From: Folk in the Barn [debs_at_folkinthebarn_dot_co_dot_uk]
Sent: 18 June 2009 18:48
Subject: Gigspanner Review

Thanks to Simon - marks out of ten please, all you teachers on here.
"DURRGH. It just dawned on me what a gigspanner is. Not only a busman’s holiday from Steeleye Span, but also an essential piece of equipment every self-respecting journeyman musician should not travel without, a bottle opener. The band came well prepared as they kindly shared a beer with me, while we waited for you know who to open up (sorry Debs, no you weren’t that late!).
A perfectly lazy warm June evening in a rural Kentish setting in the village of Kingston and a trio of the most affable, laid back and immensely talented musicians one could wish to be entertained by. It just doesn’t get any better. Actually it does. I knew a little about violinist, Peter Knight’s diversification from Steeleye Span, and it is an extraordinary illustrious musical journey from there. Peter was involved with a 12 piece jazz orchestra, which I saw some years back led by a long-time friend, saxophonist Trevor Watts. Trevor is guesting at selected gigs on the tour. I would love to have seen him here.
There are many more musical projects bringing African or Arabian flavours into the mix in what seems to be a culmination of Peter’s life’s work in his new venture, Gigspanner, and long may it continue.
Roger Flack, on acoustic guitar and percussionist Vincent Salzfaas are superb accompanists, and a whole lot more. An essential blend of rhythm and underlying melody, shadowing and cajoling Peter’s soaring violin gliding around the warm summer thermals in the Barn through to improvised musical conversations and a delightfully witty, whimsical ramble composed on the hoof.
I hadn’t appreciated what blooming hard work it is being a virtuoso violinist, especially on a hot night, but there were some emotive stories between tunes for Peter to refresh and reflect, of life, friends and a four-year career change, fishing. Not an excuse for a long holiday, but serious trawling.
I don’t know if this was out of necessity or Peter just fancied trying his hand at something else. He did mention something about not being qualified to sing a sea shanty until properly marinated, but four years is beyond the call, and we simply can’t have a musician of this calibre roaming the oceans for cod’s sake.
Peter is definitely fore mostly a very gifted experienced musician, and like most great musicians, unassuming of his talent, but modestly aware of the pleasure shared. As with his accomplices an absolute treasure to behold. A packed barn could have listened all night, intimate and beautiful. Simply great innovative music encompassing a variety of influences and sources drawn from an invaluable career, don’t let it be history tells you how good. Be there, Gigspanner at a venue near you." Simon Rowan


I give it a ten, in fact he can have my job! (for Cod's sake!!)
Don't forget Whitstable Folk Club first Thursday of each month. Next is Cara Luft 2nd July www.whitstablefolk.co.uk/
byee
Debs




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