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Pete Atkin >> *oDs >> ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
(Message started by: Carole on Today at 12:58)

Title: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on Today at 12:58
Hello MVs

Anyone fancy a return to the Lantern Theatre (Sheffield)? Oh good, so did I, and Pete has very kindly agreed to go along with it.

Saturday 19th September is the day. Start time yet to be decided but probably 7.30 and a ticket price of £12 - please enclose a stamped addressed envelope -- I forgot to ask for that last time :). Tickets will be sent out later (probably a lot later!) when we've done 'em, but you can put your order in straight away. For anyone who didn't (or even those who did!) go last time, the Lantern only has 84 seats so it really is important to book early.

Back then, Steve assembled a page all about the area and amenities here (http://www.peteatkin.com/thod.htm), and although some things have changed, much remains the same. It will get updated nearer the time. The review page from the 2006 event is here (http://www.peteatkin.com/thodrevrb.htm), and the Lantern now has its own website here (http://www.lanterntheatre.org.uk/Lantern%20Actual%20-%20About.html).

Please send me an IM (http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=;action=imsend;to=carole) if you wish to book, or if you have any queries. By return I'll do my best to answer your question(s) and advise you how to pay. No provisional reservations though -- I do need payment, which I will confirm, also by IM. Only then will your seat(s) be booked.

Now, isn't this something lovely to look forward to?!

Carole

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 28.04.09 at 08:51
Great Work Carole !

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: a note about IMs
Post by Carole on 29.04.09 at 16:32
Just a word about Instant Messaging for people who don't use it very often/ever! I made it simple to IM me, using the red IM link on my original message. Here it is again: IM (http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=;action=imsend;to=carole). My message back to you will go into your personal IM 'inbox' on the forum. If you have your 'preferences' (found under Profile) set to 'notify by email' you'll get a copy of my message to you in your normal email inbox as well.

However, you can't click 'reply' in your email programme (well you can, and it will look like you've sent me a reply, but your message will find itself caught in the net that Steve has very thoughtfully set up so it doesn't get lost forever)! The way to reply is to log onto the forum, where you'll notice at the top of the page a red notification telling you you have a new message. Click on that and it will open up my message to you. Whereupon, should you need to, you can hit 'reply' and the whole jolly business starts again.

Until today, you were only enabled to send an IM if you'd posted at least one public message to the Forum. This was an anti-spam measure set up a long time ago by Steve. Now he's removed that restriction, making it easier for the newly-joined to contact me (or anyone else!)

For those with glazed eyes, or who have nodded off, or just plain given up - don't despair, I really do want you to come to The Lantern Theatre as I know it will be a great night. I will sign off with my full name and tell you that my email address is: first name@last name dot com. So use that if it makes things easier.

Thank you to the people who have contacted me for tickets, I look forward to seeing you all, and lots more besides, on the 19th September!

Carole Birkill

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 16.05.09 at 10:56
Just to add that the Sheffield Marriott Hotel where a number of us stayed last time seems no longer to be a Marriott but is now called the Kenwood Hall Hotel www.kenwoodhallhotelsheffield.co.uk
Seán

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Simon Reap on 18.05.09 at 13:30

on 05/16/09 at 10:56:51, Seán Kelly wrote :
Just to add that the Sheffield Marriott Hotel where a number of us stayed last time seems no longer to be a Marriott but is now called the Kenwood Hall Hotel www.kenwoodhallhotelsheffield.co.uk
Seán


I've just booked a room there for ThOD2 by following the "it's cheaper if you book online" button.  Has anyone actually tried to book over the phone and found it any more expensive?

By the way, that site lists only one twin room still available for the 19th, though there are lots of doubles.

Simon


Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Jan on 18.05.09 at 14:18
I've booked through Superbreaks
http://www.superbreak.com/go/im598/index.htm
and got a double for £89 including breakfast, but I had to pay up front .
Jan

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Keith Busby on 18.05.09 at 15:14
I'm giving the Nether Edge a whirl this time. 39 quid p.n.

Keith

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 18.05.09 at 20:32
I got £79 for a double room by going via the Kenwoods own website (see my post above) and only paid a deposit of 11.80 I think it was - with the rest to be paid on the night (sounds like an old-time gig contract -anyone rememeber the Liverpool Scene "Bread on the Night"?  ooh sorry my off-topic alarm is flashing!)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Jan on 26.05.09 at 21:03

on 05/26/09 at 11:07:17, Leslie Moss wrote :
Any news of future gigs, especially those with Sarah and Simon as well?

Well it's not with Simon and Sarah but it is definitely a future gig:

Sept 19th at the Lantern Theatre Sheffield

Hope you make that one Leslie  :)

Jan

Title: Re: ThOD 2 Update 1
Post by Carole on 27.05.09 at 12:22
If this was a school report it would read "could do better"!

I have sold 22 tickets (that is, cheque received) with currently 6 tickets enquired about but not yet paid. Looking at the thread for the last time I did The Lantern, I see that more than half the 80 seats had sold in the first week.   :-/

As anyone who went last time will attest (attest, attest, please!), it was a great night in a very special venue (http://www.peteatkin.com/thodrevrb.htm). If you book a ticket, you won't be disappointed.

So...roll up roll up - stop pussyfooting and shillyshallying - get your tickets now!

I'm still trying to decide if I should do the after-show gathering at the (as was Marriott) Kenwood Hall Hotel, but I need to have sold more tickets to make it worthwhile, and I need not to leave it too late or they won't have a room available. You see my dilemma?

Send me an IM (http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=ods;action=imsend;to=carole) to book, and I'll tell you where to send your money. All is explained in this thread (http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=ods;action=display;num=1240660706;start=0#0).

Carole

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by andyw on 27.05.09 at 12:37
As representative of 2 of the select band of 22, I attest (times 3 at least) that no-one should miss the opportunity to see and hear Pete is this excellent little venue in September.  Beat a path to Carole's post box, and you will not regret it.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Mike Walters on 27.05.09 at 13:17
Just to second that - it's a terrific, intimate little venue.  I thoroughly enjoyed the last performance there, and can't wait for this one.  

Mike

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Keith Busby on 27.05.09 at 18:28
Thirded. A great time will be had by all. Roll up, sign up.

