LIVE AT THE MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY (DVD)

Perhaps I am expecting too much when watching the current Fairport line up performing. I find myself hoping to hear the great Fairport classics of the early 1970's, and to witness the legendary Dave Swarbrick on the violin. Inevitably though, in the intervening period the band have had to move on from the pure voice of Sandy Denny, the magic of "Liege and Leif", and the communal creativity of the Angel Tavern.

These days, it is Dave Pegg who is the catalyst which keeps the band going, ably assisted by long serving Fairport luminaries such as Simon Nicol and Gerry Conway. They are joined by the relatively recent members violinist Ric Sanders (who has been with the band for over 20 years!), and the multi talented Chris Leslie who joined in 1996.

This DVD captures the band performing in 2003 in Canterbury, a place known better in these parts for a completely different genre of music. The age and subdued nature of the audience reflects the maturity of the band (Pegg celebrated his 60th birthday this year), but the boys themselves are in fine form.

There is very little of the old material here, although along the way we do get "Walk awhile", the title track from "Rosie", a quick burst of "Matty Groves", the live favourite "Journeyman's grace" and the traditional encore "Meet on the ledge". The rest of the material is from more recent albums, but at times even the band cannot remember which specific releases! "The wood and the wire" contributes several songs while other songs here had at the time not yet appeared on album. Between the songs we have elongated introductions and amusing anecdotes much of which appears to be lost on the apparently hard of hearing audience.

Highlights included the twin violins of Sanders and Leslie and Leslie's emotive recitals on native American flute. In vocal terms, the band work well together, taking it in turn to assume centre stage. It is Nicol though who tends to lead the proceedings.

I must admit, some of the newer songs are less impressive, the song-writing seeming to be becoming one challenge too many these days. We therefore have to rely to some extent on the band's interpretations of traditional material for the show highlights. The filming of the gig is excellent, and the 5.1 surround sound quality first class. The filming backstage during the interval is interesting and mildly amusing, while appearing to confirm that the band still relish the opportunity to perform live.

In all, a decent document of the current Fairport Convention playing live, but if you are a fan from the band's heyday, don't expect too much.

Share this FAIRPORT CONVENTION review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#137404)
• Buy FAIRPORT CONVENTION music online with PA partners
• Show all FAIRPORT CONVENTION MP3/Stream
• Go to FAIRPORT CONVENTION page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Live At The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (DVD) page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for FAIRPORT CONVENTION related discussions