New Season Gig The Ridings 25. 09. 26
Report Phil Barr Photos and Videos Jane Barr and Joe Fisher
A gloomy late September morning alongside a suitably autumnal feel to the weather seemed timely for the resumption of gig action after the long, hot, dry summer we’ve just experienced. The band was all ready to go despite a late glitch on Tuesday concerning Roy’s loose screw. With a search party failing to locate the missing accessory, on returning home in a flustered and anxious state, I was about to research metal detectors on Amazon when my phone pinged to reveal that Stuart’s engineering skills had saved the day. Mind you, this came as no real surprise with this multi – talented group having heard that the likes of Peter J has taken up pickle ball this summer alongside those already skilled in various arts, crafts and music.
Moreover, today’s leader is also a keen swimmer, (once he overcomes poolside problems, that is) and there may even be some truth in talk going round that Pop, being the all – round, non -stop action man that we know him to be, is thinking of taking up pole vaulting (mature male category).
So, with everyone assembled and back in black making final adjustments, (Mike S, yet again looking suave in a newly emblazoned Wakeylele Band waistcoat),
it was nearly time for a new start aside from our former leader, David, making a surprise appearances, renewing acquaintances and looking for possible interest in joining a new Thursday afternoon group before he then continued on his way.
It is possible that, at this point, a few of us might have been wondering what David would have thought of us, a year on had he stayed to listen; maybe some even felt a bit apprehensive about that prospect, but certainly in the first half today and for the vast majority of the second half the band showed that there is now a collective confidence and assuredness as can be seen in the videos. Jane commented afterwards that, from the off, we looked refreshed, played in a positive, cheerful and outgoing manner and sounded good. She also noticed how our leader’s confidence in promoting the work of the YAA and the band itself has developed.
There are always one or two areas to work on connected with hearing or seeing prompts or the odd timing issues in parts of a song as in, today, Beautiful Sunday and the opening chords of Any Dream Will Do, which we often seem to hesitate over before the rest of the song nearly always sounds amazing. Val’s bass timing and back- up sound was immaculate
today as was Margaret’s percussion, Chris’s solo piece on ‘Come Over to My Place’ was both tuneful and then amusing and everyone was on cracking form generally, including the distinguished looking back row, witness the overall sound, level of concentration and enthusiasm evident from the close-quarters video extract.
Well done Chris, well done everybody and thanks to Jane for the rest of the videos.
Next up is Melvyn’s Marathon next Tuesday. An early night on Monday is recommended.