River Symphony, leading us into 'American Trilogy' (with some of the audience whistling the tune) which slowed to a mellow harmonic finish. In contrast they then played 'Mr Jefferson' - driving rhythm and throaty vocals being the perfect backdrop for more of Brian's guitar wizardry. They closed the first half with 'Accanoe', Cathryn playing, singing and providing percussion all together with Brian on the lovely resonator guitar - absolutely crystal clear sound and note perfect. Brilliant.

At 10:10 the second half got underway with Brian solo playing 'Fingers Crossed' the title track from his instrumental CD - a tune that he told us was in B minor and written when he was just 18 (are we guitarists jealous or what?! ). Normally very quiet, Brian regaled us with some anecdotes from life on the road. He then called Cathryn back to the stage and they played 'Two Hearts', a wonderful guitar combination with Cathryn's voice again soaring with emotion. They dedicated 'This Night, These Dreams And You' to John Tobler of The Road Goes On Forever Records, who was there with them tonight. 'Walk Slowly Through This Life' from the Porch Songs recordings was finely executed, with the lovely descending final bars met by awe and admiration from the audience. Hosts Jimmy and Val on the desk were now visibly nodding and singing to 'I Will', the title track from Cathryn and Brian's only joint CD - Brian's fast “trills” on the high notes reminiscent of Booga’s speed from Cambridge based Ezio. Then with an a cappella bold and confident start, Cathryn led us all toward the evening’s end, 'Cottonfields', building into a gutsy number with the audience singing along in the chorus.

They encored with 'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' inviting on-stage the club hosts Jimmy and Val (jiva), together with support Geoff for a 5 piece group finale.

Another great night at Ashington - the combination of string bending, tapping, harmonics, blistering melodic fills and gentle accompaniment meeting with superb lyrics delivered with emotion, panache and effortless range (not forgetting fun too!) meant that guitarists, singers, writers and audience were all given an absolute treat.

Hats off to jiva for organising a good show – far better, it transpires, than tonight’s toon football match!!

Mike & Hazel Jessop

You can hear some songs from Cathryn and Brian on their MySpace pages by following the link below:
http://www.myspace.com/cathryncraigandbrianwilloughby

Note from Jimmy & Val (jiva): Thanks to Mike & Hazel for sterling help on the door and for the above review. We had a truly memorable night - thank you to everyone for your support... it was wonderful to see so many friends and new faces. Please feel free to add your comments in our Guestbook.

Top of Page