Steve's
Place
Dartford
Mick Jagger
Centre
November
16, 2005
Tonight’s show at Dartford’s
Mick Jagger Centre is another steamy affair with 550 packed-in punters
facing the tastefully lit stage. But it takes the band some time
to bring their audience to the boil. ‘Bridge of Sighs’ (again!) is
the turning point with Robin’s outstanding, soulful guitar-playing at the
end of the number. This Trower anthem has definitely enjoyed something
of a revival on this tour.
I don’t think I’ve heard
‘Rise up like the Sun’ played as well live as I’ve heard it tonight. Davey’s
vocals, Pete’s drums, Dave’s bass lines and Robin’s lead breaks combined
for what was a truly great rendition, played with unusual gusto too.
Whenever I hear ‘Too Rolling
Stoned’ I always imagine that Robin has four or five guys with trumpets,
horns and saxes playing behind the stage curtain. The vibe on this number
is decidedly funky tonight with Robin adding great new harmonies and counterpoint
to his extended solo at the close of the number.
Tony C tells me afterwards
that he thinks Pete was absolutely brilliant on ‘Daydream’. Mrs Walters
may well join husband John on the road to Norwich on the strength of tonight’s
performance. Dave Smith from Strathclyde is here too and is next off to
Bristol, Newport, Leeds and Norwich.
Wow! Please cover the
concert review writing chores for me folks as I can’t get there! The incomparable
Martin Hughes has managed to get Robin to sign (in white pen) a rare collector’s
item, a 1976 issue of ‘Beat Instrumental’ magazine. Priceless.
I think I said it last
time, back in April, the more shows the band play, the better they play.
Robin is on a roll tonight
but he’s the first to acknowledge the invaluable parts played by Pete,
Dave and Davey.