Keith

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Leslie Moss on 28.05.09 at 08:53
Fourthed - and my cheque is in the post Carole.

Seriously folks, It's not just a chance to see Pete as his most relaxed - in the company of true obsessives! - but also to catch up with friends, both those actually met before and those who are names only to you beforehand. Carole is sticking her neck out to commit to the event - the least we can do is give it our full backing. Let's prove that Midnight Voices is more than just a talking-shop.

Leslie

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Simon Reap on 28.05.09 at 12:46
I am still sorry that I missed the first ThOD, so when a re-run was announced I grabbed my chance as soon as I could.  The theatre itself sounds delightful, and a chance to see Pete up close and personal can't be sniffed at.  Get those IMs flowing!

Simon

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by BogusTrumper on 28.05.09 at 21:03
Ok, so when will there be an *OD on the States?  :D

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Keith Busby on 29.05.09 at 00:43
Aw, c'mon, Bogus. Why don't you double the contingent from the great Midwest? That nice Mrs. Birkill will do us proud.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by BogusTrumper on 29.05.09 at 15:27
I will try and organize another Ghent trip.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Keith Busby on 29.05.09 at 20:24
Attabogus. That way you get to drink Belgian beer, too.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by hannibalmcnee on 30.05.09 at 00:48
Damn it!

I could have actually gone to Sheffield!

So long I've been waiting for a gig I could feasibly get to. And along comes on on 19th September. When I'll be in Dallas, Texas.

Oh, how capricious Fate plays her cards with me like a Mississippi boat whore...

Crushed. Next time...

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 31.05.09 at 11:14
I will certainly attest - it was a marvellous venue - a perfect little theatre- a great performance from Pete - and an audience of friends/friendly people; miss it if you really have to - but certainly not otherwise [sorry it won't work as an advertising slogan Carole!]

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 31.05.09 at 12:03

on 05/31/09 at 11:14:50, Seán Kelly wrote :
miss it if you really have to - but certainly not otherwise [sorry it won't work as an advertising slogan Carole!]


It started out with such promise too! :)

Carole


Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Pete Atkin on 10.06.09 at 19:31
Well, I'm certainly looking forward to it already (again).  The thing is, I always have this dilemma playing for an audience of (perhaps almost) exclusively MVs:  what should I do?  What do they (i.e. you) want to hear?  Old stuff?  New stuff?  Familiar stuff? Unfamiliar stuff?  Etc., etc.   It may be, of course, that once everyone's dearest wishes are collated and reconciled, the resulting setlist may well look pretty much exactly like the one I'd probably have come up with anyway. But I'd hate to think that a whole bunch of dearest but unexpressed wishes might go unnecessarily unfulfilled.  As some of you know, at previous *oDs I've instigated several different ideas for incorporating MV requests.  Does anyone have any ideas as to how I might go about it this time?

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Simon Reap on 10.06.09 at 23:38

on 06/10/09 at 19:31:14, Pete Atkin wrote :
As some of you know, at previous *oDs I've instigated several different ideas for incorporating MV requests.  Does anyone have any ideas as to how I might go about it this time?


Just play everything?  Might take a while, but I'm sure Kenwood Hall can do a breakfast sclonch for afterwards.....

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Mike Walters on 11.06.09 at 09:31
I'd certainly like to put in a bid to hear some of the very recent, so-far-unrecorded songs - some of them, like 'Here We Stay', have already begun to themselves in my consciousness, but I'd welcome the chance to become even more familiar with them.  Beyond that, I suppose my preference would be to hear some of the songs that Pete less frequently performs live - perhaps  'An Array of Passionate Lovers' or 'All the Dead...' given recent discussions of them on here.  

Finally - and I might be alone in this - I'd quite like to hear Pete do one or two of the covers he's been doing with Sarah Moule (particularly since I'd hoped to make the Newbury gig but couldn't in the end).  I've always thought that Pete is a terrific interpreter of songs - possibly not surprising as he's spent the majority of his musical career inhabiting someone else's lyrics.  I note that the Bright Lights set list included the Dan's 'Razor Boy' - I loved Pete's performance of that song at one of the Monyash performances a few years ago, and wouldn't at all mind hearing it again.  

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 11.06.09 at 10:19
There was an interesting debate on 'Here We Stay' after the last Lantern gig.

If I'm not mistaken, Pete played two versions,  anthemic and more reflective. I absolutely loved the anthemic version, maybe because Pete doesn't do many of that type, so I'll certainly add another vote to Mike's suggestion. But I did like the gentler version too....there's nothing for it, you'll have to play them both - again, please Pete.

Carole

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Rob Spence on 11.06.09 at 21:15
I remember being at a Richard Thompson gig a few years ago when people were constantly calling out for their favourites. Then someone called out "Just play what you like, Richard!", which seemed to appeal to RT. I'd favour this approach for the Lantern (as long as I can have a quiet word beforehand, obviously...)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Chippett on 12.06.09 at 09:50
For absent friends (unless something miraculous happens,) "A Man Who's Been Around" would be appreciated as a not-too-often played number.

Ian C

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by dr_john on 12.06.09 at 15:02
Could I put in a word, as a new bug at MV, for the lightest sprinkling of old favourites? Girl on the Train, possibly, Perfect Moments?
Looking forward to the Lantern immensely.
Dr John

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 12.06.09 at 20:54
I always like hearing those new (brand-new / new to us)  Atkin/James songs - hot off the press - so you can go home saying "Jeez they've still got it you know!"  (like we thought they hadn't  :) )

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Cricklwood2btonboy on 14.06.09 at 11:17
It's kind of hard to narrow down songs to request so I can see a certain kind of logic in the person who suggested all of them, but I will have stab. For me, good to hear would include:

Prince of Aquitaine
Sunlight gate
Tenderfoot
I see the joker
Rider to the worlds End

Plus a Steely Dan number as well!!

All the best

Alan-Where have they all gone(the years that is)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by dr_john on 15.06.09 at 12:51
Steely Dan, ehh? How about segueing 'A King at Nightfall' with 'Kings' from 'Can't Buy a Thrill' ("We've seen the last of Good King Richard...")?

