That was a glorious evening.
Three bands, three styles and all of 'em made me grin like an ecstato-chimp on candy-speed.
I believe some of you fellow HHers have seen Purson live already. Holy Moley, but how lovely is Rosalie Cunningham?! They do the 70's occult rock thing very well; really enjoyed them a lot and look forward to an album with some relish, but she, in particular, is mesmerising. She's not only a vocalist and lead guitarist of some note, but she actually looks like she's been drawn by a comic-book artist to front this band playing this kind of music. Total agogment!
Next up were Fusion Orchestra 2. I knew next to nothing about Fusion Orchestra 1 above and beyond they'd made a prog-fusion album back in the midsts of time and were, a bit like Comus, a band re-activated by dint of slow-burning culty status by the word of mouth and the interweb. I gather that the guitarist is the only original member (guitarist) but they were fantastic. Think an earthier, rockier kind of Mahavishnu Vibe - a bit more spit and sawdust - something of a nod and wink version of prog and funky fusion. They had an amazing female vocalist who had only been rehearsing with the band for 4 weeks and the band themselves were a revelation. Must see again! Must hunt down old album!
And thus to Comus. Put simply, considering how relatively simple their set up is, they truly generate a sound and a power like no other band on this island Earth. I was closer to the stage than this time (this venue) last year and wacthing Roger Wooton gurn and "AUGH!" his way through the tunes was pretty stunning. He is the intense, infernal engine around which the Comus sound coalesces. The secret weapon in Comus 2012 is multi-instrumentalist and prouducer Jonny Seagroatt (who also salvaged the Malgaard Suite bootleg). His deftness of touch and colour splashes on percussion and woodwind bring the old songs into new life. I love the way the band veers from goosepimple quiteness to devilish abandon. Larvely! The guitar interplay between Roger Wooton's spikyness and Glen Gorings more considered, classical style was amazing to see close up. And Bobbie Watsons trilling, melifluous vocals are still the perfect foil for Roger Wooton's acerbic, biting delivery. Deliciously splendid!
(Here comes the name drop-clang bit. Soz n all that, but it was a blast)
Due to previously arranged things m'self and m'mate got go and 'hang' (v appropriate if you know the lyrics!) with Comus after the show and they couldn't have been nicer folk (should that be folk folk?). They still seemed to be pleased and touched that people are actually taking an interest after nearly 40 years of mythical mumblings. Ok, Roger Wooton still carries "I AM AN ANGRY MAN" in his psyche, but he was polite and attentive. Bobbie Watson, my main Comus contact, was a delight as was her hubby Jonny Seagroatt. She got me and me mate drinks and was only too happy to talk Comus. Couldn't help but ask if they'd been surprised by the renewed interest in the band she said they were all blown away and genuinely pleased and grateful; she said when the initial burblings of interest were coming out via friends and family, she thought it was so unlikely that people were either being 'kind' or taking the piss!
Got some good stories from Glen Goring about Roger Wooton's famous volatility too hee hee. He also told me that they were having difficulties getting gigs?!! WTF? Said they'd had an agent that was useless (as did others) and that promoters thought they were too 'niche'
Seems bizarrare to me cos the Borderline's been rammed to the poing of explosion twice I've seen 'em and I can think of loads of venues they'd sell out up here. Grrr.
Hopefully there is a date in Liverpool on the cards for November.
Also had the pleasure to meet Lee Dorian of Cathedral and Rise Above records, which was a bit daunting as he's either been on, or released, some of my fave albums. He was a top geezer - quite quiet and shy but totally into the bands and the music. A nice man. That was a very pleasant time spent in some very talented company. Still basking in the infernal glow a bit I must confess.
ps Other good news for my ears. They know Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth (I asked cos I knew they knew) and he is apparently a "really lovely guy, Mad about music", which is some relief cos I'd hate for one of my modern day metal gods to be a bumsplat.
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