No support act tonight, just 2 sets of Mr D, ably assisted by Euan Burton on double bass, and Louis Abbott, of Admiral Fallow fame, on drums, backing vocals, occasional keyboard, and a bit of left thigh! Mostly familiar songs to Drever fans, drawn from his three excellent solo albums, with one new number he'd written for a commission from the BBC about the First World War. A good mix of self penned material, and songs from a variety of sources, covering the personal and political, romantic and bleak, thoughtful and rousing.
Changes to phrasing and arrangements brought a bit of freshness to the sound. Burton's sympathetic bass playing was both unobtrusive and essential, while Abbott was clearly enjoying himself on the drums with a great contribution heightening the drama of The Allegory. Of course Kris is now recognised as one of Britain's finest guitarists, and his accompaniments and solos were inventive and absorbing. His voice might not have the widest of ranges, but is always distinctive and full of character, and he chooses his material wisely. A joy to listen to.
The introductions were kept short, but Drever's dry humour was evident throughout and he delivered a couple of background tales with some style. All too soon the gig came to an end with, as encore, a rousing rendition of Boo Hewerdine's classic Harvest Gypsies. A great night's entertainment.
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