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Leslie Moss on 15.06.09 at 18:07
I'd like to see a song dedicated to our sadly-missed former Changers guitarist Paul Gunningham. Maybe "I see the Joker" or "Rainwheels", two of the Changers' few in-tune numbers.  Not sure if "Combined Harvester" would meet the bill but I also leave it as a thought.

Leslie

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 16.06.09 at 17:49
Perhaps that's one to sing ourselves Leslie - nice thought though!

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 17.06.09 at 08:32
How about Nothing Left To Say ?  

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Paul Leighton on 17.06.09 at 13:10

I would love to hear Pete's "slow" version of Canoe; it just makes my day - and my wife's!   But, what the heck, we'll enjoy whatever is offered!
Best
Paul   :)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 17.06.09 at 13:10
Just posted the following to the Sheffield post-show reception (http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=ods;action=display;num=1244300860;start=3#3) thread, but it's also relevant here:

Sorry to have left it so late to update this thread, but places all went in a rush! The reception list is now closed as I have the maximum number (40) that the room can hold.

I'm quite happy to start a waiting list if anyone wishes. It seems unlikely that places will become available, but you never know.

If in the next week (and it really would need to be no longer than that) I got at least another 10 Lantern bookings by people who also wanted to attend the Kenwood Hall afterwards, I would be prepared to see if there was a larger room available. I've no idea yet if there would be. So if you've been hanging back but might like to attend both events, you need to act now. There are still plenty of tickets left for The Lantern, we are just over half full.

Carole

Title: Reminders: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 19.07.09 at 11:57
A couple of reminders:

There are 30 tickets left for this amazing event, so still time to book yours if you haven't done so already. A look back through this thread will explain how to book - send me an 'Instant Message' (IM) through the forum or email me at first name@last name[dot]com

The second reminder is to the people who have asked me how to get tickets, and then gone quiet. I will always send a message via your chosen route (IM or email if you've given your email address) to say that your cheque has been received. If you haven't heard from me, I've received nowt!

C'mon now, let's get the place sold out!

Carole Birkill

Title: ThOD: A note about 'Instant Messages'
Post by Carole on 19.07.09 at 12:09
Just for the novices (at the risk of boring everyone else) :

The Forum's 'IMs' are not to be confused with the services offered by ICQ, MSN, AOL and the rest: they are not a 'chat' line; please don't expect a reply to pop up while you wait. Rather they work like email, but entirely within MV.

If you have messaged me via this route, I will reply as soon as humanly possible -- often within the hour, usually within the day. But you do need to log in to the Forum to check for messages. Unless you are logged in you'll not see the line at the top of the window which says "Hello (your name), you have 1 new message". So you might think I haven't replied, blame the system, or even give up altogether.

Please log in now (http://www.peteatkin.com/cgi-bin/mv/YaBB.cgi?board=ods;action=login) to check whether you have any IMs waiting!

Carole

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by ESOC1 on 22.07.09 at 16:57
Hi Carole, I came across the site today via a google search on Pete and Clive James - what a great result.

I was delighted to  read about the Pete Atkin concert in Sheffield on September 19th. When I looked at the number of hits on the page and considered the 84 seats in the theatre I wondered if I was already to late to get 2 tickets.

Please advise if tickets are still available and I will be pleased to send in a cheque.

I saw Pete perform at Watford Technical College in about 1974/5. His songs and lyrics are timeless, my son has heard some of the lyrics, I would now like him to surprise with words and music together performed as only Pete can do.

Many Thanks,

Ed O'Connell.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 22.07.09 at 17:22
Hi Ed

Welcome to MV! Yes, tickets are still available, 30 as of three days ago:


on 07/19/09 at 11:57:18, Carole wrote :
There are 30 tickets left for this amazing event, so still time to book yours if you haven't done so already. A look back through this thread will explain how to book - send me an 'Instant Message' (IM) through the forum or email me at first name@last name[dot]com
Carole Birkill

- and only two sold since then.

You'll understand the need for private communication by IM or email - nothing cloak and dagger, I just don't wish to publish my postal address here (though it does in fact appear in the MV members-only archives on the Website).

We'd love to see you and your son at the show, so drop me an IM, or an email if you prefer, and I'll respond with the info you need.

Carole


Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Jan on 27.07.09 at 22:03
This is a query which is probably one for Snoopy if he's coming to ThoD (because he always takes good photos!).
I remember after one concert  some photos appeared of the post-gig gathering with people's names which miraculously appeared when you hovered the mouse over. I was wondering if we could have something similar for ThoD so that some of us could do a bit of identification homework (and stop accosting total strangers at gigs). I'm not suggesting a photo like we had at school. Anyone who didn't want to be identified could of course stay anonymous.
Jan

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Snoopy on 31.07.09 at 23:32
Hi Janice,

Probably the easiest way to do this would be to put the relevant photos in the Facebook group, that way people can tag themselves and anyone else they know.  I'll try and remember to do that after the event.

Cheers!

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Jan on 01.08.09 at 09:43
Good idea. Thanks Snoopy!

Title: ThOD revisited on Smash Flops: 19th September 2009
Post by S J Birkill on 11.08.09 at 00:37
I've now added a promotion for this event to the Smash Flops front page at http://www.peteatkin.com/pa.htm#gigs. There's also a dedicated temporary e-mail address, lantern@midnightvoices.com, where even non-members can contact Carole for bookings. Also a seat availability counter and a link to a Google map showing the Lantern Theatre and the (ex-Marriott) Kenwood Park Hotel where we're holding the post-gig reception.

Tickets have been printed and laminated, and will be mailed out this week to all those who've so far booked, paid and included an SAE. If you can't remember whether you completed your booking, drop Carole a line.

Just 30 tickets remain unsold for the Lantern event -- not such a rush as in 2006, not yet anyway, but Carole is confident of a sell-out.

I'll follow up this post with a more general plug with all the right keywords to register on a relevant Google blog search.

Steve

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 12.08.09 at 15:45
All paid-for tickets have just gone in the post. Depending on the variety of stamp you affixed, you should get them sooner, or later.

Any queries - you know where to find me :)

Carole

Title: Lantern Theatre - Google Map
Post by S J Birkill on 28.08.09 at 11:10
'Smart' usually implies 'Wrong'. So it is with Google Maps.

Since I created the map page showing the precise locations of the Lantern Theatre and the Kenwood Hall Hotel, the Googlemonster has realised that it has other entries for these venues, and has cleverly added them to my page.

