William Aston Hall, NEWI Wrexham
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Live And Let Live
Photos: Elly Roberts |
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A review of Love and Arthur Lee in concert at the William Aston Hall, NEWI, by Elly Roberts from Wrexham. Wrexham is well established on the international circuit, and continues to attract some of the biggest names in the pop and rock world. The latest act to come to town was the sensational Arthur Lee and Love. They are without doubt the coolest customers around. Sixties psychedelic legend Arthur Lee, now 59, is thrilling audiences around the globe with his concept show The Forever Changes Concert. Released in 1968, the album became a cult hit on both sides of the Atlantic, with its penchant for experimentation and fusion of folk, symphonic pop, electric blues and Jazz tinged balladry. It makes up some of the most beautiful and complex music ever recorded. After years in the musical wilderness, Lee is enjoying a phenomenal revival in his colourful career. With his new Love band, LAs Baby Lemonade, he recently stopped by at Wrexham's William Aston Hall, NEWI, for the second time in nine months. The set list is predictably familiar, and is jampacked with classics, in a bumper 90 minute show. You know what's coming, but somehow it doesn't seem to matter. Mature and younger fans can't get enough of his unique music, which is as relevant today as it was 36 years ago. From the minute he stepped on stage in his casual manner, the audience gave him a hero's welcome and surged to the stage front. And that's where they stayed for the entire two hours, for what was another glorious night on his return. Last time he promised the full works, complete with string section, but sadly there was no sign of them. It was a bit disappointing, as they give much greater depth to the repertoire. Nevertheless, Lee never fails to impress both vocally and on guitar. His voice has improved with age, and his guitar style is a gentle caressing touch of the strings. Rarely stopping his stage movements, his tall and lean frame is in remarkably good shape. His head was permanently covered with bandana and Stetson hat, and he only occasionally removed his trendy shades to reveal a pair of piercing blue eyes. The late Bryan McLean's masterpiece Alone Again Or opened up the proceedings, with its Spanish flavour and horn simulated blasts, and was received with hysterical cheers from the crowd. From then on, it was a rollercoaster ride of standards, from an era synonymous with acid trips and anti-war sentiments - a potent cocktail indeed. Lee also plays a mean harmonica and marakas, and revelled in showing off his diverse skills. Highlights from the night included the pacey A House Is Not A Hotel, the up-beat Daily Planet, Red Telephone and a medley of Lennon's Live and Let Live, which brought the house down. Best song of the night was the delicately delivered Message To Pretty. Rumour has it there's a brand new album on the horizon - I simply can't wait. from BBC online
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