Another fantastic performance tonight by Magic Bus, who pulled into Glastonbury to stop at the King Arthur, inviting anybody who dug a good groove to step on board. If you don't know Magic Bus (sort that out!), they're purveyors of the finest musical flavours. Magic Bus have picked up the Canterbury scene baton and run with it, a soupçon of West Coast, a smidgeon of folkiness and they've created a wonderful colourfully wrapped stick of complexed psychedelic rock, with rich jazzy prog sensibilities running through it. You hear a Magic Bus song, you know it's Magic Bus; they've developed their own strong sound. And, man, they really are very good. The last few times I've seen them I've felt that the bands delivery had been becoming a touch heavier, and that carried on this evening with all the band members taking the sound a little bit deeper. That's no complaint, mind. There were two sets, both a marvellous mix of tracks from the bands 3 albums, and all of which flowed beautifully. The first set was heavily 'Phillip the Egg' (their current album) orientated, though with a track from each of their previous albums; tracks such as 'Mystical Mountain' from 'Phillip the Egg', a favourite of mine, along with the west coast influenced and delightful 'Back to the Garden' off their first album 'Magic Bus' and 'Three Days' a jazzy Canterbury/Gong-esque treat from 'Transmission from Sogmore's Garden'. As the guy of jazz club says......nice! The second set was previous album based and just as glorious; tracks like the joyful 'Sunflower', or the floaty 'Magic Bus' and the space jazz 'Distant Future' to cite a few. The band played every track magnificently. We know the rhythm section is the foundation on which a good band is built, and Wihll Mellorz does stirling work on bass, whilst Billy Burl's drums were solid, both drove the songs along at a perfect pace. Over this foundation Jay Darlington hung his rich tapestry. I love Jay's keyboard work, it's perfect, he channels a
Canterbury-ish sound so warm and immersive. It's wonderful. Jay augmented that sound tonight with
some great space rock-esque synth, partly in place of the flute sections. It worked nicely. Whilst Terence Waldstradt let rip on lead guitar, really letting his fingers do the talking with some masterful noodling. I also thought Terence was more present in the harmonies tonight. Throughout, Paul Evans on guitar and vocals, delivered his wonderful whimsical lyrics with the perfect wistfulness they deserved. Paul's a great lyricist and has got a voice made for narrative songs like 'Mystical Mountain' or 'Trail to Canaa'. All together, the band created a sumptuously rich sound with so much depth you just wanted to sink into it; a 'Bus' gig is a joyous affair. After a nice rendition of the Grateful Dead's 'Franklin's Tower' as their final number, the crowd wanted more, and the band were cajoled into playing 'Zeta' (the track they opened with) again. Bloody marvellous! Even with two sets, it wasn't long enough; another first class performance from an ensemble who never let you down. Over the last couple of years I've seen them on several occasions, each
a fantastic performance, and they just keep getting better; definitely a band who always to bring their 'A' game. A psychedelic combo, which as their name implies, are magical. Only sad part of the evening was to see flautist/vocalist Viv Goodwin-Darke had got off the bus at a previous stop, Viv's magical jazz flute and lovely harmonizing were a real joy. I don't know if she's got a return ticket? Whatever, I wish her the best and thank her for her part in previous memorable gigs. As for the 'Arthur', our not so local local, it still tops the venues of class and character list. Nice staff, friendly clientèle, great sound and always the choicest bands. I salute all involved in another lovely evening.
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