Acoustic Strawbs are Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby, each with an acoustic guitar (plus the occasional bodhran and banjo). They released a successful CD a couple of years ago, but only two numbers remain on the repertoire for this record. Instead they run through the odd selection of old Strawbs songs. Odd, because it is by no means the typical "acoustic" songs they have picked.

They open with "Ghosts", which is just as full of drama and dynamics as the original. "Autumn" (from Hero And Heroine) is no obvious choice either, but it works, not least because the three guitarists don’t just play a straight backing, but have worked hard on the arrangements. Thereby, they manage in an impressive way to recreate the essential elements of the original arrangements (well, perhaps not the mellotron…).

Cousins does the main vocals, and also has the simple backing job, while Lambert and Willoughby add delicate details and solos. Vocally, it is magical as always, even if I have to admit that Cousins has one of those voices you either love or hate.

Soundwise, the concert is great, with a crystal clear sound ensuring that no detail is missing. Visually, it is modest, a simple setting with neither the lighting nor the camera work being especially impressive. However, for such an intimate concert, it is quite acceptable, but it means that the concert can easy be enjoyed with your eyes closed.

In addition to the concert, we get a suitably short interview with the three musicians where they reminisce about places they have played and people they have played with. Contrary to many such features, this one is quite entertaining.

© 2006 Tarkus Magazine

Back to index