BARBARA DICKSON : FAIRFIELD HALLS, CROYDON www.folking.com - 26th February, 2004
Not bad for a folk singer from Scotland!
Barabara Dickson commands your attention from the moment she walks on stage. Unlike this generation of so called pop stars she could teach them a thing or two about presentation from looking strikingly elegant in a simple black trouser suit to the manner in which she glides effortlessly across the floor. Without a microphone stand to obscure the view, Barbara's easy-going manner belies the work she has put into her craft honed from many years treading the boards.
That's not to say she's old (she looks anything but) but poise, good diction and a warm personality fill the auditorium as if she was embracing each individual. In return the audience were every bit as enthusiastic as kids at an Atomic Kitten gig.
Starting with the dramatic drone of the keyboard, it ushers in the song 'The Bells Of Rhymney' whilst the suitably atmospheric lighting highlights the bitter lyrics. You see what I mean? This is not a solo performance in the true sense of the word; it's more an all-embracing theatrical experience. Mood is not an easy thing to create in a vast arena but by sensible use of colour washes and the occasional wisp of smoke and in an instant you are transported to a gently beckoning cabaret show.
In order to prime the gathered throng Barbara continues with the 'Theme From Caravans' demonstrating that she knows what people want before easing into the classy 'Brother, Can You Spare A Dime' with excellent accompaniment from guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Pete Zorn. In fact, on the subject of Mr Zorn, a lot of the musical texture is reliant on his skills as he also contributes saxophone, flutes, and mandolin plus a rather fine set of tonsils in the backing department.
Not to let the side down, Neil Drinkwater on keyboards provides substantial weight in substituting the lush sounds of an orchestra whilst electric double bass player Brad Lang excelled himself on the otherwise unaccompanied Peggy Lee favourite 'Fever'.
Each number was greeted enthusiastically either in recognition of the first few bars of music leading into say, 'Tell Me It's Not True' or 'Another Suitcase In Another Hall' or the stunning interpretation of the jazz influenced 'Wayfaring Stranger' a song recently featured in the movie Cold Mountain.
All in all a faultless performance, let's just hope it isn't another six years before we see Barbara touring again.
(Pete Fyfe)
