Big Country
So, here we are then. Back at The Waterfront for another 'classic album' performance, this time from early eighties Celtic new wave folk-rockers Big Country. They are celebrating the 30 year anniversary of their 1986 album The Seer. Not quite as successful as its predecessor, Steeltown, although it still reached number two in the UK album charts and spawned a top ten single with Look Away. And, besides, who organises a tour based around a 28 year old album?
It is an early start for a Friday night (thanks to The Waterfront's regular Propaganda club night being scheduled to kick off at 10:30pm), and I am driving into Norwich whilst those poor bastards not able to take full advantage of Poets Day are still making their way home, out of the city. On the bright side, I am going to find it peachy finding a free parking space in Rouen Road, just a couple of minutes walk away from the venue.
More good news when I find out that Norwich singer songwriter Chris Pidgeon is providing support tonight. I first saw Chris performing at Norwich's Oxjam event in Gonzo's just a couple of months ago, and immediately recognised Friday 13th, his moving song inspired by the events at Le Bataclan last year. I love his voice and his cleverly looped guitar constructions, and his narrative style reminds me of the classic folk storytellers Ralph McTell and Richard Thompson. If you see his name on a bill, check the man out.
Doing my homework on Big Country (I bought most of their albums in the eighties but had not followed them obsessively since) I discovered the tragic circumstances behind the death in 2001 of founder member, lead vocalist and guitarist Stuart Adamson. When the band re-convened in late 2010 Mike Peters (from The Alarm) took over vocal duties, and Jamie Watson (son of guitarist Bruce) joined on guitars. The current line-up now consists of original drummer Mark Brzezicki, original guitarist Bruce Watson (and son, Jamie), together with bassist Scott Whitley, and Simon Hough on lead vocals and guitar. To purists, this would already constitute a descent in the order of 60% towards becoming nothing more than a tribute band.
Well, I am pleased to report that the original spirit and sound of Big Country is alive and well, and in safe hands in the custody of Bruce, Mark and company. Right from the opening chords of The Teacher (the first four tracks are for some reason played in a different order from the original album release) we are transported back to the heady 'Big Bang' days of 1986, and the essence of The Seer is authentically captured in the voice of the incumbent Mr Hough.
Highlights are obviously the singles Look Away and One Great Thing (to which we enthusiastically sing along), and The Teacher and Hold The Heart, but the most intriguing track is the titular The Seer, upon which Kate Bush originally duetted. Despite claims from Watson that he had telephoned Kate tonight to ask her to guest with the band, and that her reputed response on hearing that it was Norwich was to 'fuck off', these exchanges remain unconfirmed.
There remain enough time for a brief 'greatest hits' rendition of In A Big Country (my personal favourite), Chance, Wonderland, and Fields of Fire (400 Miles) before the band exit stage left. The encore is thrown open to suggestion, but when a wag suggests the theme from Roobarb and Custard (which we all sadly appear to know, and are prepared to lead the way with) we have to settle with the vocal track from Restless Natives, the 1985 comedy film to which Stuart Adamson contributed the soundtrack. A poignant, if understated, tribute to the man who really was Big Country.