These are the ones with photos, marked 'unverified listing', locations 'A' and 'D' as I open the page today. But they're wrong -- they direct you only to the centre of the postcode, not the actual building!

If you don't know the area and you're using the map for navigation, please be sure to note the two entries bearing my name and no photo. They are the correct ones.

Oh yes, and my thumbnail is also correct:

http://www.peteatkin.com/images/lanterngmapthumb.png

Full interactive map including real and spurious locations here (http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=en&q=%22Pete%20Atkin%22%20%22Lantern%20Theatre%22%20Sheffield).

Steve

Title: Sheffield tickets: 21 seats left (as of today)
Post by Carole on 04.09.09 at 10:00
Only 15 days to go to the MV event of the year. Disappointingly (understatement) there are still tickets available - see Smash Flops front page for up-to-date count.

A big thankyou to all who have supported this event and booked their tickets already. What I need now is for those last tickets to be sold. If you haven't booked because you think it's bound to come around again in the future, don't be too sure. If I can't even sell out an 84-seat venue now, it's unlikely I'll be enthused to fail to sell out next time, or even feel like asking Pete.

So, once again, I'm encouraging all who haven't booked and could attend to do so quickly. It will be a great night in a wonderful venue.

Carole

Title: Re: Lantern Theatre - Google Map
Post by Snoopy on 05.09.09 at 18:21

on 08/28/09 at 11:10:51, S J Birkill wrote :
Since I created the map page showing the precise locations of the Lantern Theatre and the Kenwood Hall Hotel, the Googlemonster has realised that it has other entries for these venues, and has cleverly added them to my page.

I think this link (http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=en&q=%22Pete%20Atkin%22%20%22Lantern%20Theatre%22%20Sheffield&mrt=kmlkmz) should hide the offending entries.

Title: Re: Lantern Theatre - Google Map
Post by S J Birkill on 05.09.09 at 18:40
Thanks Snoop!

Title: Pete Atkin in Sheffield, 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 13.09.09 at 11:40
By this time next week it will all be over!

Only 8 tickets left. If you haven't the time to read through this thread to find out how to book, just email me at lantern@midnightvoices.com, or from the front page of Smash Flops - Gig Guide, Lantern Theatre:

http://www.peteatkin.com/pa.htm#gigs

All tickets booked since the 11th will be available for collection on the door. The door will be 'manned' this time by the inestimable Jan and Nedd, so everyone please check in upon arrival.

See you all soon!

Carole


Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 15.09.09 at 19:59
C'mon any wavering folks - fill those last few seats - you know you want to be there - and we want a full house - and what a house ; small intimate - and put on by a highly specialised team ; as far as I know these promoters don't put on anyone else  :)  

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Carole on 15.09.09 at 21:57
It's true. We don't.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by ChrisH on 17.09.09 at 12:20
Hi All,
I've been a reader of the forum for a while and I have now done the sensible thing and joined it !
Please humour a newbie and tell me what does ThOD stand for ?
Really looking forward to Saturday night at The Lantern.
Many thanks to Carole and Steve (and of course Pete) for making it possible.
Cheers,
Chris

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Jan on 17.09.09 at 13:29
Hi Chris,
Welcome to Midnight Voices.
ThoD stands for Theatre of Dreams.
The first gig of the revival was the Monyash Festival organised by Steve Birkill in 1996 and the term originated, I believe in 1999 when a second concert was held at Monyash:
http://www.peteatkin.com/fodpub.htm
There may be an earlier reference in the email archives
This was the Field of Dreams and was followed by:
The School of Dreams (Milton Keynes) 2000
The Cinema of Dreams (Hebden Bridge) 2001
The Pub of Dreams (Sutton) 2004
The Theatre of Dreams (Sheffield) 2006

I don't think I've missed any out.
See you on Saturday.
I'm checking the tickets with Nedd.
Jan


Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Simon Reap on 17.09.09 at 14:18
The first concert was 16th August 1997 - I only know that because it was just 2 days after my second daughter was born, so I felt I couldn't really get away with allow myself a trip to Monyash!

Simon

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by ChrisH on 17.09.09 at 14:38
Thanks for the explanation Jan and Simon !
That also explains why there are references to *OD elsewhere so I have two explanations for the price of one :-)
It shows me what I've already missed :-(
Am I worthy to mix with such luminaries ?
At least I did get to Hove in April, thanks to the information provided by this forum and the website.
Saturday promises to be an excellent ThOD II - the sequel.
See you there.
Chris

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 17.09.09 at 23:46
Hey Snoopy your map link (without offending items) brings up Canada now!
and welcome Chris - if you're on here you're worthy  :)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by S J Birkill on 18.09.09 at 00:22

on 09/17/09 at 23:46:58, Seán Kelly wrote :
Hey Snoopy your map link (without offending items) brings up Canada now!
and welcome Chris - if you're on here you're worthy  :)

Huh! Google seems to have changed it again. Try this (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?mrt=kmlkmz&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111040396237943558390.000470a4e5e6c6f09cef2&t=h&z=17) one -- it's getting late now, but I'll ask Snoopy to investigate tomorrow.

Steve

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Leslie Moss on 18.09.09 at 13:30
Advice needed. I shall be coming across from Manchester (dropping my middle son off for his first semester at Manchester Uni). Google maps suggests three possible routes: the A57 (snake path), the A623 or the A628. Any suggestions about the best one to take?

Leslie

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by S J Birkill on 18.09.09 at 14:43
Hi Leslie

They're all bad, without that southern route transpennine motorway crossing shelved in the '70s! It can take between an hour and 90 minutes to get from here to Manchester Airport.

However...

From central Manchester to central Sheffield, A57 (Snake Pass) is preferred. If you were heading for the south-west of the city (e.g. MV HQ) you'd turn right at Ladybower Reservoir, A6013 Bamford picking up A6187 (used to be A625) and in via Hathersage, Dore Moor and Whirlow. Watch for bikers at weekends.

A628 (Woodhead Pass) is good mainly for northern and eastern Sheffield, and you can pick up M1 north of the city, via the A616 Stocksbridge bypass. Watch for trucks during the week.

