Live Night Fritwell Village Hall Sat 20th July 2024 – Review
Another routine Fritwell Live? Not a bit of it. Everyone is different, and they are always brilliant. This was no exception.
Frets and Strings kicked off proceedings without Bass player/Vocalist Paul Walder. Slightly odd, but they did well even without his excellence to lean on. They were joined on stage by Janine and Si (The Dyfies) and Jenny Hynes for a Carl Hynes original. Will Vetcher gave us a polished three, including a Christy Moore-inspired version of Ride On. The stage was then given to a husband and wife duo, new to Fritwell Live, Dirty Old Boots. They played four popular hits with enormous energy that left everyone breathless. The first session was poignantly punctuated by The Bard of Bristol, Colin Smith, who recited a Pam Ayers classic (secretly hoping someone would go round and clean his house!)
The second session began with another Fritwell Live legend, “The Artist Formerly Known as Chris Lydon”. His set was followed by our own Angel of the North, Jenny, fresh back from Newcastle University. She performed a couple of songs we have heard and loved before and an emotional rendition of “Because of Toledo” by Blue Nile accompanied by Carl.
Our own Ian Critchley has been at it again and gave us his latest satirical view of the relationship between politics and sex. This was hilarious, and we can’t wait for his next offering. The Dyfies delighted us again with a set including one from Si’s solo album “Solitary Man”. Janine’s flute sounds better and better each time she treats us to her talent, and Si’s voice and guitar meld perfectly with it.
Joe Townsend thrilled on his debut last time out, and proved even more popular this time around. Voice and guitar melding to provide a full sound and his creative mash-ups, causing the management to rethink their three-song rule (we may have to make that 20 minutes!) Returning from Surrey University is a now fully-grown Jay. His set peaked with a jaw-dropping version of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke”. We are sure that a certain guitar teacher will still be glowing with pride for having been involved in helping direct Jay on his musical journey.
Finally, Paul returned from his day trip and joined F&S for another barnstorming finish to what was a fun evening with a great atmosphere.
Huge thanks as always to Mikey “Knobs” Stewart and Christine and Mark on the bar and everyone who helped with set up and breakdown.
We are told that the next Fritwell Live could be on the 7th of September. Watch out for confirmation, as you will not want to miss it!
