The Shed reopens ... with Kris Dollimore!

Sun 18 Jan, 12:35

I am reflecting on last night's magnificent gig at The Shed by the wonderful Kris Dollimore.

For those who have never heard (or heard of!) Kris, he has played in many internationally-known bands including The Godfathers, Del Amitri, The Damned and Adam and The Ants, as well as being a superb solo blues musician and songwriter. In this latter capacity he has been playing in The Rose & Crown in Charlbury for 20 years, and also on The Riverside Stage at Cornbury ... and this was the first time we could hear every note!

This was the first gig in the newly-renovated Shed, and the people of Charlbury and surrounding areas should feel very proud of themselves for what they have done, both in terms of raising money, and in practical work, as I said in my intro.

Kris's first set explored alternative Guitar C-tunings, and was totally instrumental. To my delight, he included "East of England", which he used to play in The Rosie. "The Siege of Delhi" was a delight, being a kind of "theme and variations" on an old American folk tune that I knew from the playing of the late David Lindley. An extraordinary set! 

For his second set, Kris resurrected some of his old favourites, including "No Ghosts In This House", "My Brother Ray", "Testify", and his delicious treatment of Bukka White's "Poor Boy a Long Way from Home"! 

Kris has long extolled the music of John Fahey and played a couple of his tunes, including the almost winsome "Wine and Roses", and finished the evening with the very atmospheric "Sahara Blues", played on the Dobro.

The audience was both respectful and very appreciative ... I think they will reflect on a superb evening of music. It was lovely also to see Kris's wife Mandy, who was making a video of the evening.

If this has sparked your interest, maybe you can search Kris out on Youtube ... and come along next time he plays here! 

The next gig at The Shed, next Saturday, 24th January, features Great Bear Radio, Flamingo and Sebastian Reynolds. More details on the Events page.