Cropredy 2016 Review - Day 3

There's an old joke about a favourite broom (or axe) where the owner won't use anything else, and it's the best one he's ever had - he's only changed the handle once and the head twice. It did make me wonder whether a band can survive in any meaningful way, having none of its original line-up in place. Fortunately, that's not (yet) an issue for Fairport Convention. Simon Nicol is the only remaining founding member in the band, although Dave Pegg has been in the band since 1969, and seems an institution in his own right. Also at this festival the original Fairport singer, Judy Dyble, was on-site for a signing session, although she didn't perform.

Comedian and singer-songwriter Richard Digance got Saturday underway. A clear favourite of Cropredy regulars, his set included witty and poignant songs and also a traditional ritual of waving hankies / tissues during one song of his set. All slightly bizarre, but clearly an established tradition for the Cropredy faithful.

Maia were next. Sci-fi folk, apparently (or possibly alt folk) - and from the North West. A band featuring two guys who could easily audition for an adult Harry Potter part. Again a band where they were clearly able musicians, but it just didn't connect with me. But that might be my fault. Gilmore and Roberts are a folk/acoustic duo, who came with supporting musicians. Kat Gilmore has a great clear folk voice and got their songs across well. Current album is Conflict Tourism.

The Pierce Brothers turned out to be a real highlight of the day. Australian acoustic with terrific energy, some pretty acrobatic percussion and using a didgeridoo without sounding naff ought to commend them to anyone. At the end of the set, the whole arena were on their feet applauding, and it was well-deserved. The Cropredy photo is already on their website. Usually one on guitar and one percussion and sharing vocals, they had compelling energy and likeability. One moment one brother was drumming on the other one's acoustic guitar whilst he was singing and playing; the next moment he is holding his brother's harmonica, whilst facing in the opposite direction, playing the didgeridoo. This was the last date before returning to Oz, and it was the biggest audience they had ever performed to. It was a lovely moment as they took their ovation and were genuinely overcome.

Demon Barbers XL were up next. Folk with street dance. Are you confused? I was a bit. It was a tough call following the brilliant Pierce Brothers, so maybe my memory is distorted by that, but apart from the fact that they featured dancers, I'm afraid I don't remember a lot about the set. Babylon Circus (from Lyon) followed with a very upbeat French take on folk, influenced by reggae, and ska. Some nice comic touches with energy and great musicianship.

What can I say about Ralph McTell that adds anything meaningful? Lots of people know he wrote that song, but his story goes back much further than that. Without any sense of showiness he dropped in a mention of sharing a bill with Paul Simon in the early 60s. I've seen him on a stories and songs tour here in Morecambe, and his connections and pedigree in folk and blues is extraordinary. Catch him if you can. His set at Cropredy had a few restrictions, as Fairport wanted to play one or two of his songs! But we were in the company of a genuine legend of the acoustic scene and it was great to see him again.

By the time Fairport came on to give their finale, the sun was setting, so we were treated to a great sunset over to our right, whilst on stage the band treated us to a full set. The set featured songs by Richard Thompson, and also the late Sandy Denny who is still clearly missed by the band. There was also a tribute to Fairport violinist Dave Swarbrick, who died in June.

At the end of the set, they followed their usual Cropredy pattern of marking the close of the concert with Meet on the Ledge, again a Thompson song.

It was great to be there, and such a friendly group of people. My clothes may have been more conventional than most as a 'Cropredy virgin', but there was no real sense of an 'in' crowd, just a field full of people looking forward to sharing the experience of some great live music.

I'm a convert.