Fairport Convention: The Witham, Barnard Castle

THEY walked on stage relaxed and easy as though they were walking into their own living rooms. And with up to 49 years experience of touring, the five members of Fairport Convention are probably as familiar with some of the stages they play on as with their own homes.

On Saturday night it was the turn of Barnard Castlem to provide a full house and a rousing welcome to this near legendary folk-rock band on the last date of their current tour. Led by Simon Nicol, the one original band member, they were in great voice and brilliant instrumental form, and none more so than drummer, Gerry Conway, whose solo on the cajon (to you and me, the wooden box he was sitting on) demonstrated his consummate skill as percussionist.

Myths and Heroes, the title track of their latest album, provided the opener to the evening along with numerous tracks from the past – the mournful anthem to lost youth, John Condon, the lyrical instrumental, Portmerion, Ralph McTell’s Clear Water, and by special request the early version of Scottish ballad, Sir Patrick Spens. And of course no-one will think of crudite and dips in the same way again.

The evening was tinged with sadness at the news a week ago of the death of Dave Swarbrick, the highly-influential songwriter and early band member. Otherwise, this was a triumphant evening with a packed house marking the band’s first, but hopefully not last, visit to the Witham.

Laurence Sach