Review: Andy Fairweather Low at Pacific Road

Nov 16 2008 Chester Chronicle

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE LOW RIDERS/Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead - 15.11.08

REVIEW/by Grahame Rhodes

THIS was another splendid gig as part of the 20th International Guitar Festival of Great Britain, attracting a packed house to Pacific Road to see one of British rock music’s most enduring and in-demand musicians, the Cardiff-born Andy Fairweather Low, and his top calibre band, comprising Dave Bronze (bass and vocals), Richard Dunn (Hammond organ) and Paul Beavis (drums).

A marvellous two hour, two set show comprised songs from Fairweather Low’s pop star days in the 1960s’ up to his more recent work, with all bases covered – from blues to country, to gospel and rock – all highlighting his tremendous guitar playing and distinctive voice.

It’s easy to see how he has always been in demand – 11 years in Eric Clapton’s band, regularly touring with Roger Waters and Bill Wyman, and a prominent role in the George Harrison memorial concert – as he is a great guitar player in many styles, with seemingly a different guitar for each one as well!

First set treats were topped with a rip-roaring romp through Junior Parker’s Sun Records classic, “Mystery Train” – complete with afore-mentioned guitar work; the lovely “Hymn For My Soul”, recently recorded by Joe Cocker; and the big hit, “La Booga Rooga”.

The set ending timeless gospel tune, “I Shall Not Be Moved”, saw another switch to a most unusual shaped guitar, but producing a great, dirty tone – top stuff indeed!

A couple of nice acoustic blues opened the second set, including “Rolling And Tumbling”, before a dip back into gospel for “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?”, before a nice, laid back take on some Jimmy Reed blues, “Peeping And Hiding”.

He then twanged it up on a Lightning Hopkins instrumental, “Lightning Boogie”, donning a rather large and oversized stetson for some reason?

A major chunk of the last half hour of the show centred on his golden days with Amen Corner – from “Natural Sinner” to a great version of the band’s first single, “Gin House Blues” – featuring some tremendous playing from fellow Welshman Richard Dunn, whose keyboard work was stunning all evening – he is another with a most impressive cv, including work with Van Morrison.

His biggest solo hit “Wide Eyed And Legless” brought a great show to an end, before returning for a brace of encores – the two big hits, “Bend Me, Shape Me” and “(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice” – still sounding great 40 years on, just like Mr Fairweather Low himself!

A special mention must go to his great band – the experienced rhythm section of Dave Bronze – great vocals as well - and Paul Beavis were on the button all night – with, as mentioned, Richard Dunn’s Hammond playing superb!