Play 90 second 'Bootleg' soundbite of 'Nine Feet Underground' @ 'CD quality'
I went along with more than a little trepidation, not fully expecting to be roused as I was last time. But, I was amazed to find that the overall style and feel of their music was generally much the same. Sure there's a few differences now what with the modern gear available but Caravan was still Caravan. There was still the soft vocals of original member, rhythm guitarist and songwriter, Pye Hastings and still a similar lyrical writing style; storytelling in an easy, almost childlike fashion.
Caravan were always known for their keyboard driven epic works which continuously changed in depth and feel as they took you on a musical journey of supreme quality full of light and shade. The older works on display tonight were exactly that; particularly with the mind blowing '9 Feet Underground' and 'For Richard'. Their softer side was portrayed with such greats as 'Why Why Why', 'Golf Girl' and their encore, 'Who Do You Think You Are' - all brought back the goose bumps and emotion, the long forgotten memories of those hazy musically transitional days of 70's wonderment and musical experimentation. More recent works, 'Smoking Gun', 'The Unauthorised Breakfast Item', 'Revenge' and the excellent 'Head Above The Clouds' demonstrated that the song writing is just as good and 'different' as it was way back when.
Their performance tonight (as always of course) was tight, totally professional and typically dynamic; the beautifully subtle rhythm section of original man and drumming genius, Richard Coughlan combined with the sublime bass of Jim Leverton to power the six piece from the backline with an ease and control that most bands would die for. Pye's, mainly rhythm, guitar filled in the spaces behind the unbelievably fine lead work of guitarist Doug Boyle. Geoffrey Richardson's violin was scorching hot, particularly with a brilliant solo on 'Nightmare' and provided the perfect backdrop to the awesome keyboards of Jan Schelhaas. Geoff also put in some fine work on flute and spoons. At times the overall sound was breathtaking. The entire set was watched and listened to by the knowledgeable and appreciative audience with a feeling of anticipation and loyal reverence.
A great night for us ageing hippies (and most of the audience could be described as such!) and a musical education for the younger enthusiasts. Judging from the audience reaction at the finish, everyone went home happy, content and suitably refreshed after this great exhibition of contemporary classics.
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