A623 (Tideswell) is OK for the Peak District but not much else. If you were coming from southern Manchester, say the airport, I'd recommend A6 to Chapel en-le-Frith, then unclassified over Winnats Pass (bypassing the collapsed Mam Tor road) into Castleton and Hope Valley, A6187 Hathersage as above. Watch for paragliders on a fine day.

So yes, A57 is least painful: From the Oxford Road area head north-eastwards, crossing A6 and joining A57 at Ardwick or Belle Vue. On crossing the M60 orbital, A57 becomes M67 for a stretch, then back to slow through Mottram and Glossop, then high moorland over the Snake. Watch for sheep. Straight on at Ladybower, entering Sheffield via the University district. Easiest way to the Kenwood is detailed under "approach from Manchester direction" on page 2 of the PDF linked from the Smash Flops home page.

Don't be late!

Steve

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Mike Walters on 18.09.09 at 17:36
I'd second Steve's recommendation.  I'd opt - indeed, I will be opting - for the A57, partly because I already live out that way but also because it's a) the shortest (if not necessarily the fastest) and b) the most pleasant drive.  I recall that Germaine Greer, in one of those Sunday newspaper questionnaires, described crossing Snake Pass as her favourite journey.  Not sure I'd quite go that far, but it's not bad.

See you there!

Mike

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Leslie Moss on 18.09.09 at 18:28
Thanks Steve/Mike. I think I'll be okay for time. Driving from London to Manchester Uni to arrive by lunchtime, then lunch and unloading of a year's worth of stuff plus a son. Then driving across to Sheffield and picking Gill up at Sheffield station then registering at the B&B then finding somewhere to eat then showing up at the Lantern Theatre with a minute to spare. I'll be the one snoring in the back row!

See you all tomorrow.

Leslie

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Ashleigh on 18.09.09 at 19:49
Hi All

A clash with Jewish New Year prevents me from coming North.  I hope you all have a wonderful time.

Maybe we could reconvene at Ravenswood in Sharpthorne next spring.  Does anyone fancy the first May Bank Holiday in Sussex?

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Jan on 18.09.09 at 20:58
That sounds like a very good idea Ian!
Jan

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Rob Spence on 18.09.09 at 21:29
Yes, get it sorted, Ian! :)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Richard Whiting on 19.09.09 at 22:27
So near, yet so far!  I was obliged to take my son back to Uni today...and then I had to return home.  He's at Uni in...Sheffield.  I wasn't sure which day he was going back until this week.  I did pop along to the theatre to see if it was worth hanging around for any un-sold tickets...but [at about 14:30] it seemed deserted so I began my return journey with a heavy heart.  

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by S J Birkill on 20.09.09 at 01:55
Sorry you missed us, Richard. Don't quite know how -- we were in there for set-up and sound check from about 14:25 to 16:00, during which time Keith, the theatre manager, Carole and Alexis were around FoH, and then we were all back for final preps 18:30. Those last 8 seats were never taken, but distributed through the auditorium they didn't make themselves too painfully felt. Good show and reception afterwards. Setlist and reviews to follow, I fully expect. Several new PA/CJ songs.

S

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Gerry Smith on 20.09.09 at 12:55
I would so much have liked to come but had a gig of my own to see to. Looking forward to reading the reviews and especially hearing about these new songs.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Cary on 20.09.09 at 21:04
I think there must be something wrong with my computer!!! No reviews yet? Well, here’s mine …. From Carole’s introduction, through Pete’s experimental arrangements, to the post concert reception ….. brilliant!!! Yet another successful *oD – thank you to all involved.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by andyw on 20.09.09 at 21:41
Computer’s working, Cary.

Just back from Sheffield via a grand tour of parts of Yorkshire and points west, encompassing the excellent Botanical Garden in Sheffield, moorland treks, sheepdog trials in Derbyshire, ice cream at the top of Holme Moss and meeting up with other family members in Salford.

Thank you, Pete, for a beautifully balanced programme of old and new pieces, a most enjoyable concert and post-show gathering – all credit to the Birkills and all the other MV supporters of the event – truly memorable!

Andy and Jane

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Sorensen on 20.09.09 at 21:41
I agree with Cary - absolutely brilliant and everything we expect from our boy. Thanks Carole for putting it all together.

I was tempted to try a review late last night but (hangs head in shame) I was unsure how many new songs were in the set. Was it 3? My uncertainty lies in part in my less than encyclopaedic knowledge of Pete's setlists from past gigs: what's new to me might be (in our terms) an old favourite by now.

The songs positively identified as new were definitely of high quality and seemed to me to be more like the  classic era songs in structure than some of the more recent offerings. One of them, a piano ballad was neatly segued into An Empty Table, so failed to get the round of applause it deserved in its own right.

My only criticism was Pete's obstinate refusal to chat between songs as he wanted to cram more tunes in. I like his chat, whether scandalous gossip about Clive's secret inner life (Slingbacks! Who knew?) or elliptical introductions to songs. Pete's such a nice chap, and so self-deprecating, that I would be willing to sacrifice the odd song or two to hear more from him on any subject.

As now seems the norm Pete switched between guitar and piano with scant regard to the original recording or the song's lyrics. So we got I See the Joker and  30 Year Man on the guitar (though Thief in the Night stayed on 6 strings and not 88).

But I'm not complaining - it was all just great. I think Pete's voice is now better than ever and await a new album eagerly.

