Magic Bus, The Earth Years

All aboard! Devon's psychedelic dreamers Magic Bus have pulled into town bringing with them a brand new collection of their distinctively joyful psychotropic tunage. Continuing their unbroken run of excellence Magic Bus's brand spanking new release 'The Earth Years' is a wonderful tonic in these dire times; place the needle on the record and the dark clouds part, the sun shines through, and that's all in the front room of your mind! Apt really, as their splendid 'The Road to La Mezquita' (my favourite track, I love that 70's funky strut) talks of indoor travelling. It's been three years since the Totnes troubadours released an album (too long...boo!) in which time they've gone from strength to strength, recently touring with the fabulous Chris Robinson Band. I maybe sense subtle CRB influence on tracks like 'New Day', though for the most part the band have built on, and further developed, their own inimitable brand of lovely sun drenched progtastic psychedelia. The Magic Bus sound encapsulates and blends the best of the decade between 65' and 75' from both sides of the pond (though I'd say this side weighted), with all the chaff removed and well informed by the subsequent decades, these West country wizards consistently create aural magic which keeps an ember of the summer of love alive and carries it forward. Front man Paul Evens has a wonderful voice, so evocative of the 70's Canterbury scene, and Jay Darlington's delightful organ reinforces that 70's British vibe magnificently, echoes of Canterbury's finest 'Audience' pepper the album, I think that's also due, in part, to Terrance Waldstradt's stellar guitar; 'Squirrel' puts me in mind of that Canterbury scene sound, a wisp of Nektar flavoured prog too. You'll also hear the influence of cultural legends Gong on tracks like 'Barleycorn', well, you would though wouldn't you, the band all have long hair, and some even have beards! Don't misunderstand me, Magic Bus sound like Magic Bus, and for what they've sipped from the prog/psyche well, they've renewed, replenished and expanded that well's elixir ten fold with their offerings. Mention must also be given to the Stirling contributions of Connor Spring's perfectly pitched drumming, and the laid back bad-ass bass of Wihll Mellorz, whose work in the engine room ensures every track has oodles of groovy rhythm. Like all Magic Bus albums 'The Earth Years' is beautifully paced, a lovely journey to take, conjuring a feeling of Mmmmm throughout.  The album ends with the sublime 60's infused  'We are one', a wrapped in a blanket watching the sunset kind of a song, which has the uplifting lyric 'hope is coming', love 'em.....fecking hippies. This is the bands first release without the heavenly flute and backing vocals of Viv Goodwin, that, I miss; you know what it's like when a band you dig has a line up change. That aside, there's absolutely nothing not to like; no, not to love about this album. It's a beautiful thing in itself too, a nice heavy weight clean cut vinyl, packaged in a sturdy gate-fold sleeve, with the most gorgeous artwork by Martin Ross Butler, lovely colours, man. No, hang on! There is one thing not to like...it's not long enough, I usually have to play it through twice so more-ish is it. That's four top-drawer albums in a succession from Magic Bus. Bravo y'all! Check it out. Shit, check them all out! And, if you dig what you hear and really what to experience the pure joy of Magic Bus, when the 'Rona's' passed make sure to catch them perform live...deep joy!

'The Three Seasons' by various artists, out on Fruits de Mer

Over their first 10 years Fruits de Mer records have gained quite a reputation for quality recordings of distinction, it's a reputation well founded, and one they're sure to cement further with their wondrous new release 'The Three Seasons'...the Spring, Summer and Autumn of Love 66' to 68'. The Three Seasons is twenty seven tracks from the period, beautifully re-imagined by some of the cream of contemporary psychedelia, bands of the highest calibre including The Luck of Eden Hall, Cary Grace, Jack Ellister, Magic Bus, The Honey Pot and Sidewalk Society (who have already showed their credentials in this field with last years fantastic 'Strange Roads' album, also on FdM).  As well as the new kids there are two bands who experienced the cultural shift of 66' to 68' first hand! The Yardbirds and The Pretty Things, yeah I know, cool ay.  Fruits de Mer have taken a different, more interesting, approach to the 'Summer of Love' than that usually undertaken, exploring not just the heady days of summer but the early conceptual blossomings of spring, and autumn's winds of change. It's a fantastic idea, and one that FdM has nailed.

