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Sean Taylor

Venue: Square & Compass
Town: Worth Matravers
Date: March 9th
Website: http://www.seantaylorsongs.com

For some rural gigging is about sharing a communal experience in a field in the middle of nowhere with poor sanitation and a choice of stages. Well that works, but so does finding your way to some of the permanent venues out there in the sticks.

The legendary Square & Compass in Worth Matravers isn't only known as a pub that regularly wins cider awards from CAMRA, though that would be reason enough for going, it's also got a great reputation for the acts it puts on, not only as part of its regular events schedule, but just as a venue during the year. When I heard Sean Taylor was playing out there, my first visit of the year was assured. Even better, a friend of mine, thanks Martin, volunteered to do the driving. Sean Taylor playing the blues and wide range of ciders to choose from, this was going to be a great night.

Sean was actually starting later than we'd been lead to believe, but not an issue when there's so much cider to choose from, started with the Dabinett, which can in at 7.2%, but also seemed a little dry on the night. For the rest of the evening, I came down .7% and Hecks Portwine Of Glastonbury cider made from the Court Royal apple. Slightly redder in colour and slightly sweeter, but still on the dry side of medium, in taste, this was a fantastic choice of brew for the rest of the evening. If you've not been to the Square & Compass, the drink is served at a central hatch and then you find yourself a niche in one of the bars. The toilets are outside, but fortunately the weather is good.

It's good to catch up with Sean, before he starts playing. Sean's new album "Love Against Death" doesn't officially get launched until the 26th, but he's got it with him on tour and naturally intends to play a fair amount from it during his set, a set that went on for the best part of an hour and a half, interrupted only by interaction with two of the pub dogs and explaining the reason for his two capo technique on some of his songs.

Introducing a lot of new songs into a set, can be a bit risky, but it's not something to phase Sean as he opens up with a number from the new album, "Stand Up" one of his more political songs, it also announces his intent to do something different. The bar he's playing in pretty much all stone and I have to say the acoustics in it are superb, I don't think I've heard Sean better.

He seems to be incredibly relaxed as well, very much at one with the room and what he's playing, with few exceptions all of the songs come off the last three albums, including the new one and are an eclectic mix of dirty blues, singer's songs and even the odd bit of Cajun influence. "Cassady" and "Kilburn" because it's a cracking song rather than its geographical affiliations, both go down incredibly well and showcase an audience that really is open to new things.

It sets a pattern for the evening, pretty much attentive listening during the songs and appreciation for what we are being served once the song finished. The nature of the bar making the whole gig a very personal and personable experience, with a very relaxed vibe the whole gig.

As anticipated it's a great night. Sean Taylor is without a doubt a great guitarist and a great songwriter to boot. His new material, especially the political songs appear to be striking a real chord with the people that are getting to hear them. If you do get the chance to hear Sean on this tour or over the Summer, I'd recommend you grab it. I'll say the same for "Love Against Death", it's his best and that's off a pretty good start.

Neil King words and pics
Pics illustrative not taken at gig

Website: http://squareandcompasspub.co.uk