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STEELEYE SPAN - RAM'S
HEAD, The fall 2000 Steeleye Span tour started off with a bang in Annapolis. It marked the return to the fold of bassist extraordinaire Rick Kemp. For a man starting his first Steeleye Span tour in 15 years he showed no signs of nerves. A feat even more remarkable when he only had a month to get ready for a tour in which he had to learn almost all of the songs from scratch! The loss of Bob Johnson from the band is a big one, but in time, the addition of Rick could be just as big. He played beautifully all night and when they got around to some of the songs from his time in the band he was transcendent. Dave Mattacks looks right at home is this band and adds an already proven folk rock drummer to the mix. He proves, as always, to be a very versatile and subtle drummer and once he and Rick Kemp have a little more time to get used to playing together, this could be one of the best rhythm sections in music today. Tim Harries, who has been handling the bass duties for the band quite admirably for the past 11 years, now has a chance to step out and show that he is talented at many instruments. He played rhythm guitar much of the night with a few stints at keyboards. After years of just backing vocals, Tim is now getting a long overdue chance to do some lead vocals, and he does them well. He does sound like he has been listening to Bob Johnson sing for the past decade. Gay commented on being a bit cold at the show. It was a cold rainy (though not haily or windy!) night. She delivered each song with passion, energy, and spirit and is only getting better with time. That leaves us with Peter Knight, who is the true heart and soul and flame carrier for Steeleye Span. His violin playing is such a huge part of the bands’ history and sound and he always adds a heartfelt solo at just the right time. He is, without a doubt, one of the most eloquent and classy front men for any band. But he would be the first to tell you that the magic of Steeleye Span is not in any one person, but in the great effect of all the parts working together to create that distinctive sound. Much has been made of the departure of Maddy Prior, but as hard a loss as it was to the band, they have definitely continued to create music just as vibrant and unique as they always have. Steeleye Span are very much alive and well and if you get a chance to see them don’t miss it! Now I will give the set list, so those of you who want to be surprised don’t read this.
Set I The Prickly Bush Dark-Eyed Sailor Who Told the Butcher Erin Jam Staring Robin Horkstow Grange (flawless harmonies) The Stuttering Lovers The Connemara Cradle Song Set II The Old Turf Fire John of Ditchford Bonny Birdy (including great Kemp solo) Poem The Water is Wide I Wish That I Never Was Wed Thomas the Rhymer Old Maid in the Garrett Encore All Around My Hat Jam with solos All in all the show was wonderful. If this is any indication of the new direction of Steeleye Span, then the future of the band is in good hands. Everybody in the band seems quite happy with where they are and it shows in the music. Scott Law Baltimore, MD |