On the eleventh day of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas music gave to me, the Here and Now band at Unit 23 Totnes. Ah, Here and Now, a band like no other, a band which holds a special place in my heart. The band has seen a few line up changes over the years, comings and goings, though throughout there's always been one consistent, the governor, Keith The Bass. And, with him in the bands current manifestation are those Andys of 'Music of the Andys', Andy Roger on twiddly tings and Andy Burrows on guitar, and Kangaroo Moon's Mark Robson on keyboards and Gem Quinn on drums, and, man, are they good. They've always been good. Shit, man, what am I saying, Here and Now have never just been 'good', they've always been at least 'great', though more often than not, bloody marvellous. And so it was at Totnes, the chemistry and energy of the current line up made this gig as good a Here and Now gig as I've seen, and over the years that's a fair few. It was an evening to immerse yourself in the joy of familiar tunes played with new twists and be enthralled by new material, solid gold shit too. Word is that they've been in the studio since and that a new release is in the offing. Oh happy days. Click this for a nice rendition of 'So Glad You're Here' filmed by John Peters.

On the seventh day of Christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas, music gave to me a surprise, which really shouldn't have been a surprise. Back in March we ventured west to Totnes to see Gong, I'd last seen some years back on the 2023 tour when Daevid and Gilli were still with us. I'd not seen the band since and I have to admit to being a touch concerned that something may have been missing. I know it was essentially the same line up of consummate artists, minus Daevid and Gilli, as Gongs 2014's 'I see you' (which was both fabulous and moving in equal measure), but still, I don't know. From the performances get go I felt foolish, no, I felt guilty that I'd had any doubts or concerns. This was Gong! No doubt about it. I should have known better, Gong has always been fluid, emerging in different forms and guises, though always in essence Gong, that was Daevid's magic, his creation, his gift. Kavus steps up and takes the lead with a charisma and attitude befitting a Gong front man, I was pleasantly surprised with the air of continuity and continuation the band exuded. Dave Sturt on bass is fantastic, as is Fabio on guitar and Cheb on drums, and Ian East as well as being a superb sax player was also very funny to watch. All round it was a wonderful evening of glorious Gong, I was a bit of a twat for fearing it would be anything else.