BJH FEATURING LES HOLROYD: CLASSIC MEETS ROCK

I bought this dvd with mixed feelings. The ratings on this site were quite good but there were also some akward reviews of gigs that Les Holroyd had played in The Netherlands. So what to expect?

Well, it turned out to be a very, very nice surprise.

First a warning: those who like a spectacular concert with a wide variety of show effects, lighting or other special effects, don't read any further because you'll be disappointed. As a visual experience the dvd is a bit dull, a bit 'as can be expected' and nothing less. Les and his band are quite static but who cares? Barcla James Harvest have never been spectacular on stage other than because of the light show (which was in some tours extremely nice). And as Les turns older and has sufferend quite a few personal drawbacks the last years (first his beloved wife dies in a stupid accident, then his long time friend and BJH-drummer Mel Pritchard suddenly died), he has grown quite older. And yes, his voice isn't as good as it has been which is sometimes embarrassing. But the musicianship hasn't suffered at all, on the contrary. The dvd starts off with instrumental versions of two songs and both songs are very relaxed and nice to listen to. It is also a very sympathetic way of setting the spots on the orchestra which delivers a good, if not very good support to the band. The arrangements are probably not very surprising or innovative, they work extremely well and add multiple layers to the songs.

Yet, if you expect a soft classical-like performance (as I was....) you are totally wrong. Because the songs have not only been arranged for the orchestra but also for the band in which Michael Byron-Hehir is the most prominent player, they certainly rock. The guitar playing is more sharp edged, aggressive, sometimes almost metal-like and thus quite different from John Lees' back in the old days of BJH. And that works quite well. As a consequence most songs are significantly longer than the originals, anothergem of this dvd. Only for 'Shadows in the sky' this new version is too long since not much is happening musically during its more than 12 minutes duration. As for the set list, Les had chosen to mix some real oldies (Life is for living, Hymn (first time he does the lead vocals!), Mockingbird (id) and Berlin with songs from his only solo album to date. His pick of songs is good; I especially like Prelude/January Mornng (beautiful classical arrangement and fierce guitar work) and Berlin (almost purely classical, very atmospheric).

There is only a photo galery added as extra on the dvd which is a bit poor. And the dvde is quite difficult to lay your hands on; that's a shame!

For those who have been close with BJH: the dvd was dedicated to Mel Pritchard, maybe another reason to purchase it.

With this concert Les goes back to the old days when BJH toured with their own orchestra and earned a lot of respect for this new approach. Then it was a hostoric musical experience (listen to the album!) which almost sent them definitely bankrupt. Now, more than 30 (!)n years later his bank account will be considerably healthier so he could take the risk. And again he earns the respect from everybody who liked the classical BJH; he has done a very good job. Therefore a four star!!

Share this BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to TheoJVerstrael
• Report this review (#138006)
• Buy BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST music online with PA partners
• Show all BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST MP3/Stream
• Go to BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to BJH Featuring Les Holroyd: Classic Meets Rock page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST related discussions