There's always a risk of giant clashes of egos at these mega gigs, not to mention the risk of musicians running over their allotted time and hogging the limelight.. But, with over 30 musicians taking part, what made this evening special was the joyful spirit of collaboration and some totally unexpected reunions.
Froots Magazine Celebrates its 30th Birthday
Froots, previously Folk Roots, is a British magazine covering modern and traditional music with roots from around the globe. From Anglo-trad to Zanzibar pop, it’s been at the sharp end of the folk/roots/world music scene for 30 years dealing with an incredible diversity of music from the latest fusions to the very ethnic.
What better way to celebrate its thirtieth birthday then to stage a concert with some of the artists who’ve appeared on its front cover during its lifetime. Many had flown in especially for the gig coming from the US, Africa and mainland Europe and the musician count was over thirty. Editor and founder Ian Anderson compered the proceedings with his own inimitable dry wit and repartee.
History of the Roundhouse in London's Camden Town
The Roundhouse, in London’s Camden Town, was built in 1847 to turn around steam locomotives for the London and Birmingham railway, but within 20 years the engines became too large for the building and it became a gin store. It was converted to a theatre in the late 1960’s and was host to legendary performances from Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and the Doors. In recent years it has been fully restored and now is a state-of-the-art concert venue with space for nearly 2000 people.
Folk and Roots Musicians
- Ian King Band (UK)
- Zuzana Novak (Czech Republic/UK)
- Devon Sproule & Paul Curreri (Canada/US)
- Jim Moray (UK)
- Kristi Stassinopoulou & Stathis Kalyviotis (Greece)
- Martin Simpson Band (UK)
- Oysterband with June Tabor (UK)
- Pamela Wyn Shannon (US)
- Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara (UK/Gambia)
- Laurel Swift dancing to Will Pound (UK)
- 3 Mustaphas 3 (UK)
- Billy Bragg & The Acoustic Blokes (UK)
Highlights were Devon Sproule, Oysterband, Justin Adams and Billy Bragg
Devon Sproule, ably accompanied by Paul Curreri on guitar. She has a voice to die for. Her self-penned ballads seem ageless, and range from melancholy country to whimsical jazz standards. The couple’s close harmonies turned the cavernous engine shed into an intimate supper club. Her final encore of the night was a group version of the old Vera Lynn classic “White Cliffs of Dover” and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Oysterband with June Tabor. It’s almost 20 years since they recorded an album together, but the combination just gets better and better. New versions of the Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow’s Parties” and Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” showed that it’s about time they went into the studio together again.
Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara with Roy Dodds on percussion. Juldeh is the master of the Riti, an African one string fiddle, and Justin lays down strong solid Bo Diddley guitar riffs, to deliver their own brand of African boogie. It was so infectious that themusicians waiting in the wings couldn't resist the temptation to come out and join in. This multi-cultural jam session brought the audience to its feet.
3 Mustaphas 3. This was their first appearance together since the band broke up almost 20 years ago. Sadly it was just limited to one song, but that was enough to show just how far ahead of their time they were. Hopefully this will be the start of a Mustapha revival.
Billy Bragg with the Acoustic Blokes. Sporting a guitar with the slogan “This Guitar Kills Time” Billy showed that his revolutionary fire was still burning when he launched into an impassioned plea to vote against the British Nationalist Party at the next election. He was also in fine voice and delivered a great rendition of "New England", the song he part wrote for the late Kirsty MacColl, as well as his own personal folk root, "Underneath The Arches". All the performers joined him at the end for an ensemble rendition of “Hard Times of Old England” with the thousand strong audience singing along.
The Future of Froots Aniversary Concerts
This was one of the most enjoyable gigs of recent times.The sound and lighting were superb and changeovers went like clockwork. It’s a great idea to limit artists to just a few songs, and it's also an opportunity to sample music in small portions rather than listening to an extended set. There is talk of making this an annual event which sounds like a no-brainer. Roll on 2011.
Rupert Parker - Rupert Parker is journalist, photographer, cameraman and TV Producer. He specializes in factual programming and has worked for the BBC, ...
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