This is the second Oysterband show that I have seen in 2013 - and they couldn't have been so different. I was present at the beginning of the year in Treorci. That was a VERY significant gig as it was the last gig that Bassist, Cellist & multi-instrumentalist Ray 'Chopper' Cooper played with the band. It was in The Parc & Dare Theatre. A lovely old seated theatre in the Welsh Valleys. It was the final date of the 2 year Ragged Kingdom Tour that the Oysters played with June Tabor.
It was a show charged with emotion as Chopper said goodbye to the band and the fans after many years of brilliant service. I even got to meet the man after and wish him well. He is now starting on a solo career and working on his second solo album.
The Oysterband at The Globe however was a totally different beast. With Ray now departed, we had Oysters supplemented by two new members, Producer Al Scott on bass and mandolin and Adrian Oxaal (ex James) on Cello.
It was a joyous occasion with the Oysters on sparkling form. They played older songs such as Deserters and Granite Years and also used the occasion to introduce some new songs including The Wilderness from the new album Diamonds On The Water due out in February.
I have to say that the quality of the new songs was excellent. Sometimes a change in the band dynamic can be a great energiser and John informed me that Adrian is also an excellent guitar player - so watch this space. John Jones is such a brilliant front man, full of passion and with such a tremendous voice. He even did his occasional, 'Singing with the audience', as he came into the crowd to lead us in a singalong.
They ended the show with an 'In The Audience' acoustic version of Put Out The Lights' which was just fantastic. The new album just can't come quick enough.
Twitter - @oysterband1
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