Ian

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Rob Spence on 20.09.09 at 21:49
Rather more than three new songs, I think, and an intimation from Mr Atkin post-show that there are more - enough maybe for a new collection, we hope.
What a lovely, warm and convivial occasion it was, and I'd like to add my thanks to Carole and Steve for all their efforts.
And Russell Davies has just played the Midnight Voices version of "Thief in the Night", a popular encore last night,  on his Radio 2 show :)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Jan on 20.09.09 at 22:03
It wasn't the computer it was the broadband connection!
Here's the setlist from the Lantern. it was superb and eclectic, a mixture of brand new songs, recent songs, covers and old favourites (plus one that was just old  ;) )

1. Sunlight Gate (g)
Relevant all over again as Pete said in the context of the news reports from Wootton Bassett.
2. The way you are with me (g)
3. Search and destroy (k)
4. A man who's been around (k)
5. I will write my book (k) A Joe Henry song from his album Civilians. Beautiful song, also recorded by Sarah Moule on Lazy kind of love.
6. All the dead were strangers (g)  A real rarity, only the second performance since 1996, the other was at the Lamb in Eastbourne July 2004
7. Canoe (g)
8. Prince of Aquitaine (g)
9. Time to burn (k) Lovely keyboard on this one
10. I've got me to thank (k) Usually played on guitar
segue into
11. An empty table (k)
12. We will love again (g) New song! Apparently Clive James suggested that a cocktail piano approach would be appropriate - my notes say "interesting guitar" !
13. Girl on the train (g)
Interval
14. The Joker (g!)
15. His latest flame (g) Cover of the Elvis Presley song by Pomus and Shuman. Something about the chord sequence being  the source of the Joker chords, upside down. (Perhaps someone else can elucidate)
16. Tenderfoot (k)
17. Nothing can touch us now (k) Another new one.
18. Rattlesnake Rock (g)  
19. Sessionman's blues (g)
20. Perfect moments (k)
21. Razor Boy (g) Cover of the Steely Dan song.
22. I know the way that it will go (g)  Another new one. Very sad. Really hope we hear this one again.
23. Touch has a memory (k)
24. Thirty year man (g)
25. Here we stay (g) Marching version
26. Thief in the night (g)

It was a lovely evening.
Thank you Pete, Carole and Steve!
Jan

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Leslie Moss on 21.09.09 at 11:49
Ok (as he looks for a friendly rock to duck down behind before posting the rest of this message) - while I very much enjoyed the evening I don't think that this was one of Pete's better performances. It just didn't quite gell for me. Maybe it was the problems he had with A Man who's Been Around near the beginning, but I felt he never fully let rip (until, ironically, the encore when he gave a wonderful performance of Thief in the Night).

While I'm all in favour of trying out different stuff, I wasn't sure about some of the transcriptions of keyboard songs to guitar - especially Thirty-Year Man which is a sublime piano song. The overall effect was to drain some of the energy out of the performance, which was strangly subdued.

But I do agree with earlier posters about the new songs (and indeed the newish songs). They definitely have a "classical" feel to them which is a real pleasure. And An Empty Table just gets better with every performance - one of the best PA/CJ songs ever.

So sorry Pete, I can't give it five stars on this occasion, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Leslie

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by dr_john on 21.09.09 at 13:06
I can only add my thanks to Carole + Steve for organising a wonderful evening, of which almost every aspect was a joy, even the anamorphic image on the tickets! The single downer was that, after I'd been looking forward to it for months, the show seemed to be all over in a flash.

I dare say there were more new songs to me than to most of the audience - Pete's greeting of "Hello fans" was more accurate than it is at most gigs - but his List contained, I thought, just the right mixture of new and old, including a couple that I'd requested here (he probably would have played them anyway). Performances were immaculate, and I'm sure hardly anyone noticed the slight fluff on 'A Man Who's Been Around'.

I think he said the chords in the intro to 'I See The Joker' are E minor, G major while those in 'His Latest Flame' are vice versa, but don't quote me on it. I thought he was going to play 'Bo Diddley', while my girlfriend Liz thought 'Faith' by George Michael. Maybe next time.

The post-gig reception was also brilliant, in an entirely-unfaded mansion on the hill. The Kenwood Chef did us proud with the sandwiches, and Pete was charm itself chatting to an awestruck fan (me). It was lovely to meet some of the MV fixtures - even a deity.

Thanks again
John Burscough


Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Mike Walters on 21.09.09 at 13:32
Just to echo everyone else's views, a terrific evening. With regard to Leslie's comments, I think it's probably inevitable that, if Pete offers a more experimental set, it will be a little less polished and more tentative than if he sticks to the more tried and tested material.  But one of the privileges of the *oDs is that they allow us to hear songs and versions that might otherwise remain un-aired, and I thought it was one of the most enjoyable and varied sets I've ever heard from Pete.  For my part, I was particularly pleased by the cover versions because I think that, in addition to his other talents, Pete is a marvellous interpreter of others' songs.  And the range of new songs suggests that Pete's not far from having a portfolio of excellent material that would make a great new CD...let's hope it happens before too long.  

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Space Cowboy on 21.09.09 at 16:59
I have to say what a brilliant night I had and wish I'd been able to get to earlier gatherings. It's amazing how the old songs stand the test of time and the newer ones are just as good. The after show gathering really was the icing on the cake, having the opportunity to speak to Pete himself. Special thanks to Steve for all his efforts in keeping this going and Carole for organising the event. Pete did say he never turns gigs down , so maybe we need more invites from the North.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Seán Kelly on 21.09.09 at 22:36
Well I must say I had a great time – an excellent set with a huge number of songs including lashings of new stuff (hey they’ve still got it you know!) of which my immediate favourite (perhaps because I have heard it before) was I’ve Got Me To Blame – lovely – found myself humming it/singing it all the next day.  

One of the things I really liked about the show was the way in which Pete changed the rhythm or attack on some of the older songs – a very good example being the Prince of Aquitane – but also on Tenderfoot - both of which Pete played slowed down – with longer gaps between each sung phrase.  It brought to mind Pete’s comment about composing; that when he finds the right rhythm the rest follows. These slight but significant rearrangements are very effective to my ears, allowing the songs a bit more space to breathe and the listener a little more time to reflect. It's as if Pete is still not finished composing these songs despite the fact that he recorded some of them many years ago.  I like this – the recording is just a fixing of how the song was then but in reality the song has gone on developing. I think this is a rare, but welcome, approach in someone who had songs out on record thirty years or so ago – more common is a denial of the past or the overly faithful recreation of it.  

It was a great night and hugely enjoyable. I was very glad that it turned out to be my turn to sit in the front row – although anywhere in that theatre is close to the stage (Snoopy’s pics were taken from the very back – albeit with a v fancy lens!).

A million thanks to Carole for organising, and to Steve, Alexis, Janice and Nedd on the door and everyone else involved in the night and to Pete himself.  Everyone in the audience felt like an old friend – even if you’d never met them before (I liked Ian Sorenson’s comment on the night that he and Leslie must be particularly close friends because they have met 6 times in the last 10 years  :) )

My wife Mary enjoyed the night very much as well (phew!  :))

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Gerry Smith on 22.09.09 at 00:00
Sean Wrote (sorry, mental block on the acute accent code) &.?



