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| June 2008 - Peter Bellamy tribute evening This evening had been keenly anticipated by many Gaol regulars, and in the event it did not disappoint. Peter’s work as a singer, musician, and writer and as the composer of many settings of Rudyard Kipling’s poetry is respected and loved by many, and the man himself was certainly a “character”. It’s probably true to say that much of what Peter achieved was not fully appreciated during his lifetime and that his reputation has continued to grow since his untimely death. Performers on the evening were Keith Kendrick, Rob Bostock, Raymond Greenoaken (a real Bellamy enthusiast, all the way from darkest Sheffield), Karen Harris, Pete Burnham (also as a duo with Karen), Chris Orme, Stephen Bailey, Phil Hardcastle (the latter three also together as Notts Alliance), Rob and Ann Watson, Jack Crawford, Cat Farrell (a Gaol debut), Bill Wilkes, Stevie Lone Star and Sylvia Needham. Hope I’ve not forgotten anyone. |
Material came from the full range of Peter’s repertoire. We had songs from his great ballad opera, “The Transports”, including “The Black and Bitter Night” and “The Plymouth Mail”; we had songs from Peter’s time with The Young Tradition, such as “The Bold Fisherman” and “Innocent Hare”; we had many of his brilliant Kipling settings, including “Follow me ‘ome” and “Mandalay”; we had traditional songs associated with Peter, such as “On Board a 98” and “Rag Fair”; and we had contemporary songs covered by the great man, such as “A Chat with Mother” and “Chicken on a Raft”. Performers also supplied appropriate anecdotes, some of which were humorous, and some rather moving. All in all the evening went with a bang. As a number of people noted, the only real disappointment was that Peter couldn’t be with us. We’ll have to do it again some time. Chris |
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| ©2006-2008 Andy Basford | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
