Kangaroo Moon @ The Square and Compass 19.10.19

Tonight we found ourselves packed inside the thick Purbeck stone walls of the 18th century Square and Compass pub perched high on the hills above Seacombe Cliffs with dramatic views along the Jurassic Coast.  The assembled were gathered to enjoy a performance by legendary musical troubadours Kangaroo Moon, who blend myriad musical influences to create all sorts of wonderful aural magic that touches the spirit. If you've read my posts before you know I've a tendency to effusive verbosity and, man, I could wax lyrical about tonight's performance, but I'm going to try and spare you my clumsy prose (of course, I will go on a little bit) and just say this evening's performance was bloody marvellous! The word that best describes Kangaroo Moon's performances is 'real', and in our fake world you can't put a value on that. Tonight the band comprised of Elliet Mackrell on violin and whistle, David Williams on things with strings and other things, Gem Quinn on drums, Nick Marshall on guitar and Mark Robson on keyboard, didgeridoo and everything else. As if that wasn't enough, they were joined by Gong's Dave Sturt on bass, adding some funk to the proceedings...nice! Something really special about tonight's performance was the relationship between Elliet's violin and Dave's bass, man, that was something else. What a superb line up. Every one a musician highly skilled at their art, which was obvious throughout their performances, and none more so than during their various stellar solos. There were two sets, both a lovely mix of fast or slow numbers, every track was bliss, creating a wonderfully uplifting and joyful atmosphere, there was dancing and smiles all round, the ensemble appeared to be enjoying themselves too. Kangaroo Moon's blend of traditional and globally infused psyche folk flavours resonates deeply, it's proper music, real, touching that part of your subconscious where ancestral memories live, that was enhanced by being performed in a 250 year old building who's walls are soaked in centuries of tradition and memories of similar evenings throughout the ages...it's timeless music. As I said, bloody marvellous! Thank you Kangaroo Moon and Mr Sturt, you're beautiful people, and thank you Square and Compass for putting on these elevating evenings, keeping our spirits buoyed on the turbulent seas of our times. Kudos y'all. If you're wondering why the photo is of an empty stage, it's because the rest of my shots look like they were taken by Mr Magoo.

Kangaroo Moon @ The Square and Compass 20.10.2018

There's something about Kangaroo Moon, it goes without saying that they're all amazing musicians, it's not that, I think it's their uniqueness, the uniqueness of their sound, drawing as they do from many wells, some old and deep, near and far, it's the way their music seems to flow effortlessly from them, so naturally. Kangaroo Moon are a band of many, with a fluid line up, and can come in many manifestations, each a slightly different beast, each though an equal wonder, some funkier (the set/line up at last years Avalon Ballroom Weekender, for example), some folkier.  Tonight’s  manifestation is a folkie one, Elliet Mackrell on violin, David Williams on things with strings and assorted stuff, Mark Robson keys, whistle and didge, Gem Quinn on drums and Nick Marshall providing guitar. Their performances are always a joy, and tonight was to be no exception. The band have a certain timeless quality to their music which speaks to the soul, it resonates, it stirs your ancestral dna, I reckon. The way their music touches you is real, you can't help but move and be moved. Elliet's violin grabs a hold and draws you in, and the way David plucks at his string, eyes closed, as if channelling the sounds is wonderful, whenever I seen Kangaroo Moon, these two musicians have me transfixed. As for Gem, is this the same powerfully frenetic drummer who drums for psyche/punk/rock beat combo Here and Now, yes it is, though tonight he shows another side to his drumming, a versatile and talented drummer for sure. Mark (also of Here and Now) is exhausting to watch, always multitasking, singing, keys, twiddling stuff whilst periodically blowing a didge and penny whistle, whilst guitarist Nick looks like the happiest man in the world, beaming smiles as he plays. The band did two sets, both filled with wonderful tracks, beautifully delivered and both sets were received by the audience to rapturous applause. They're consummate musicians, who clearly love their music, and that joy is infectious, and we all went down with it, I don't think there was a foot in the room that wasn't tapping or dancing. The venue too adds to the heady atmosphere, The Square and Compass at Worth Matravers, a public house of fine repute and high standing, though not high ceilings. Now, it's not big, to the point were it's a lot like seeing the band playing in your front room, that's no complaint, mind, and merely adds to the beauty of it all. The Square and Compass is the perfect venue for a musical soiree of nature. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, it always is. Though as with all such evenings, it's over far too soon. A big thank you to the all the band, the venue and everybody there, for another memorable night of fine music. If you haven't, and get the chance to catch Kangaroo Moon, make sure you do! If you're passing Purbeck be sure to pop into the The Square and Compass. And if you're passing Purbeck and Kangaroo Moon are playing at the The Square and Compass, you'd be mad not to be there!

