Thursday, 10th April 2008 saw a return visit to The Beehive in Swindon for the Southern Tenant Folk Union. Having seen the band on their last visit to Swindon I new that I was in for a real treat and I, like the rest of their fans, was not to be disappointed, in fact this show surpassed any expectations I had. The band really seems to be on the up at the moment and is finally getting the recognition it so rightly deserves.
The band gathered themselves around the old fire place in The Beehive and settled themselves in for a long night of music. A large crowd of fans, who had come from far and wide to see the band perform an unplugged set featuring songs from their two albums, packed the small venue. Although The Beehive is quite a small venue it attracts a wide range of artists from all fields of music and from all corners of the globe to play there.
Until the very end of the show the only amplification the band used was for the microphones but by the end of the show microphones were abandoned – giving the crowd a well deserved treat. Live music at its best – one hundred percent unplugged, completely raw and fresh.
The Southern Tennant Folk Union’s latest offering – Revivals, Rituals and Union Songs is already receiving high acclaim in magazines and is rising fast in the specialist album charts. After performing several songs from this new album on the night it is easy to see why. Two songs from the new album that stood out for me were – Back To Front and Changeling Child. The later was written by Frances Vaux about a relation in Australia and as she described the story behind the song it took on a whole new meaning for me.
The band performed All You Need To Know from their self-titled first album to rousing applause from the audience. The audience were also treated to a fine version of Uncle Pen. Throughout the night fans witnessed some outstanding banjo and fiddle playing.
The band was keen to involve the crowd and to make them part of the whole occasion. All members of the band are warm, friendly and approachable – signing autographs and stopping for a chat.
The evening raced by and all too soon it was time to go home. It was a delight to see the band again and to be treated to such an entertaining show. I look forward to seeing them again and hope their latest album continues getting the attention and praise it so rightly deserves. It would be great if the Southern Tennant Folk Union band could become a house hold name!
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