Arthur Conley asked if we liked good music? Well, derrr! Of course
Arthur, man! And if it's good music you're looking for then Magic Bus
will be right up your street. This is my description Magic Bus from
earlier in the year (back in February), I've included it here as when I
started describing the band it soon became clear I was repeating myself.
''Well, Magic Bus are a 6 piece psychedelic, proggy, folky, jazz type combo. The band are Jay Darlington whose superb organ (amongst other key based instruments) drives many of the pieces. Above this soars the magical fluting of Viv Goodwin-Darkes' which dances with the organ like a mischievous sprite (Viv also plays a whole load of other instruments). Paul Evans on guitar, conveys finely crafted songs with great vocals. Terence Waldstadt delivers some masterful lead guitar. Rhythm is supplied by Benny Brooks on bass and Connors' (last name unknown) frenetic drumming. Each band member putting in a highly polished performance on their individual instruments, which when combined together created a incredibly tight performance, a rich and mellow tripped out musical sound-scape with a fantastically uplifting and danceable groove.No doubt influenced and inspired by the sounds of late 60's early 70's from both sides of the Atlantic, Magic Bus are keeping that vibe alive and running with it. Every now and again there’s a nod to the likes of Caravan or Gong or the echo of west coast harmonies. Don't get me wrong, the Magic Bus are no period tribute band, no sir, Magic Bus are doing their thing very much in the here and now. You just can't hear organ and flute combined over guitar without being reminded of the early 70's 'Canterbury sound', and that's no bad thing. I suppose it could be suggested that Magic Bus drink from the same inspirational spring as the afore mentioned, though they've freshened the sound, modernized it, given it a contemporary feel and play it with gusto.''
When we saw them back in February they were bloody marvellous, and tonights gig even surpassed that performance. Along with some favourites off their last two albums ('Magic Bus' and 'Transmission from Sogmore’s Garden' http://magicbusband.co.uk/), some delivered differently, they dropped in some new tracks from their up coming new album (possibly coming out with a vinyl option), which if the quality of the tracks played are anything to go by is going to be another audio treat. The sound at The Arthur, as usually, was very good, which served to emphasise Magic Bus's really clean tight sound. As I've said each member of the band is polished in their art and delivered a masterful performance, which quickly had folk up on their feet. And there were some fantastic dancing stars this evening, no, really, it all adds to the atmosphere of pure joy. Great projections too. The performance was split into two glorious sets, giving everybody a chance to fill their glasses, and which gave us the opportunity to chat to Connor (the drummer) what a lovely chap, happy to chat with us too and was so full of beans I thought he might actually explode. In fact all the band are lovely and chatty; one of the joys of a small venue like the Arthur is that you're all together, band and audience, creating an inclusive atmosphere often lacking from larger venues. Sadly, all too soon, the performance was over and the bus stopped, and we alighted, although we'd all thoroughly enjoyed our journey, the band looked like they had too, which is always nice. It was another wonderful up lifting gig, which left you feeling much better than you'd been feeling before. I can't recommend a trip on the Magic Bus highly enough...pure uplifting joy.
As for The King Arthur http://thekingarthur.co.uk/wp/, well, you know what I'm going to say...what a magical magical place and superb venue with great sound, a really lovely friendly pub, staffed by great people and filled with friendly welcoming locals. As always 11 out of 10!
''Well, Magic Bus are a 6 piece psychedelic, proggy, folky, jazz type combo. The band are Jay Darlington whose superb organ (amongst other key based instruments) drives many of the pieces. Above this soars the magical fluting of Viv Goodwin-Darkes' which dances with the organ like a mischievous sprite (Viv also plays a whole load of other instruments). Paul Evans on guitar, conveys finely crafted songs with great vocals. Terence Waldstadt delivers some masterful lead guitar. Rhythm is supplied by Benny Brooks on bass and Connors' (last name unknown) frenetic drumming. Each band member putting in a highly polished performance on their individual instruments, which when combined together created a incredibly tight performance, a rich and mellow tripped out musical sound-scape with a fantastically uplifting and danceable groove.No doubt influenced and inspired by the sounds of late 60's early 70's from both sides of the Atlantic, Magic Bus are keeping that vibe alive and running with it. Every now and again there’s a nod to the likes of Caravan or Gong or the echo of west coast harmonies. Don't get me wrong, the Magic Bus are no period tribute band, no sir, Magic Bus are doing their thing very much in the here and now. You just can't hear organ and flute combined over guitar without being reminded of the early 70's 'Canterbury sound', and that's no bad thing. I suppose it could be suggested that Magic Bus drink from the same inspirational spring as the afore mentioned, though they've freshened the sound, modernized it, given it a contemporary feel and play it with gusto.''
When we saw them back in February they were bloody marvellous, and tonights gig even surpassed that performance. Along with some favourites off their last two albums ('Magic Bus' and 'Transmission from Sogmore’s Garden' http://magicbusband.co.uk/), some delivered differently, they dropped in some new tracks from their up coming new album (possibly coming out with a vinyl option), which if the quality of the tracks played are anything to go by is going to be another audio treat. The sound at The Arthur, as usually, was very good, which served to emphasise Magic Bus's really clean tight sound. As I've said each member of the band is polished in their art and delivered a masterful performance, which quickly had folk up on their feet. And there were some fantastic dancing stars this evening, no, really, it all adds to the atmosphere of pure joy. Great projections too. The performance was split into two glorious sets, giving everybody a chance to fill their glasses, and which gave us the opportunity to chat to Connor (the drummer) what a lovely chap, happy to chat with us too and was so full of beans I thought he might actually explode. In fact all the band are lovely and chatty; one of the joys of a small venue like the Arthur is that you're all together, band and audience, creating an inclusive atmosphere often lacking from larger venues. Sadly, all too soon, the performance was over and the bus stopped, and we alighted, although we'd all thoroughly enjoyed our journey, the band looked like they had too, which is always nice. It was another wonderful up lifting gig, which left you feeling much better than you'd been feeling before. I can't recommend a trip on the Magic Bus highly enough...pure uplifting joy.
As for The King Arthur http://thekingarthur.co.uk/wp/, well, you know what I'm going to say...what a magical magical place and superb venue with great sound, a really lovely friendly pub, staffed by great people and filled with friendly welcoming locals. As always 11 out of 10!
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