The Larmer Tree Festival 2009

Here is my record of my visit to the Larmer tree festival 2009 - a wet weekend in July, where you were constantly warmed by the music. The photos are just quick snaps from a mobile so pretty variable in quality, but if you click on them you get a rather better view.

Although not one of the largest festivals in the country, housed in historic gardens, it may be regarded by some as one of the prettiest - that is until the scoorge of outdoor events, struck on the first two days, leaving some of the site in a state, of infamous Glastonbury proportion.

The whole event actually takes place over 5 days, but my ticket was for four finishing on the Sunday

By Thurdsay afternoon , the first "dew" pond appeared in one of the walkways.

There was no let up and soon the place began to look like a river delta when the tide rushes in


Nevertheless the 4000 revellers were still content with having a party and enjoying the eclectic variety of music and entertainment on offer.

I shall be concentrating my account on the acts I saw and things periphery to that entertainment. The "bar" featured several times and more , but that is it's last mention in this little account.

But what about the rest, well the site has at least 5 "stages", but in reality my time would be spent watching in just three.

The Arc - an indoor tented arena, where I spent quite a bit of time and will feature heavily in forthcoming photos.


The Big top - another tented arena


and Finally the Main stage area , which was an open air venue in a very pretty spot, augmented on the side, by the Garden stage (below) which was used alternatively, in order to keep the music flowing in the area.



So who was up first on Friday. Yes, a little soft and melodic start with the boys and girls of Tinderbox, who.................................

TINDERBOX

I had seen about 6 months earlier in a gig with Aloneme, a great band from Essex who are shortly undergoing a metamorphosis and re-emerging wth the same lineup, but called "The Floe"

Next up was Alice Watts and band , who had been given a really big build up ahead of their performance, but sadly for me it did seem fairly nondescript. However, to be fair by the time they introduced additional strings to their numbers it began to sound quite interesting. By the end of their show I think I quite enjoyed it.

ALICE WATTS

Next was a band I had been looking forward to seeing again - Urusen ! They will
feature quite heavily as well as playing on Thursday they would return again on Sunday. They didn't disappoint and played a tremendous set, thrilling those filling the marquee that were there to witness it.

URUSEN

Rather sneakily I also took this shot as they busied themselves in the limited time available to set up.

URUSEN AGAIN !

By now the rain was teeming and my planned visit to the outdoor area was hastily shelved, although in a little respite I was able to enjoy a few little quirky but entertaining tunes from Music from the Penguin Cafe on the garden stage.

The vision of erect umbrella's showed it didn't stay dry for long, but thankfully it was not cold like antartica.

MUSIC FROM THE PENGUIN CAFE

Next up was Richard Thompson, who endeared him self to the crowd with a welcome of"it's dry up here" particularly as the heavens had opened once again, as we stood with brolleys down so as not to spoil the view for those towards the rear.

Never mind the weather it's the music that counts and Richard went through some classics and then invited his son Teddy on stage to play the last few numbers with him. Got this rather glary photo thanks to the lights. It is the Thompson's honestly !

RICHARD AND TEDDY THOMPSON

And that was it for the night I'm afraid, a good old fashioned soaking, but day 1 had been great fun and there were three more days ahead.

Day 2.

Started like day 1 had finished and stayed like it all day...pouring !

Ventured carefiully onto the site and tested the going.Indeed as I stood and admired my wellies, it seemed as if the tide had rushed in faster than it was likely to go out. Watch here as I feature those wellies. (and the liquid goo)




Managed to slide about in exemplary fashion, thus avoiding any chance of waterlogging, or sinking and made straight to the Arc ....quite prophetic that I suppose, to watch Elephant talk who introduced themselves by saying "You are here to listen to a talk on Elephant's weren't you? "or words to that effect and supported by Andrea Soler. Of course no "talk" existed and an interesting collection of music and tunes which kept me entertained for a while and sheltered from the worst of the rain.

ELEPHANT TALK

After their set moved swiftly onto the Garden stage to catch up with late addition to the festival Spiro who delivered their brand of English folk in a fine style.

SPIRO

Then walked a short distance to the main stage where The Travelling Band were starting my proceedings for the day and amazed the crowd with their own particular offering. Certainly got everybody going and made you forget the rain and stuff falling down through the bubbles from those having fun with that particular hobby.

I really enjoyed their set and made a note to catch them again the following day, they were really good.



And a photo !

THE TRAVELLING BAND

I think by now there must have been a bit of respite in the weather, as I didn't venture too far from this open air arena, as I next took in the Moon Music Orchestra ( who apparently own their own pub - nice work if you can get it). They gave a highly energetic performance but if you looked at the key board player... you could well imagine him parading down Carnaby street in the 60's - not due to age, just his attire and got a great sound out of his organ though - typical of stuff you would hear in that era.

