Don Williams / Judy Collins at North Wales Theatre Llandudno
Tuesday 18th May 2004
Don Williams: Greatest Hits Live
Yee Haaaa!
So you thought Country Music was dead and buried. Not so. Golden voiced ‘ Gentle
Giant ‘ Don Williams’ (right) double bill with Judy Collins is going down
a storm. With only two British chart hits back in the 70’s - I Recall A Gypsy Woman and You’re
My Best Friend, you’d think he was all but forgotten. His fanbase are turning
out in droves as he tours the UK and Ireland promoting his new album, ‘My Heart To You‘.
He popped - in at the North Wales Theatre in Llandudno, proving he’s a big star as ever.
Now, I’m not one of the biggest fans of the genre, but I’ve had my moments via
Crystal Gayle, Billie Jo Spears et al, and I’m glad I didn’t miss this one. Dressed
in appropriate gear : stetson, cowboy boots, and jeans, he created a wonderfully-relaxed
atmosphere. A man of few words, “I dawn’t say mach,“ he said in his deep
Texan drawl. “Why not?”, shouted a fan in the front row. “Caauuse I aalways put ma foot in it!“,
he replied, as the crowd roared with laughter.
Laid back is an understatement: he takes top prize in that department. Playing his music
is another issue, as there’s no hanging around. Flanked by his band – Billy Sanford on
guitars, Charles Cochran on keys, Matt McKenzie on bass, John Clausi on guitar and
Steve Turner on drums they took us into the wonderful world where the lyrics are paramount,
along with some glorious melodies. His famous voice, described as, “..a rich, thick, barbecue
sauce thing, as warm and honest as a preacher’s country handshake, as calming as a light rain…“
, is something to behold.
Most of the evening turned into a mass – sing a long. You might think that this was
music for a certain age group, but by the crowd make – up, it was evident that he
has mass appeal for both sexes and all ages. During a 21-song setlist he thrilled
his devotees with past and present gems, which at their core are, simple, unpretentious
and above all deeply emotional. My favourites of the night were: the hit singles,
Dr. Hook’s Years From Now and It Must Be Love.
Finger lickin’ good!
..and a Greatest Hits Collection – Volume One is now available on R1 DVD.
Judy Colllins: Live at Wolf Trap
Graceful, tall and elegant,
former 60’s flower – child Judy Collins (right) was a fantastic support act.
Known for the quality of her beautiful voice, at 65 years of age, she would shame
most of today’s young pretenders. A mass of long grey hair swept back into a
hair comb, long flared trousers and sparkly jacket, she is appearing in the UK for
the first time in 20 years, and still very much in love with American Folk music.
Heavily influenced by her father’s love of Irish songs, she moved from her classical piano
tuition to guitar by her late teens. Setting high standards in Greenwich Village in New York,
she opened up the world to up and coming singer – songwriters like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez
and Pete Seeger, who she regularly covers.
She greeted everyone with, “Hi there. It’s my first visit to Wales. It’s beautiful.
I’m only sorry I’m not on vacation,“ as the crowd roared with approval. There was no
band, just her and a pianist, and she began with Carole King’s Both Sides Now. Then we got
Country Roads, The Beatles’ In My Life and a stirring acappella
version of Amazing Grace. Highlights included solos of songs from her childhood like
My Funny Valentine. She took to the piano herself for a few songs, dazzling
everyone with her skills.
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B
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