First class gig in Swansea last night. Peter Bruntnell, Neil Halstead and Danny George Wilson (who works in a tattoo shop, when not being a musician he told us).
A master class of songwriters indeed.. Sitting left to right, Neil, Peter, Danny, each taking turn to perform songs individually from their various Lps. Never truly solo, as the harmonies where in CSN (Crosby Stills & Nash) territory and when one was singing, guitar, harmonica and percussion was provided by the other two.
The Chattery is also unique, a coffee shop / restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch, it stays open in the evening of a gig. So a 7.30 arrival seen us ordering a home cooked meal and fine bottles of ale (£3.50 - London take note!).
The first set was an hour after which, cheese & french bread was handed out at half time to all who wanted it. A further 75 minute set was superb. Only four dates on this week long tour, friendships certainly seemed to have been struck and much merriment obtained from spending a week being ferried across the country in Peter Bruntnell's Jag (Rover, that felt like a Jag).
The show was full collection of of songs, as the guy's dug deep into their musical careers. The final song, sung as a collective, was a sublimely sweet John Prine cover as the gig drew to a close at 11.45pm.
This is what at great gig is all about; songcraft, collaboration, friendship, a cosy venue and fine musicians. we hope to be back at the Chattery before too long.
Pete
Chris Mills & the Distant Stars play at The Chattery on Saturday 22nd February. Tickets are available on: 01792 473276