On the fifth day of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas music gave to me The New Avalon Ballroom Weekender. And wow, what a weekend that was! Sublime bands in salubrious surroundings enjoyed in good company, it doesn't get much better than that. The last few years have throw up obstacles which have meant I've not made it to the festivals or gigs I'd often planned to, I feared it was going to go the same way for The New Avalon Ballroom Weekender, though the Gods and Goddesses smiled upon me and with a little help from my friends (as the Beatles said), at the last minute I was travelling to the Isle of Avalon and on to that hostelry of fine repute, The King Arthur.  The weekender was more fun than I could have imagined. We, like many, camped on the edge of town at the Isle of Avalon Touring Caravan Park, very nice, good atmosphere and within easy walking distance of the town. I have to admit to getting a bit too wasted on the first night, I blame....well, I don't blame anybody, it was a fine evening, even if I did require supporting on the walk back. I took a more measured approach on subsequent days. We didn't get to see all the fantastic bands, although as you'd expect the ones we did gave stella performances. We saw current favourites like The Cary Grace Band, Magic Bus and Music of the Andys, new bands (to me anyway) such as Zub Zub and Tim Hawthorn and the Archetypes and long time favourites and legends in the form of the Invisible Opera Company, Kangaroo Moon and Here and Now. It was magical. And, Here and Now's Andy Roger giving me shout out before 'So glad your here' was a lovely gesture, brought a tear to my eye and was the cherry on one hell of a weekend cake. I was so glad I was there too, to have seen such fabulous bands and enjoyed the company of so many lovely people was a real tonic. I salute all involved.

On the forth day of Christmas

On the forth day of Christmas music gave to me a beautiful evening at the Square and Compass with Kangaroo Moon. For me, it was without a doubt the gig must brimming with joy this year, the Square and Compass was filled with love and good energy.  And it rocked. If you don't know the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers it's not the largest pub in the world, though certainly one of the most convivial, the room in which bands perform is about the size of an average front room, and on the night I recall here, it was crammed with dancing folk of all ages, all with beaming smiles. The attached video isn't of said gig, but does give a flavour of their sound, or should I say 'one' of their sounds, as Kangaroo Moon are a fluid band which manifests in different form, with different line ups, playing different sounds; what's consistent is that they're always well worth seeing.

Kangaroo Moon @ The Square and Compass 27.7.2017

Ah, the Square and Compass, you don't know it? Man, you need to rectify that. The Square and Compass is a sturdy Purbeck stone built inn set on the brow of the ridge, at the head of the valley which runs down from Worth Matravers to Winspit Quarries on the coast. Good cider, good food, a museum (yup, there's a cool museum in one of the rooms) and tonight great live music in the form of the magnificent Kangaroo Moon.

Kangaroo Moon are a versatile bunch of musicians, who appear in different forms, with different musicians, playing all sorts different flavours, funky, rocky, folky, influences from every style and from around the world; the consistent feature throughout though is they're always fantastic. Tonight manifestation was what I think of as the more traditional manifestation, as their music is on a more folkier, earthier tip. I saw them back in April at The New Avalon Ballroom Weekender, where they were on a heavier funkier trip. Tonight the band are Elliet MacKrell on violin and vocals, David Williams on things with strings, other things and vocals, Gem Quinn on drums and Mark Robson on keyboards, Didgeridoo, whistles and vocals.

The performance space at the Square isn't large, lets call it bijou, and it soon fills to the brim. The band begin to play, and instantly there are smiles all round. There's a real warmth to Kangaroo Moon's music, which always draws you in, it's joyful. It's not long before the crowd begins to move, as one by one more people connect with the music. It's so easy to connect to. Many of their songs have traditional themes and flavours, which resonate deeply. On every track Elliet's violin soars, whether lamenting or raising us to the dance, it sings to your heart. Violin is such a emotional instrument, you really feel it, and when played as well as Elliet, you're under it's spell and follow where it leads. With what appears a perpetual gentle smile of deep contentment, David Williams exquisitely plays a succession of stringed instruments and tiny things (of which he has an extensive collection laid out on a bench), which harmonise with Elliet's violin beautifully. Together they create a swirling musical sound-scape, which rises and falls, as we're taken on our musical journey. The songs keep coming, and the audience are transported. Driving everything along are Gem Quinn's drums, the beating heart of the songs, to which all our feet thump. I recently saw Gem perform with Here and Now, he was bloody good then too. That's what you notice with this calibre of musician, their versatility. Finally there's Mark Robson (also long time Here and Now member) surrounded by instruments, multitasking throughout, providing wonderful keys, whilst twiddling things, breathing a bit of didg here, and a toot on a whistle there, all the time delivering soulful vocals as he steers us through stories of gardening, amongst other things. I look around and all I see are smiling dancing folk, people having a proper blast. Lovely!