So the context is.... By 1966 the mods had discovered psychedelics and mysticism, the seeds of a Spring of Love were planted, new frontiers were opening up, the world seemed full of possibilities, potential and of promise, you can hear the change in the songs of the period. Anton Barbeau, The Electric Prunes, Kris Gietkowski, Aunt Cynthia's Cabin, Icarus Peel and Mark McDowell tackle this year, which they all do splendidly. If pressed I'd say Mark McDowells version of the Small Faces' 'Up the Wooden Hills' surpasses the original (is that sacrilege? I don't care, it's true).

Then, as 1966 becomes 1967 the heady exuberance of the psychedelically burgeoning Summer of Love is palpable in the music of the year, everyone was out of their gords and loving it, experimentation was the name of the game as was pushing boundaries and excess. The Past Tense, Lovelydove, Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder, Jack Ellister, Rob Gould, Moonweevil, The Locker Room Cowboys, The Honey Pot, Magic Bus and The Golden Needles take on the summer, again with magnificent results. You're going to love The Locker Room Cowboys version of the Stones 'We love you', best interpretation on the album, it's fantastic, perfect! Loving The Golden Needles take on 'The Smell of Incense' too.

Sadly, and maybe inevitably, by 1968 the tide was turning, it's the Autumn of Love, no amount of drugs could hide the fact the party was clearly over and with it many of those hopes envisaged in spring. There were new musical paths appearing, time for another change. King Penguin, The Luck of Eden Hall, Cary Grace, Sidewalk Society, Jay Tausig, Proud Peasant, The Green Ray, Ex-Norwegian and Consterdine address this year of flux and realization, and of course the results are electric. I don't think of anybody could've tackled The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1983 (A Merman I should be..) better than Cary Grace, contemporary yet respectful, beautifully arranged and with Cary's distinctive voice, clean and powerful, you've a mesmerizing track. As is Consterdine's 'Fly' (J.K and Co.), which again (in my opinion) surpasses the original.

Man, what a lovely listening experience, the tracks aren't arranged linearly by release date, instead you flit about the years, not in a clumsy way, no, the whole album hangs together and flows beautifully.  You're taken on a trip to the mid 60's whilst remaining firmly anchored in the present, the way the artists have combined now and then is a marvel. I can honestly say there's not a weak track on any of the six sides of this gloriously coloured vinyl release (mine are the darker coloured set, a lighter pastel set is also available), every track delivers. A lot of love and attention to detail has been put in to these interpretations, none are mere covers, every artist has brought something of their own to the tracks, and each has done the original justice, and to be honest, most giving the originals a run for their money (more sacrilege?). I'm certain the original artists would agree. Talking original artists, it's lovely to hear The Yardbirds and The Pretty Things still playing. The whole project has an air of reverence to it, present day psychedelic pop/rock/folk-sters paying deference at the spring that's nurtured and fed them, of which they now are a part of. Far out, man! I need to mention that the artwork by John Hurford is bloody lovely, tripped out seasonally appropriate nature scenes in vivid colours, he's the same guy who did The Honey Pots 'Ascending Scales' cover (another great FdM release). The whole package is a lovely thing, and shouts quality.

Todd said 'But a dream lives on forever', and although the sun went down of the psychedelic 60's, what was born during that triad of inspirational seasons endures and even thrives today, as this album of brilliant contemporary psychedelic interpretations attests to. Well played Fruits de Mer. Everyone should get a copy, go on! Oh, and more from The Locker Room Cowboys please, I'd love to hear what else they could do.

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 second day of Christmas.....

On the second day of Christmas, music gave to me...a bus full of magic. The last band I saw live this year, and a band I've been lucky enough to catch live on several occasions are the fabulous Magic Bus. A Magic Bus gig, is just that....magic! A band of affable musicians of the highest calibre, creating music of a space jazz prog psych flavour with Canterbury running though ot like Bournemouth through a stick of rock. A Magic Bus gig is guaranteed a most splendid experience. In the summer the band released their third album 'Phillip the Egg' which instantly became a turntable regular (all three of their albums are wonderful listening). Buy their music and go see them perform, you're life will be better for it.......fact!

Magic Bus @ The King Arthur 17.11.2017

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.

All aboard!

Typical! You wait ages for a Magic Bus vinyl, and the two come along! I'm not complaining, mind. I've been waiting eagerly for Magic Bus's new Album 'Philip the Egg' to be released on vinyl since it's release on CD at the beginning of May. Though I was unaware that they were also releasing their 2014 album 'Transmission from Sogmore's garden' on vinyl. Both arrived this morning, and will be played relentlessly throughout the day.

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.