MOON MUSIC ORCHESTRA

Once that set had finished it was off to the Arc in time to catch the start of David Celia, thankfully timing wise things worked just nicely and he entertained those there with songs with nice harmonies (a feature of this festival without doubt) I really enjoyed his set, but I'm afraid this picture was pretty poor, unless you click and zoom.

DAVID CELIA

Next on stage was "Sing Along with Steve" Knightly a very popular musician who always keeps his fans very entertained. However, festivals are sometimes voyages of discovery and for me having seen Steve before it was off for my first live show in the Big Top and time to dip my toe in the water there.

Not literally of course, it was nice and dry and a smaller tented venue than the Arc and to watch a band called Part Time Heroes for the very first time. It was a bit of a step in the dark for me, as I'm not particularly a fan of Jazz and funk, but I was interested to see something maybe a little different. Actually, surprised me and came away thinking that I had rather enjoyed their set. The vocalist certainly hit the right notes of the genre and with two keyboards on stage and a full band elsewhere, it was a pretty full on sound.

PART TIME HEROES

After this, wandered around a bit not taking too much notice or interest in what was on...OK nothing interesting to me, but set my sights on 9.45 to catch Black Joe Lewis & The honeybears, who had been flown in from Texast short notice, as the original planned headline had encountered some problem with visas.

Another funky sort of Jazz fusion act and although I didn't wait around and take in all of their set , it was enjoyable as darkness fell to hear them belt out their brass driven rythms and thumping bass. As I left to that sound, reverberating around the arena, I thought who cares if it rains again - I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS
Saturday Day 3

Are you still with me ? It's a bit of a marathon.

By now one two acts were beginning to appear again, which is a nice idea especially when you would like to see them again. But at a festival like this with so much on offer, it takes a bit of planning.

Loads of stuff to look forward to and it was to be a day full of nice surprises and some rather "odd" looks , as the Saturday is always dress up day ...and many took this to their hearts. The atmosphere was a little different too as the "weekend" crowd were out in force, bringing with them joviality, which can have its "nuisance" value as well. More of that later.

A chance again to catch up with The Travelling Band. I had really enjoyed them the day before and didn't want to miss out on a second chance. They didn't disappoint and got a great reaction in the Arc tent.

There was a brilliant humourous moment as the bass player called out to two older ladies steadfastly reading their copies of "The Observer" during their set.. "having a nice read ladies? " to which they were totally oblivious until a second or third call and laughter swelling in the audience distracted them from their written word "interest"

Good news boys ..... I was back in the tent 4 hours later and they were still there reading !!

THE TRAVELLING BAND

The next act up was a bit of a toe in the water job again ..........no not rain again..it had stopped at last, but a very first chance to see an artist, Belinda O'Hooley, who some may know through her work with Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, but this time solo, well OK not quite solo, but with Heidi Tidow. Just two voices and piano.

I did wonder how it might go down in a crowded tent with a bar, but you could almost hear a pin drop as the set progressed. This was a truly remarkable experience, as the sheer emotion of some of the songs filtered into the audience and held everyone spell bound. This gig without doubt joins the ranks of those on my personal list of the best gigs/acts at the festival.

BELINDA O'HOOLEY & HEIDI TIDDOW

After that show was over, I think, I had some lunch and it was about 3.00pm before I caught part of the Mawkin Causley set and their brand of folk on the Garden stage.

MAWKIN CAUSLEY

Oh yes, I remember it had been raining again, so I was probably taking shelter somewhere before that show.

Next up in the open air were The 17 Hippies, although seem to be several "drop outs" as I never managed to count more than 13 on the stage at any time. An interesting pan European mix from these artists from Berlin.

Time for a bit of shelter before they finished, so back to the Arc to catch up with Megson and their delightful harmonies - they didn't disappoint, and included many researched old North Eastern songs in their set.

MEGSON

I was in a bit of a quandry over that show as I also wanted to see Jon Allen and the timing clashed a little , so as there set finished managed a quick slalom across the mudied walkways to the big top.

In some ways I wish I had seen more than the last 4 or so songs of his act. He sounded really good, but hopefully there will be a next time and a name to note down for the future. OK the picture is pretty rubbish but that's my fault for being late !

JON ALLEN

Round and round in a circle, back to the main stage for Jim Moray and as Jackie Leven was heard to remark at the end of his show on the Sunday.. "wasn't Jim Moray good". I couldn't agree more, very entertaining. Remember this was dress up day and as he closed his set with the song "Valentine" appropriately, 7 brides in full regalia (with muddy bottoms - the dresses) made their way to the front of the stage and danced in front of him. The humour of the situation was not lost and as he finished his set, he demanded that they remained there until he had taken a photo......unique and I'm sure to be treasured.

JIM MORAY

Stretching into the evening now and time for a trip back to the Arc. for the 6 piece all female band The Shee. Playing a melodic mix of their own and traditional songs, they certainly made a good impression and included a little "clog" dancing in their set.

