DIARY OF A FESTAL VIRGINDIARY OF A FESTAL VIRGINSaturday 25th July
Breakfast at the Unicorn and back to Main
stage one which kicks off with the Tartan Amoebas, billed as the
new face of Celtic music. They kick off, however, with three reels
in a row and as nothing sounds any different it's back to the
bar. Much later, John Primer, ex-lead guitarist in Muddy Waters
Blues Band and much else, gives us some scorching blues. Totally
unfazed by breaking a string mid-solo, he indulges in a little
call and response fun with the audience and cameras while re-stringing
his guitar. Top man.
Afro Celt Sound System cause a little apprehension as they're down as being a WOMAD love-child. This can go one of two ways - excellent or a huge indulgence. They're a total success. Dance music with traditional instruments from the Celtic and African world, including a kora, which can only be described as resembling the most humungus codpiece ever. An amazing live performance, full of energy. What's it like? Try variations on the theme of Clannad on safari with a drum machine looking for a serious dance party and we're probably in the same county. Their CD sold out at the concession tent shortly afterwards, `nuff said.
A break and then back for the headline act, Jackson Browne, minus his band. More problems with the sound cause him to restart two numbers before delivering a slightly disappointing set. Good enough for the faithful, however. Off for a consolation whisky.