Quote:
It's as if Pete is still not finished composing these songs despite the fact that he recorded some of them many years ago.  I like this – the recording is just a fixing of how the song was then but in reality the song has gone on developing.


Absolutely so. A work is re-created in every performance even if reading dots. And is a work of art ever finished? I get so pissed off with people who go to a gig and say, "yeah, but he didn't do it like on the album" or even with my covers band, "Hmm, well, Santana doesn't do it like that." I worked out my own sax solo for Billy Joel's Just The Way You Are which worked really well but gave up on it in the end because of this sort of blinkered conservatism and sat down and transcribed the original solo note for note. All the punters love it but it's a tad depressing. They may as well just put a CD on.

I think it's a security/comfort zone thing. People's favourite music becomes a soundtrack for their lives and often they just can't handle the fact that it's done differently. I'm even slightly guilty of the same thing myself. I grew up listening to Pete's stuff through my brother's bedroom wall and the original recordings have great prominence in the soundtrack of my life and nothing can supplant them in my affections. When I hear a new version I don't overwrite the original in my mind, I simply enjoy it in its own right.

Gerry

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Sorensen on 22.09.09 at 01:24

Quote:
Absolutely so. A work is re-created in every performance even if reading dots. And is a work of art ever finished? I get so pissed off with people who go to a gig and say, "yeah, but he didn't do it like on the album"

Gerry



I'm in a bit of a quandary here: I'm one of those who likes bands who can recreate their studio sound on stage, even if it means augmenting the lineup or even (heresy!) using a backing track. I deplore slapdash "2 guitars and drums" versions of beloved 32 track recordings. (An example is The Police: studio sound great, live they are unlistenable as a trio.) Many people think live versions are more exciting, atmospheric, authentic - whatever. I think that's poppycock - when hundreds of hours are spent getting it right in the studio it's unlikely that the live version will come close to what the artist intended for the song.

Remember here that I am a musician myself, so don't in any way want to replace live music with recordings. I am fully in sympathy with Gerry's dilemma over the rewritten sax solo: should a musician be expressing their creativity or pleasing the paying public? Nice when you can do both but in my career I always erred on the side of pleasing the punters.

What I don't need, or want, is an exact copy of the album arrangement of a song when played live. Pete takes old songs and looks for additional emotion, insight or just fun in reworking them. Most often he succeeds: the recent keyboard "Jokers" have been almost savage, and turn a good song into a great one. Slowing down a song like "Touch" helps enhance its impact, making it more reflective and heartfelt rather than merely wistful. That he has a talent for finding new life and meaning in songs is amply demonstrated by the way he can rework other people's songs so effectively. His "Razor Boy" was wonderful - an improvement on the Steel Dan version in that the feelings and tension inherent in the song were brought out in a way I'd never appreciated in the original.

One of the joys of being part of Midnight Voices is that we have been given so many different versions of  the songs over the past decade, and if I were to list my top 20 then there would probably be 10 that were not the versions that I grew to love on the original albums.

Pete demonstrates his mastery by keeping the old and familiar fresh and interesting.

If only he could work on my jokes.....


Ian





Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Chippett on 22.09.09 at 11:56
When I used to go and see 10cc years ago, they reproduced practically note-for-nore most of their repertoire except "The Dean and I" which they admitted was too difficult. There wouldn't have been much point in going to see them if they played their songs any other way as it was their (for the time) technical sophistication that was what we wanted to hear. Other groups can't do it on stage because they're not up to it. Here the Beach Boys spring to mind. Now I adore most of their music but when I saw them in 1980 they were worse even with a backing band than in 1966 or 7 when I saw them for the first time. As musicians rather than singers, they just couldn't do it. It's not because of the technical difficulties: look for the Fendertones on You Tube and hear mind-boggling versions of Beach Boys hits.

Then again, I saw the great Richard Sinclair (ex-Caravan and Hatfield and the North) with a modern jazz pianist whose name I can't recall and a flute and sax player (Theo Travis) playing some of his classic songs none of which were recognizable from their introductions until he started singing. I'd always imagined that these so,gs couldn't be done any other way than in their original version. Quite wrong.

Not quite sure what I'm getting at here but I think as usual it all depends on what you want. If I go to see an oldies band I'd expect note-for-note cover versions but if I go to see Gerry with his own band doing (say Black Magic Woman) I'd be disappointed if they did it à la Santana. Give the public what they want even if they don't know they want it. Of they still don't want it after being given it, well, you can try again or go back to the drawing board.

Ian C

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Leslie Moss on 22.09.09 at 15:02
While I agree that note-for-note transcriptions of the album are not generally what I go to a live concert to hear, I do believe that the live performance should capture the essence of the song even if it is substantially changed. Hearing The Who last year and Yes earlier, both bands kept close to the originals but varied the instrumentation and vocalisation to keep it interesting.

An interesting contrast could be heard at Glastonbury this year (I watched on TV not live unfortunately). Neil Young adapted many of his songs while keeping the guts of them - they ended up being more powerful than the album versions. By contrast, Crosby, Stills and Nash performed lifeless versions of their own songs, while actually keeping closer to the album versions.

Leslie

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Rob Spence on 22.09.09 at 17:46
Watching our hero perform on Saturday was at times a little akin to coming across the drafts and what used to be called the foul papers of a writer. Interesting to see where a particular song might have gone, how a certain arrangement might have worked. And it was fascinating, even if (perhaps because) they were maybe somewhat flawed as a result. I'd also point out that Pete has been singing quite a few of these songs for 30-40 years, and I think he's entitled to a degree of tinkering to keep them fresh. According to Tom Petty, when the Heartbreakers were Dylan's backing band, they quite often didn't know what the song was going to be until Bob began to sing. I think Pete was a long way from that - those beloved songs were instantly recognisable, even if they weren't always in the form one might expect.
It's a real privilege, isn't it, to see how these songs still grow, still speak to us, and how the artist makes it new.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by ChrisH on 28.09.09 at 12:53
I'd like to add my sincere thanks to Carole, Steve and Pete and also the other MVs for a wonderful evening. I agree with Mike Waters comment about Pete being a marvellous interpreter of songs. His version of Razor Boy was superb and has made me appreciate the song more that I ever did before. To me, the real strength of Pete and Clive's songs is the way that the lyrics are brought to life by the music, a real case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. I very much liked the new arrangements and I think it was an ideal occasion for experimenting. For some I preferred the much loved original arrangements, but I found that the new arrangements made me see some of the songs from a different angle. I like live performances for the way they are different to recordings, so long as the live performances are good and Pete's always are :-)
Thanks also to everyone involved in arranging the post show reception. The first of these I have managed to get to but I hope  I get the chance again soon.
Thanks again to everyone !
Chris

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by S J Birkill on 03.10.09 at 18:27
Rob Spence has submitted a review of the concert, which I've uploaded to the Website here (http://www.peteatkin.com/palantern09.htm).