There's a brief break for people to refresh themselves and natter excitedly. Then the music resumes and by now the audience were totally engaged, I mean totally! Everyone's dancing, individually or together. I see there's a guy dancing whilst playing the spoons, the entire room are now up on their feet and dancing wildly, and the band just kept taking us higher. Gem's driving us along, then drops a marvellous solo, stirring the crowd right up. All the band member laid down stunning solos at one point or another. What an atmosphere! So much joy in the room. Music like this stands outside of time, it's eternal, if civilisation crumbles and people are scattered to the winds, music like this will continue as it always has. This is real music, it resonates in ways other music doesn't. The band look like they're having fun too. At one point I see Gem laughing at the antics of the audience. It's a proper Cheshire Cat grin type of a gig, and people are going for it, and why not. When times are dire (as they currently are), music takes on even more importance, it's a means of transportation. And, man, Kangaroo Moon were out of this world tonight, and they took us with them, what a performance! The audience would have taken more, though after noisy calls for such came to nought, we settled for bathing in the warm afterglow of a really fantastic gig.

A memorable evening for sure. I hope they return this way again soon, you can never get too much of what they bring.  In the meantime check out their site, buy some of their music, you'll be glad you did. As for The Square and Compass, bijou as it is, is an excellent venue, as well as an excellent inn, check it out. I thank the performers, the venue and the other audience members for a blast. Cheers y'all!

The New Avalon Ballroom Weekender, Day 1, Thursday 13th April 2017

The New Avalon Ballroom Weekender, day 1; the fabulous Magic Bus, and scene stalwarts and multi talented musical ensemble Kangaroo Moon.

Kangaroo Moon @ The Square and Compass 8.10.16

I was asked when I last saw Kangaroo Moon, and I reckoned it must've been 20 years ago! But, na, man, that's far too long, I must have seen them more recently than that. Anyways, whenever, I had been looking forward to tonight’s gig; great band in a great local(ish) venue, why wouldn't I be. The venue was The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers, a beautiful pub that we've visited more times than I can remember over the years, for pints whilst out walking, usually, and of course, their wonderful cider festival.  Now,  the Square and Compass is not the most expansive of establishments and the small room where the band were to perform soon filled with both people and anticipation. 

This evening Kangaroo Moon were Elliet Mackrell on fiddle (is calling it a fiddle wrong? should I say violin?), David Williams on loads of things with strings and other stuff, Gem Quinn on drums and of course, Mark Robson on keyboards, dijurido and vocals. I say 'this evening Kangaroo Moon were' as the band has a lot of associated musicians who perform when and where needed. I don't know how you'd adequately describe Kangaroo Moon's music, it defies labelling. I could write a long list of 'they're a bit...', but I'd never be sure I'd finished it, so I'm going to label them organic (I know, even though I just said they defied labelling). Organic feels right, they're music's deep, rich, wholesome, full bodied and filled with a myriad of intense and piquant flavours.  I dig that! 

With the room filled and the band prepared, the music began. Humorously, the music did begin although with no vocals, until Robson tapping his mic, then pulling its cable through his hands ended up holding the jack end in his hand, funny bugger.   From the get go the music was a rousing (you can help being roused when a fiddle is afoot) blend of what I'd described as traditional, contemporary and exotic sounds. I wasn't the only one to marvel at the depth and quality of sound produced by the band, all such fantastic musicians. There's something about Kangaroo Moon's music which is warm and engaging, I think it's their blend of traditional instruments and rhythms which touches your soul, as if ancestral memories within are awoken by timeless sounds. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not suggesting they're some sort of tired folk re-enactment, no sir, Kangaroo Moon do what a decent folky (apologies, lazy label) band should do, they invigorate the traditional, infusing it with contemporary sounds and feeling, keeping it fresh, evolving and most importantly alive.  Each track, and they were all gems, allowed each individual band member to shine: Mackrell's fiddle playing was beautifully poetic one moment and the next it was unleashed at a blistering pace, I love the fiddle, it's an instrument which to to heart; David Williams was crazy good, man, I don't know the names of all the stringed instruments he played, but certainly was a master of them and he also had a selection of musical 'things' laid out next to him which he used to great effect; Quinn drummed to perfection, lovely rhythm, I reckon drumming to this style of music must be really difficult, the many changes tempo in each track, Quinn made it look easy; and then there was Mr Robson multitasking, one hand on keys, the other twiddling things, whilst simultaneously blowing through a the dijurido, mad stuff, Robson has a lovely voice, warm and real. Together, well, you can imagine how good it sounded, on which note, for a small room the sound was great.

After several marvellous tracks, as is common place these days, there was an interlude for refreshments, at which point Gem Quinn disappeared out of the window, well, it was the quickest and easiest way out of the crowded room. The room soon thinned though with the exodus to the bar; now, I say bar, it's more a doorway, if you've not visited The Square and Compass, do ere'sso, it has character by the bucket, has a lovely atmosphere, sports a museum (yeah, a museum!), serves top notch scran and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Not sold? Check your pulse. I took the opportunity during the intermission to purchase the bands new album 'The way it is', check it out, it's great, I recognised several of the tracks from the evening. Anyways, interlude over, band and punters refreshed, it was time for some more, and damn fine it was too.  The band finished with a rousing rendition of the old English folk ballard 'Matty Groves', performed to perfection. I, along with the assembled, could have listened to plenty more. Bravo!

What a great night, a big thanks to the band and to The Square and Compass for putting them on. I'm hoping they pass this way again soon.