No photo of this .............sorry !

Oh, OK then .......................

THE SHEE

Was planning to take in the Peatbog Faeries, but somehow got way laid and started preparing for Sunday.

Ah the sun was shining.... well almost , the going had improved under foot and by the end the day the cloying mud had virtually turned to proper ground again.

An early start too .........Urusen had dashed back to the festival to do the first slot at 11.15 a.m. and I needed to be there for that. If you do get a chance do get out to see this band, you'll not be disappointed. Great reception by the crowd and despite the early start and a hangover or two, they got a standing ovation from many gathered at that early hour and who had clearly more than enjoyed the Band's introduction to their day.

URUSEN

A snippet of Nosediving by Urusen on Sunday




A quick glance at the London Bulgarian choir - no couldn't tell how many there were, but there were loads of them .........over to those that know , or who can count. Watched a few of their pieces based on European folklore and such like.

THE LONDON BULGARIAN CHOIR

Another double for the weekend ..this time Megson but now on a dry afternoon at the garden stage.


MEGSON

2.30 p.m. Was time for the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and they were going to "Follow it on" after Megson.

I wasn't going to pick my way to the front for this one as I needed to be back to the Arc for Stornaway just 30 minutes later, so from my vantage place it didn't quite capture the essence that I was hoping for. Probably because my mind was wandering elsewhere and the "appointment" with the band, who have received lots of national plaudits in recent months since the time, I saw them several months earlier.

That time they had only played a relatively short set, so this was a chance to see them for a bit longer and I didn't want to miss it.

STORNAWAY

Part of the band only ---Sorry !

I must admit on reflection, whilst I really like some songs they do, they didn't quite meet the expectation given the rave reviews elsewhere - but what do I know ? but given the high standard of vocal and harmonies seen elsewhere on site this weekend, there was certainly something and a very high standard to keep up to.

Certain members of the the audience too ( the"day out" crowd or "pub rock set") certainly spoilt part of their set through the need to be the centre of attention in their crowd of friends.

Those that know me, feel my sense of irritation at those folk who talk constantly and fool (laugh) around when you are trying to listen to music and who are there, for any thing other than to be there and not to pay due respect to the artists. If they don't like what's on just get up and leave so the rest of us can enjoy what's on offer.

So my campaign starts here. In future I shall be quietly photo miscreants and post the photos in my rogues gallery - the first for those ruining Stornaway's slot.. the gallery starts here. But I shall be getting better photographs next time - beware ! I am told there is a jazz cafe in London with the letters STFU very prominent - you can guess at the words, but it's not quite so polite as ssshhh !



Back to the Music ............... and Martyn Stephenson certainly raised spirits with his mix of music and humour and set us up nicely for the evenings entertainment. I really enjoyed him as did many in the crowd.

MARTYN STEPHENSON

Jackie Oates was up next and like the Previous mentioned Belinda O'Hooley had appeared with Rachel Unthank. Although accomplished, the set felt a bit bland in comparison with many others seen this weekend and will therefore not live too long in my memory. But as I was there it will be recorded in this blog.

JACKIE OATES

Of course the festival is not just about music and comedy, workshops abound and this video records the output from two and caught this on the way to the main stage




That visit to the main stagethat evening brought The Imagined Village, fronted by Martyn and Eliza Carthy. This was really mix mix of English traditional folk integrated thoroughly with Indian Bhangra, sitar et al and an overlay of electro and use of a Theremin - this certainly got the crowd going and a great start to the evening.

THE IMAGINED VILLAGE

In fact I enjoyed it so much and by staying to the end, missed the start of Deborah Greenwood and Jackie Leven which I had been looking forward to all weekend. Still was able to dash and catch a good bit of the set including the finale where Jackie fronted the vocal. I'll get out and see him elsewhere soon ..maybe the festival in Sidmouth.

DEBORAH GREENWOOD & JACKIE LEVEN

The whole festival was drawing to a close now, but not before Edward II ( not the King - he hasn't been around since 1327 ) ratcheted up the tempo with their brand of Reggae and Ska interwoven with traditional tunes from England Scotland and Ireland ..and the festival goers danced the night away ......

EDWARD II

So that's it, around 25 acts...maybe more, given those I dropped into for just a few minutes. great weather....I wish... but that didn't matter .... and for all of this I have to thank ......well they know who they are, and as the curtain comes down on this years festival ...here is a shot of the garden stage, lit up in the depths of night and appears to show a face gazing across the place - isn't that wierd. Seems to be pointing the way and maybe beckoning us all back next year ?



Any regrets on the weekend .....well just one springs to mind, was planning to catch Derrin Nauendorf but sadly missed him for varying reasons both times.

Links to all artists "my space" and "websites" can be found here
Larmer Tree Festival