Rob is due thanks as creator (and curator) of our presence on Facebook, The Pete Atkin and Clive James Appreciation Society (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121229350012&ref=mf), an open group which we encourage MV members to join.

Steve

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Pete Atkin on 05.10.09 at 17:53
Many a thank from me to everyone involved at the Lantern, from those who would have been there if they could all the way up the scale to Steve and Carole in particular who made it happen.  For me it was the usual story of things which, despite the best of intentions, I wish I had done differently or things I wish I had had the ability to do differently.

It was specially gratifying for me that so many people seem to have liked the newer stuff, even on a first hearing in some cases. As far as revisiting the old stuff is concerned, I doubt I could ever do any of it exactly the way I did it back then.  In fact, to be honest, there's very little I can do today exactly the way I did it forty years ago.  How about you?  

I never set out wilfully to change the way I do things just for the sake of it.  Sometimes I change a tempo or a rhythm or a key (or an instrument) mainly to find a new way in or to get something new out, and the best I can hope for is that a listener who already knows the song will maybe hear it in a new way - not necessarily better or worse, just different - and then perhaps be able to go back and hear the original record slightly differently.  The risk is always that for some listeners it won't work at all, and may seem like I was improving it worse.  But in practice that's the risk with every single performance of everything.  There are cases, though, where I think I got it plonkingly wrong on the original record - but listeners can acquire a fondness even for those.  (The DTMA version of 'Practical Man', for instance, seems to me now an uncoordinated mess.)    Still and always, anything you didn't like this time may with luck end up much better next time, so here's to that one and to seeing you there, whenever and wherever.

With many another thank.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Chippett on 06.10.09 at 11:46
<<In fact, to be honest, there's very little I can do today exactly the way I did it forty years ago.  How about you?>>

Mustn't grumble, thanks.

Ian C  

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Pete Atkin on 06.10.09 at 15:29
Oh, you young people.  You think you're going to live forever.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by BogusTrumper on 06.10.09 at 21:07
I'm not as good as I once was, but I am as good once as I ever was  :D

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Chippett on 06.10.09 at 21:59
<<Oh, you young people.  You think you're going to live forever.>>

There are moments (especially in the morning) when I think I have... Anyway, who's young? In recent weeks I have been (a) called an "old fart" (in French) by an irate neighbour (b)  told I'm in no danger of catching Pig Flu because "it only affects the young" and (c) been offered a seat in the Métro by a woefully unobservant young man.

Time for my Horlicks

Ian C

With nothing beyond burdens left to lose in Pantin France

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Ashleigh on 07.10.09 at 20:29
Off the topic in hand but aposite for the above few posts.  From 4th November when the esteemed Keith retires (at age 65) I at the tender age of 50 will be the oldest (or is it eldest) member of the team (of 9) at work!

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Leslie Moss on 08.10.09 at 12:50
Yes, isn't it depressing when you inperceptibly change from a younger member of the team to the oldest.

Leslie (who gets to within three years of 60 tomorrow)

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Richard Bleksley on 11.10.09 at 12:43
Sorry to be so late chipping in on this thread, but I've been having computer problems, now hopefully resolved.

I'm even sorrier not to have been at ThoD II, but a combination of work schedules and the wife's involvement in something else made it just too difficult. I seem to remember Pete remarking to me after ThoD I that I might be in danger of overdosing on Atkin performances: well, I've certainly dealt with that problem with a vengeance, as I seem to have missed every single gig this year. Oh dear.

As for the aging side-issue, I (60 next year) rather like Mel Powell's thing (in her review of Winter Spring) about knowing you're old when you feel like a foreigner in the present. I think I'm getting there...


on 10/05/09 at 17:53:17, Pete Atkin wrote :
There are cases, though, where I think I got it plonkingly wrong on the original record - but listeners can acquire a fondness even for those.  (The DTMA version of 'Practical Man', for instance, seems to me now an uncoordinated mess.)

Just to prove you right, I happen to have "a fondness" for that version of Practical Man. Bad taste? Cloth ears? One man's meat?

Most importantly, I'm glad to see, Ian (Ashleigh), that your intentions for the Ravenswood are still bubbling away. As one who was at the Acoustic Sussex gig there a little while back, I can tell the rest of you that this is an absolutely stunning venue for an *oD: a Tudor mansion set in lush parkland; an atmospheric auditorium

http://www.theravenswood.co.uk/photo_tour/9.jpg

with a terrace and lawn outside and a bar (selling real ale) inside. I'd really love to see this happen.

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Ian Ashleigh on 11.10.09 at 13:58
It seems that I am committed to a Manorhouse of Dreams (MoD - oops) in 2010 - watch this space

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by ChrisH on 22.10.09 at 18:23
Hi Ian,
It gets my vote !
I managed to get ther for the gig Pete did, supported by the excellent Liz Simcock and I can confirm that this is an excellent venue. Acoustic Sussex put on some very good gigs in the area, either at Ravenswood or Chequer Mead Arts Centre in East Grinstead.
Cheers,
ChrisH

Title: Re: ThOD revisited: 19th September 2009
Post by Richard Bleksley on 24.10.09 at 08:29

on 10/22/09 at 18:23:43, ChrisH wrote :
I managed to get ther for the gig Pete did, supported by the excellent Liz Simcock


Wandering a bit off-topic, but...

I too was impressed by Liz Simcock. For those who weren't there, here she is, captured last year in rather playful mood (she can get a lot more serious than this).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucjt8sJi7Lw



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