Reviews
Artist:Megson
Venue:Bournemouth Folk Club
Town:Bournemouth
Date:20/01/08
Website:http://www.myspace.com/megsonmusic
It's a clear, dry January night. One of my favourite bands, Megson, are playing one of my favourite venues, Bournemouth Folk Club at the Centre Stage. There's support from the Douglas Firs. What could possibly go wrong?
As it is, absolutely nothing. The show, the atmosphere, the company and the music were a sheer delight from start to finish.
There's been a small addition to the Megson line-up since they last played here roughly a year ago, Stu and Debs now wear wedding bands having got hitched last December. Apparently Stu has to get used to the idea as he occasionally bangs his ring against a string.
Before the gig Megson had been out and about in the local area, looking at Sandbanks which had recently been featured in a tv program. It provided a number of points of banter between the two forty five minute sets.
Megson hail from Middlesborough and are passionate about the music from the area, both traditional songs and songs they've written. "Smoke From Home" the title track from their most recent album, seemed particular poignant this far south.
Megson, play with such a passion, you believe every note they deliver. They can drift from the darkside and they don't come much darker than "Lambkin" a song about a builder/mason that got ripped off over a job, so he slipped back into the manor and killed the owners family, to songs that speak of hope and the triumph of human spirit.
They can also switch to songs that on the surface seem almost light and frothy, "I Lied" being an example. On first listen, it seems like a bit of trivia, but it's actually a difficult piece to perform, both vocally and instrumentally. It's also got an important sentiment running right through the narrative.
The opening song "Durham Gaol" really captures the 'don't let the buggers drag you down' attitude that prevails through a Megson set. Life can be hard, but it's not going out without a fight and a hint of a smile.
The duo have got used to interacting with the audience. There's confidence enough, not only to do the self depreciation stuff, but also to share some proper craic with the audience.
Songs from both albums were given outings as well as less familiar songs. All were a delight to listen to, as the audience absorbed the songs, transfixed, except for the applause and gaps between songs.
Two sets and a sing-a-long encore to round off the evening, still seemed somehow too short. The time had flown by. Megson are recognised as being one of the best duos on the circuit at the moment. They were the first band ever awarded five stars on the Fatea Website. Their live performances are more than a match, the harmonies are tight, the songs strong, the entertainment, spot on.
Supporting Megson on the night was local duo The Douglas Firs, Suzy and Jimmy Douglas, convenient for a tree that features a lot in the local landscape.
Still relatively new to performing, there was a nervousness to the first number, but one they realised that the audience were there to support them, they relaxed and the whole set felt much easier.
They also seemed to take strength from the company they were keeping. They were very assured in their delivery tonight, they seemed to feel very at home in their songs, even the new ones.
I think the Douglas Firs earnt themselves some fans on the night. It was certainly the best that I've heard them perform. It was a shame that their new ep wasn't quite ready for the night, but is apparently now available.
All in all an excellent night of entertainment.