Friday
Day 2 of the festival began at 1p.m. on the main stage with a French/Canadian band from Quebec, Mauvais Sort. There set included some lively songs sung in both English and French and featured some audience participation and female member Stephanie Richard playing the accordion behind her neck, sort of Hendrix style. They played with great gusto and were highly entertaining.
Cherryholmes performed again and were as breathtaking as yesterday. There set was largely different with some great harmony singing including a magnificent acappella gospel song to finish. How a 16 year old girl can play the violin so brilliantly I'll never know. One particular solo was stunning, containing jazz licks and phrases worthy of Grappelli! I have to say though that as talented as Cherryholmes are, 45 minutes of bluegrass is plenty in one go. The fast tempo songs sound very similar. I think they played a different set from yesterday............??
A pregnant Eliza Carthy failed to cover up her bump but produced a magnificent set of songs chiefly from her new album 'Dreams of Breathing Underwater'. Her songs are certainly innovative, sometimes needing a few hearings before becoming accessible. Her voice is still strong and she was supported well by an excellent band. Shades of German cabaret could be heard at times. The song about an ageing swinger, Mr. Magnifico is a gem.
One of the highlights of the day for me was the Mike McGoldrick Band. The left handed flautist produced some stunning playing supported brilliantly by his band including Ed Boyd, Ewan Vernal and the legendary John-Jo Kelly on bodhran. The latter's solo was as extraordinary as ever. He really makes the bodhran talk. Regular fiddler Dezi Donnelly was airport bound in Ireland and was replaced by a superb player whose name unfortunately I failed to catch. McGoldrick said he had "learned the set on his iPod on the bus on the way down to the gig!!" Some great tunes were played, 'Waterman's' being the pick for me. His album 'Fused' is well worth a listen.
Australian band The Waifs stormed Cambridge 5 years ago and retuned today even better. They have extended their line-up including a superb Hammond organ player. The songs are catchy with some good sing able choruses. Favourite song 'When I Die' went down a storm. The song about Aussie girls marrying Yankee sailors was a real crowd pleaser. A triumphant return.
I heard the Peatbog Fairies from a distance whilst having Chicken Tikka Masala, hot cider and avoiding the rain. They are really a heavy rock band with bagpipes, fiddles, a brass section and kilts! Great for dancing to.
Possibly the best of the day was Billy Bragg. Playing solo with electric and acoustic guitar he performed passionately, skilfully winning over the audience with his wit and humour. I particularly enjoyed his take on Bob Marley's 'One Love' altering the lyrics to call for ending third world debt. Sexuality, New England and 'Between The Wars' were superb. He paid tribute to Woody Guthrie and performed a song or two from his latest album 'Mr. Love and Justice' the best of which was the poignant 'I Have Faith'. Great stuff.
The Levellers completed the evening. They were loud and they rocked. They make The Oysterband sound like The Carpenters! I am not too familiar with their songs but I enjoyed the set immensely. There was certainly a tear in my eye when they performed 'What A Beautiful Day'. Roger Coult, you would have loved it. I am sure there were a few others listening who felt the same.
Staggered home with aching feet, thirsty and tired. Another great festival day ended. Sleep.