Totnes gig at Unit23, part 2: Magic Bus

Well, the Invisible Opera Company of Tibet had got our evening off to a great start. The place was now filling up with an interesting selection of the colourful and goodly folk of Totnes, ready for one of tonight’s headline acts, the fantastic, Magic Bus. We discovered Magic Bus a couple of years ago, and if you've stumbled across my past blog posts about them, then you'll know I dig the bands sound and the atmosphere of musical joy they create. Magic Bus are Viv Goodwin-Darke on flute and vocals; Paul Evans on guitar and vocals; Terence Waldstradt on guitar and vocals, Wihll Mellorz on bass, Mitch Pike on drums and of course Jay Darlington on all things key and twiddly; all are splendid musicians and masters of the craft. I always feel uncomfortable about 'they're like' statements, though do it all the time,  it's a useful descriptive tool. So, if you like that 70's Canterbury psychedelic prog sound, with a soupçon of West coast and a handful of mushrooms, you'll f*cking love Magic Bus, they're in that tradition, it's the organ/flute/harmonies combo thing. I really dig the fluty/organ sound combo, which create the ethereal stream of wistful magic which meanders through all the 'Bus's' tracks. Lovely! As expected tonight’s performance didn't disappoint, in fact from the get go tonight the band took their performance to new heights. Whenever we've seen them they've delivered great performances, tonight though they were cooking on gas. Maybe it's because Totnes is home territory, that the band appeared really relaxed, in a way we'd not seen them before. Maybe it's the addition of a heavier drummer (not in any way a criticism of previous drummer Connor, who is a top drummer and lovely chap), that the tracks seemed performed with added gusto. I don't know. Whatever the reason, there was a different energy this evening and a sense of freedom and joyful abandon in their performance. They kicked off with 'Sunflower', off of 'Transmissions from Sogmore's Garden'; a sunny afternoon under dappled sun type of a song, a beautiful track to create an uplifting atmosphere.  And, we were off on a magical bus journey. They played a nice mix of favourites from their previous two albums, and a good sprinkling of new songs from their forthcoming album too.  All took you smiling through worlds of psychedelic bliss.  Their new tracks have a jazzier flavour to them, still distinctively Magic Bus though; they certainly all sounded great. I'm definitely looking forward to their upcoming release, released in a month or so, on vinyl too! The jazzy sound made a complimentary addition to the bands more established psychedelic, folky, prog, rock sound. Paul mentioned the influence of Gong on them, that's no bad thing, I can think of worse things to be influenced by.  We all take influence, it's where those influences take our mind and creativity that's important. And Magic Bus have clearly created something of their very own, you know a Magic Bus track when you hear one. Every track was played to perfection. The best Magic Bus performance we'd seen, by a country mile, and I've thought every performance we'd seen has been bloody marvellous. Everybody was having a whale of a time, and the band looked like they were really enjoying it too, all smiles (it was the smiley-est I'd seen Jay, who usually looks quite studious), and that's what it's all about, everyone having a good time. Well, job done. A big thanks to the band, the venue and the inhabitants of Totnes who made for a memorable evening. I can't wait to see Magic Bus at the Avalon Weekender, nor wait for their latest waxing. Check Magic Bus out, or lose out, it's as simple as that.

Now, Gong!

Magic Bus @ The king Arthur, Glastonbury 28.1.2017

For the first time this year the fabulous Magic Bus pulled into Glastonbury to perform at that venerable establishment, The King Arthur. And, it would have been rude not to step on board.

