OK, firstly, let's have some context. I'd been waiting to see this show for many years now.
Robinson Stone are one of the few acts enlightened enough to cover the songs of one of the best singer songwriters of the 70s - the UK's Clifford T Ward.
Now an almost forgotten man in musical terms - he remains one of our best singer songwriters and in the mid 70s he released 6 classic albums that sealed his legacy.
1. 1972 - Singer-Songwriter 2. 1973 Home Thoughts
3. 1973 - Mantel Pieces 4. 1975 - Escalator
5. 1975 - No More Rock N Roll 6. 1976 Waves
He released a few more albums in the 70s & 80s but they didn't match the quality or gentle grandeur of those 1970s releases.
Over the years his style has been described as pastoral, literate and very English. I wouldn't disagree with this but I think he was much more.
Clifford started his career in bands of the 1960's and was writing songs including this one.
Simon's Secrets - Keeping My Head Above Water
He soon found himself a solo artist and was known for being rather, demanding, in the studio. Wanting his releases to sound the best they could be in terms of sound and arrangement.
The one thing he would not do however would be to take his music on Tour. This definitely affected his career. While he saw those other singer songwriters like Cat Stevens reach the heights of fame, Clifford chose his own path. He studied to be a teacher and the education he received then changed his perspective on life and showed up in his work in the lyrics he produced.
Tragically, his career was cut short by him developing Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which produces some awful symptoms - it's a condition I know very well as my wife has it - so I can imagine what effect it has on a man who needed his coordination and mental faculties to get the best out of his talent.
But he is still highly regarded in the Musician's Circles.
Clifford T has such an interesting story and I am only scratching the surface here. I urge you to seek out his recordings and there is a lovely documentary which features his wife Pat called 'Oh and by the way'.
So, to the show itself.
Robinson Stone are siblings
Dan (guitar/vocals) Leyna (Bass, Guitar, Flute & Vocals
Dean - (Keyboards/Vocals)
The show consisted of about 30 songs from all areas of Clifford's career.
The sound was crystal clear and the band treated the songs with the respect they deserved. Concentrating on the quieter, more reflective songs by which Clifford is more well known.
In a wise move, they kept the chat to a minimum and that allowed them to give maximum time to the songs.
Sidetracked
Clifford T Ward - Gaye
Robinson Stone - Gaye
All of the siblings are fine musicians in their own right and it showed throughout the performance. With 30 songs played on the evening it gave them all a chance to shine and take the lead, which they were all more than capable of. And a big shout out to the Acapela audience who once again respected the music and you could have heard a pin drop while the band played.
Clifford T Ward - Home Thoughts From Abroad
Clifford T ward - Scullery
I won't mention every song that was played on the night but suffice to say all of Clifford's albums were covered and it was a fabulous introduction to the music that most of you out there have probably never heard. I have put the setlist towards the bottom of the review for those who may be interested in compiling a playlist.
Gentle
Below you will find an hour's worth of performance video of Robinson Stone performing the songs of Clifford T Ward for you to enjoy which will say much more than any review can. Play it on your TV for the full effect.
Robinson Stone also record their own music, which you really should seek out. Their album is called Skywatcher, and it's a lovely thing.
Skywatcher
The Setlist
Whatever shows I attend there is always a song that doesn't get played. On this night it was Wherewithal which in all fairness wouldn't have sounded in place on an evening of mainly ballads.
Wherewithal
So now that hopefully I have piqued your interest in the world of Clifford T Ward, where do you go? I think you should start with the album Home Thoughts. CDs & Albums are hard to find but if you have access to a streaming service you can probably find it on there and it's definitely on Youtube.
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