6th February 2020
Backstage at The Green Hotel, Kinross
Martin Barre played two consecutive nights (one acoustic, then one electric) at the Green Hotel, Kinross recently. I chose to attend the first, hoping to hear a few of the lesser known Jethro Tull tunes.
What we sort of got I suppose. There was certainly no Aqualung or Locomotive Breath, thank goodness, for I think I have reached my lifetime's saturation point for both of those hoary old chestnuts.
As with the previous occasion I had seen Martin play, back in 2014, the set also included a remarkably eclectic array of non-JT cover versions. And we were, this evening, introduced to the work of such diverse individuals as Don Henley, Robert Johnson, Steve Winwood and, most surreally, Jack Buchanan!
Sprinkled in amongst the above there was additionally a fair number of Martin's own instrumental compositions – three of which he didn't introduce, so they are down as ? on the set list below. If anyone can help me complete the list.........
These were all pleasant enough, if a touch samey. A Winter Snowscape was the most memorable of the bunch. In the introduction to the last-named, Martin bemoaned the fact Kinross had had no snow on his current visit, although I am not so sure he really meant this. For when we took up our seats in the venue, MB was up on stage setting up his gear in a heavy anorak, body warmer and woolly gloves. I am guessing he is no great lover of the cold.
The remaining 66.66% of the Martin Barre Trio were Alan Thomson and Dan Crisp. Vocalist Crisp did a fine job, I felt, on the bluesier numbers Someday the Sun..., Teacher, Crossroads and the like, which really suited his voice. But when Barre & Co attempted some of the quieter Tull tunes, the limitations in Crisp's voice became apparent. And he really toiled to bring much in the way of subtlety to Wond'ring Aloud and Life is a Long Song. Both of which were also, in my opinion, rather busy sounding and over-arranged.
But this was an enjoyable evening for all that, for Mr Barre really is a delightful host sporting a dry line in self-deprecating humour. And to be still prepared to play little out-of-the-way venues like the 150 capacity Backstage at The Green Hotel, Kinross speaks volumes for his love of what he (still) does.
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| Martin Barre |
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| Alan Thomson |
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| Dan Crisp |
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| Martin Barre Acoustic Trio - February 2020 |
Set list
Wond'ring Aloud
?
Can't Find My Way Home
Life is a Long Song
Someday the Sun Won't Shine For You
This is My Round
Love Story
New York Minute
Skating Away
Crossroads
Hymn 43
Interval
?
?
Home
Spanish Tears
A Winter Snowscape
Bungle in the Jungle
Everything Stops for Tea
Teacher
Fat Man
Encore
Still Loving You Tonight
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| Martin made his bid for the 2020 Prog Award for "Other Instrument" during Everything Stops For Tea |
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| Martin Barre Acoustic Trio - February 2020 |
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