Magic Bus are the grooviest of bands, comprised of excellent musicians who have a very pleasing sound, steeped in psychedelic, folky, prog, rock flavours, they also do a lovely line in harmonies too. They've certainly got late 60's early 70's running through them like Brighton through rock.  I love 'em. I really dig that 70's sound and to hear it played with contemporary flourish is a real treat.  You see, the 'Bus' (no one calls them that) aren't period re-enactors they're creating not copying, creating upbeat progressive psychedelic music for the now, and doing a bloody good job. Singer/songwriter Paul Evans pens some masterful psychedelic ditties with flavours of vintage south east England blended with summer of love sun drenched west coast America, Paul's got the voice to do them credit too. Combined the band produce some top shelf harmonies to drift off smiling on. As usual Jay Darlington looks as cool as a cucumber sat relaxed behind his incense fuelled keyboards (I assume they were incense fuelled, he did burn some nice incense this evening, it was either that or magic), man, does he get some sweet sounds out of those keys or what. I love that vintage organ and keys sound, it's just so right. A new addition tonight (well, new to me) was Mitch Pike on drums,  I felt Mitch certainly brought a different energy to the mix (that's not to say previous drummer Connor wasn't good, just different), a more powerful, heavier driving beat, a bit metal, not heavy mind, just more 'rock'! Together with Wihll Muellorz on bass they created a solid rhythm section, Wihll, like other bassists makes bass look effortless, of course it can't be. Mitch's drumming seemed to have Terence Waldstradt rocking it a bit heavier than usual too. Not that Terence's noodling doesn't hit the spot anyway, it just felt a touch rockier than when we've previously seen the band. In fact a few of the numbers seemed rockier in places. No complaint, mind, the Magic Bus brought it. Of course, weaving in and out through all the tracks, dancing like joyfully butterflies, was Viv Goodwin-Darke's magical flute. Like organ, I love a bit of flute and together, well, they're made for each other aren't they. Add it to the mix and you had all the ingredients for some tasty musical bliss. Their set tonight was a mixture of favourites with a liberal sprinkling of new tracks off their forthcoming third album due out in a couple of months (includes a vinyl release), I for one am looking forward to it. The new tracks sounded great, and were all well received by the audience to loud applause, as were all the tracks, the room was filled, everybody having a blast, lots of folk up dancing.  Gigs never last long enough, (well that's not true, I saw Busted and McFly once) tonight was no exception. Great performance from a band you always come away happy and a bit floaty from. They're a lovely folk too are Magic Bus, friendly and happy to chat. Top night, cheers. Check out their albums especially 'Transmissions from Sogmore's Garden', a great listen (if you like it you can buy it here, always try and support the artists if you can).

Ah, and The King Arthur, our not so local local. We were remarking on such this evening, even though it's the best part of 4.5 hour round trip, we're there so frequently for gigs it feels like our local, there's no other establishment we visit as regularly or feel drawn to. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the clientèle equally so, the atmosphere is conducive to good times and the sound here is always on the button.  If you're in Glastonbury and in need of a drink (or food, they do food too), you'd be remiss not to visit. 

Magic Bus @ The King Arthur, Glastonbury

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!

Magic Bus @ The King Arthur 20.2.2016

The day may have been washed out, but this evening the Magic Bus pulled into Glastonbury, stopping at that most unique of establishments, the King Arthur. Now, I have to confess I'd not heard of Magic Bus prior to them appearing on the King Arthurs' events page, but they sounded cool and after a quick search on Youtube I decided to take a punt. And, I'm glad we did. 

On arrival at he King Arthur we sat in the bar for a while, imbibing beers, fine whiskies and talking bollocks, whilst watching in wonder at the folk about us and their antics, so different from down our ways, so uninhibited and natural.  I swear there's a portal somewhere in Glastonbury which allows people of a certain mind to slide between the ages, and by some strange gravitational pull they appear all to be drawn through the King Arthur. Well, it's always been like that when I've visited. At the allotted hour we made our way from the bar to the performance area at the rear and gave our money to the smiley door lady (who was later up and dancing herself). Do you know, it was only 3 quid. Mental, aye! As we entered the room the band began to play, and a smile spread across my face, I never thought I'd hear music like this being played live. What do I mean? 

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.

As the band played the room was filled with smiling faces and the dance floor began to fill. First the obligatory ambling hippy type performing the standardized head down zombie shuffle, then a young woman strode purposefully onto the dance floor, flung her coat and proceeded to get down, and before you knew it the floor was filled with bimblers and groovers. One guy must have come through the Glastonbury portal from the 70's, sporting the full corduroy look, jacket and matching cap, he looked like a young Jeremy Corbyn; don't misunderstand me, not everybody can get away with corduroy, and he was rocking it. Respect.  Magic Bus played two sets with a small break in between, each one a real joy. When the second set began nearly everybody was up frooging and dancing, and at the end were left wanting more. Which Magic Bus provided by way of 2 encores, nice!   After the gig we had an opportunity to have a quick chat with the band, they were all lovely and what was nice was that it appeared that the band too had had a really great time; enjoying us, enjoying them.

As for the venue. Well, I love the venue. The King Arthur in Benedict’s Street in Glastonbury is somewhere things happen, it's a pub, you eat there, meet there, hear bands, do stuff. Really, it's a social hub as much as a pub.  I  look forward to the opportunities to visit, keeping my eye out for interesting bands. Both the staff and locals are great, the King Arthur has a unique atmosphere and is well, worth a visit.

All in all a fine time was had by all. I can't wait to see them again. By the way their latest album is 'Transmissions from Sogmore's Garden', and it's great.