The evening after the evening before and back up to Brussels, or in this case the outskirts, under the church spire of St Elizabeth on a leafy square in Haren. It was good to be back here after the summer recess. For any newbies here the Toogenblik occupies a few first floor rooms in a old red brick building that was at one time the parsonage. The actual room used for the gigs used to be the priest's bedroom. Now it's occupied by music appreciating beer drinkers and nice folks who give up their time to run the place, a selection of sinners and saints if you will. There are cracks in the high ceilings and it's walls are festooned with old posters, black and white photographs, signed pictures and much music and beer related memorabilia and artefacts. It's old and a little shabby but there is an unbelievable warmth to the place. Anyway, that's enough info..
It was a bit difficult this one as it was on the back of such a superb gig the night before that I sort of feared it would be difficult to get into Eilen's music. Had The Low Anthem temporarily dulled my pallet for anything else?
I got to the venue a half hour before kick off to see the Belgian equivalent of the AA there working on the tour bus...oh dear! Turns out it had broken down and there was a bit of a behind the scenes panic going on to get something organised as the band had to leave for Paris after the gig. At about 10 past 9 Luc Geldof (no relation) stepped between the tables and onto the tiny stage to do what are becoming his legendary introductions as he introduces the artists and do a few parish notices. Trying to do this in three languages sometimes results in a linguistic gaffe with the artist looking a bit perplexed behind him and the audience guffawing with laughter and tonight was no exception. Then Eilen stepped up to mic, slung her guitar over her shoulder and played this..
Not being too familiar with her stuff the first thing I noticed was that this was a class act, she's got a great bluesy voice and the guys in the band were just excellent players especially Stetson wearing Gerry Miller on guitar, he played some excellent licks. In all honesty it did take me a while to really get into it fully as not only was the last gig still buzzin' but I was stuck at the back as the place was full. There then followed a selection of songs from her three albums with Sea of Tears (love that title track) in the prominent role prompting the guy sitting next to me to borrow my CDs to check the tracks and also prompting brisk business on the table out in the hall. We also had couple of cracking traditional numbers from her Sacred Shakers country gospel repertoire plus we had a couple of covers, "I'm Gonna Dress in Black" (THEM)and "Ain't Nobody's business" (Billy Holiday) and the Toogenblik was brought to the boil with Shakin' all Over with folks whoopin'and a hollerin'....cracking stuff and I was totally won over!
This was an absolutely superb gig with folks giving the group a standing ovation at the end and it certainly managed to loosen some dust from the fixtures and fittings at this superb little venue. There's more video footage from this gig (almost the whole two sets) available. Lets hope they got that van sorted. Look out for Eilen and band in the UK from Monday Oct 5th onwards....superb stuff!
The Basement, Brighton, 6th October A real high energy show, crowd approx 150 with probably an even split between those who had seen her before and complete newbies. Shawn (Gilded Palace of Sin promoter) said to the former 'you'll know what to expect' and to the latter 'you are in for a treat' ...and he was spot on.
Very varied selection of songs between originals and covers (Loretta Lynn, Billie Holiday, George Jones, Eric Andersen, Bessie Smith) with quite a good number of the songs being played in response to requests being shouted out. She made light-hearted fun of someone who shouted for 'Rich Man's World' because she'd sung it earlier!
A small group were up and dancing at the side of the stage from about the second or third song in and quite a few more dancers came to the front towards the end of the gig and had a great time.
Great atmosphere at this (new to me) venue and it was super to see so many people come out and vindicate Shawn's decision to put her on at a larger venue. They played for 1hr 40 mins and closed out with 'High Shelf Booze'. Last time in Brighton, at the smaller Prince Albert, it was great but very cosy with the room packed out.
If The Luminaire show tonight is only half as good you'll still be in for a treat!
Nice support slot from Canadian Rob Lutes making his UK debut. Fab evening all round.
must agree with all the previous posts,top show brillant sound[ well done to bob] at last nights show at buckingham [ tingewick] saturday. eilen and her band are a very polished outfit. looking forward very much to next saturdays tingewick gig [ october 24th] for the first time in BUCKINGHAMSHIRE,THE GREAAAT FRED EAGLESMITH .
Another one here has to agree with all the above and if I have to say so myself we had a great show at Tingewick last Saturday and thanks to all who came along and made it a memorable evening, you can follow my link to some of my images of the night
Hutton-Le-Hole October 6th Have to agree with all that Phil, - Saw her in october in Yorkshire at smallest venue ever,(http://www.thebandroom.co.uk/) Brilliant evening excellent musicians, great atmosphere. The band mingled with the audience at the interval and end.
Eilen Jewell
Posted - 27/09/2009 : 15:46:16
