OOTB 7
13 December 2001

This night was possibly the busiest and certainly one of the most enjoyable evenings at the Waverley so far. It was good to see so many venture out on such a frosty evening.

Free Loading Frank was back to start of the evening in a typically raucous fashion. There was a rare performance of “I’m In Love With A Woman Called Scum” which was delivered with Frank’s usual gusto. The “Anti-Car Song” resonated with a sincerity. A storming version of “Bloodshed On The Way” got the crowd singing along – when is this man going to get a CD together? Soon, hopefully.

Newcomer Jan was next up with unfortunately only the one song, “Traveller’s Tune” . His bass/baritone voice was a treat and I hope there’s more where that came from.

Another newcomer was John Hunt who’s a bit good. A performer of some pedigree, he was clearly at home on stage. A rich, cigarette-stained voice with some consummate guitar-playing. “Spiders & Flies” was drawn from observations of men & women in pubs (possibly Monday nights at Whistlebinkies?). “What Is Your Drug?” was perhaps the most memorable song and put forward the proposition that we’re all addicted to some ‘drug’ e.g. bingo, religion, football and – yes – cannabis; which may be contentious but it’s a good song and very funny. A talent who I hope we see again very soon.

The prize draw was made and the winner was the lovely Emily who won a pair of castanets.

Julie Dawid played her sensitive, uplifting tunes for her 3rd performance this year. A song for her friend “Lauren” was reminiscent of sixties rock siren Nico’s early work in its plaintive delivery. Julie also performed a song she’d written the day before! That alone impressed me and I actually thought it was her best song on the night – see you when you get back from London, Julie.

Colin Donati played what I thought was his best performance at the Waverley so far. Colin kicked off with “Klingons” and a fine tribute to George Harrison but an absolutely storming version of “Daniel (Get Out Of Jail For Free)” stole the show. Accompanied by bongos, shakers and a variety of harmonies, it’s a killer song by anyone’s standards – one of a few songs from these evenings that could trouble the pop chart (not that that’s always the sign of a good song).

Norman Lamont was again a standout with more new songs (to my ears) from his vast reservoir. Perhaps the rhythmic “Beirut” (with bongos) was the standout of the newer material. My personal favourite “This Horse” - with its hypnotic, drone-like guitar and richly symbolic lyrics - finished a fine set.

Sandy the photographer filled in at the end and actually had a good voice but played covers and broke a string on the house guitar so I can’t really encourage that behaviour.

I must stress the one golden rule of the evening – original songs, please. You can rip things off, steal and sample by all means but no cover versions, please.

I look forward to seeing you all sometime soon. Have a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year (or should that be peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year?)

Jim

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