I'd first seen Here and Now perform in 1983 at Southampton Guild Hall, and never looked back, since then I don't know how many times we've seen them. What I do know is that 35 years on, and several line up changes later, they're still going strong, in fact as strong as ever. Over all those years Here and Now have never failed to come up with the goods, they never disappoint. Of course, over those years the shape of the band has changed as band members have come and gone, though I can honestly say that the current line up is as good as any I've seen perform. Throughout those years there's been one constant, the legendary, Keith the Bass, the governor, whose steadfast bass remains the solid foundation of the band. Joining him in the bands current manifestation are long time Gong family/Here and Now member Mark Robson on keyboards/vocals and Gem Quinn on drums, two fabulously versatile musicians (both also of Kangaroo Moon, now there's a band); and the 'Andy's', long time Here and Now synth wizard Andy Roger, and on guitar, fellow Andy, Andy Burrows (both also of the most excellent, Music of the Andy's). With a line up like that, of that high calibre, you know your ears are going to be well fed. Relative newbie Andy Burrows has really nailed that distinctive Here and Now guitar
sound, and as with those who've gone before him, has brought something unique
and new of his own, enriching the collective DNA of the sound which I think has been one of the secrets of the bands longevity (of course, the band will tell you 'there are no secrets'). I think one of the things that makes psychedelia so vibrant is the diverse and manifest talents of those in it, and their ability to effortlessly evolve, maintaining quality whilst remaining box fresh, Here and Now epitomize that.
The evening got off to a bumpy start, as the Andy's began to weave a nice trippy intro, the sound crapped out...I was getting into that too. Soon though with technical gremlins dealt with (the Arthurs' sound guys know their onions), Here and Now launched to full effect. From the get go it was a stellar set, a beautifully curated mix of material from across their illustrious repertoire. There were some older numbers like a beautifully updated rendition of 'Surgeons Knife', off of their 1979 'All Over The show' album, it' a real favourite of mine, and always a pleasure to hear. Several tracks from the 'Fantasy Shift' and 'Theatre period', it was tracks from these albums which were the sound track of our early Here and Now forays, and still hold a very special magic, creating continuity wormholes to those days of yore. And excitingly, there was also another welcome opportunity to hear some of the bands new material, and wonderful stuff it is, fresh and vibrant, distinctly Here and Now. It's so good to see, and hear. You'll be pleased to know that the band are recording new material for release and if the new tracks they've played of late are anything to go by, we're in for a aural treat...I for one can't wait. Throughout the evening the crowd were enthralled, dancing and showing their thanks loudly after each number. Kudos to the band, it was soooo hot this evening, they must have been melting up there under the lights, though that didn't stop them delivering a magnificent performance. The small back room of the Arthur was like a furnace, made more so by the gig being well attended, it was a full house. Man, evenings like this are needed more than ever, thank you Here and Now, you beautiful people. Sadly, as always, it was over all too soon, leaving a warm glow which resonates on as anticipation grows of the next opportunity to see the band. For over 40 years Here and Now have crafted something magical, never sounding tired, always sounding current, the band continue to be a influential force, as was clear tonight with another absolutely stunning performance by a seminal band of the British psychedelic scene.
Of course, a big thank you to the Arthur, our not so local local (70 miles away, in fact), for your friendly staff and clientèle, and for continually putting on top shelf nights like this to buoy our spirits. I doff my cap to you.
The evening got off to a bumpy start, as the Andy's began to weave a nice trippy intro, the sound crapped out...I was getting into that too. Soon though with technical gremlins dealt with (the Arthurs' sound guys know their onions), Here and Now launched to full effect. From the get go it was a stellar set, a beautifully curated mix of material from across their illustrious repertoire. There were some older numbers like a beautifully updated rendition of 'Surgeons Knife', off of their 1979 'All Over The show' album, it' a real favourite of mine, and always a pleasure to hear. Several tracks from the 'Fantasy Shift' and 'Theatre period', it was tracks from these albums which were the sound track of our early Here and Now forays, and still hold a very special magic, creating continuity wormholes to those days of yore. And excitingly, there was also another welcome opportunity to hear some of the bands new material, and wonderful stuff it is, fresh and vibrant, distinctly Here and Now. It's so good to see, and hear. You'll be pleased to know that the band are recording new material for release and if the new tracks they've played of late are anything to go by, we're in for a aural treat...I for one can't wait. Throughout the evening the crowd were enthralled, dancing and showing their thanks loudly after each number. Kudos to the band, it was soooo hot this evening, they must have been melting up there under the lights, though that didn't stop them delivering a magnificent performance. The small back room of the Arthur was like a furnace, made more so by the gig being well attended, it was a full house. Man, evenings like this are needed more than ever, thank you Here and Now, you beautiful people. Sadly, as always, it was over all too soon, leaving a warm glow which resonates on as anticipation grows of the next opportunity to see the band. For over 40 years Here and Now have crafted something magical, never sounding tired, always sounding current, the band continue to be a influential force, as was clear tonight with another absolutely stunning performance by a seminal band of the British psychedelic scene.
Of course, a big thank you to the Arthur, our not so local local (70 miles away, in fact), for your friendly staff and clientèle, and for continually putting on top shelf nights like this to buoy our spirits. I doff my cap to you.
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