KLONDYKE CLUB, LEVENSHULME, MANCHESTER 14 October 2006

MW reports

Spanners and bananas frequently co-exist within the unique dimension that cradles a Kevin Ayers gig. I was thrilled at the earlier announcement that the October mini tour would visit Manchester but filled with a growing nervousness that the venue might prove so elusive and unwelcoming that only the most hardened faithful would be there. 'Counting all of my friends on one finger' started to assume a starker reality. Part of this was my own frustration - I have one life, one love, one city in both urban and football senses and I wanted Kevin to know the best this great metropolis can offer and not the dubious pleasures of its darkest alleys.

Of course, with the comfort of habitude, I was completely and utterly wrong. The Klondyke Bowls Club, Levenshulme hosted one of the nicest gigs I've ever witnessed. Yes, it took us several wrong turns to get there. Yes, there was disbelief that any car park could possess potholes so cavernous. Yes, we only found the front door by joining hands with three other similarly confused lost souls wandering outside. Yes, Mrs Editor's eyebrows were raised slightly more questioningly than usual.

Inside was a timewarp, a perfectly preserved Wheeltappers and Shunters, where hearts still raced at the prospect of a game of cribbage. Across a cavernous snooker hall, three locals sipped Cherry B's and eyed with circumspection the very-evident Kevin Ayers' cognoscenti beginning to gather. The scene was a whole conference; two worlds gently brushing together, a perfect mirroring of the same dichotomy of 40 years ago when the Wilde Flowers and a fresher, younger Kevin Ayers ruffled the placid waters of Canterbury and sniffed the first flowers of revolution.

The bar didn't stock Spangles (I did ask) but was unusual in being staffed by smiling, polite, efficient staff who took your order as soon as you arrived. The beer came in a real glass and was wonderful. Had the evening stopped right there it would still have been a great gig.

I guess upwards of 80 faithful had found the way so the gig room was comfortably full by the time we had all sat on the floor. If only my poor words could capture that wallpaper you would recognise your favourite aunt's front room with the tables pushed to one side. Or was it your cousin's wedding? No matter, you have been there.

So, in this comfortable, warm cocoon, the music flowed. Two local north-west acts - Sam and the Plants and Say Jansfield - were both excellent. Sam and his lovely two Plants clearly lived and thrived in an incredible string world. I was disappointed to see them depart in a car at the end of the night rather than a horse-drawn gypsy caravan but their contribution to setting the tone for the evening was immeasurable. Say Jansfield, a three piece (band not suite, given the surroundings), sported a gyrating percussionist who reminded me uncannily of a pupil whose Ritalin dose has just ended. They were lovely people and should be compulsory viewing for anyone whose enthusiasm and belief in the energy and beauty of live music has become jaded.

Kevin and Max came on shortly after 11 to play an hour's set (see below for list). The lights were turned off and the set played in the faintest of green light cast by an overhead exit sign. The rapt audience, the nearness of the midnight hour, the hint of moonlight, the clarity of two guitars and a voice as close to perfection as I can remember brought magic into that private space. One person who heckled for lights was politely corrected by Kevin - 'you don't want to see me, just listen'. The set was an eclectic choice that spanned from 'Joy Of A Toy' to 'Still Life'. These are wonderful songs - I write for the converted - and the old argument of whether they need a band or not somehow doesn't matter. They are beautiful at any level. A single rose is no less than a thousand roses. An acoustic Kevin Ayers song is the power of a single kiss.

Max La Villa carries the flame of a long and distinguished line and does it supremely well. Classically trained, he brought a stunning Spanish flavour to 'Lady Rachel' and lovely slide to 'When Your Parents Go To Sleep'. As Graham Weston observed (see Brentwood review) he has evidently instilled a culture of rehearsal into the partnership and it showed - given the darkness and the difficulties this must have created, the playing was exemplary. Intriguingly, Kevin fumbled for his glasses for certain songs - perhaps the darkness looks sharper with them.

Speakers buzzed to interrupt 'Thank You Very Much' and a burly gentleman was dispatched to 'stand' strategically on a certain spot that restored a tentative peace. It did reappear during 'Interview' but somehow didn't matter - confidence was high enough not to be shattered by such petty hiccups.

The set was over far too quickly - the inevitability of shorter, acoustic arrangements of course (and no 15 minutes of 'Super Salesman' tee hee). It would be fascinating to hear Max's classical fingers given expanded solo opportunities - the classic slot in 'Shouting In A Bucket', or the traditionally extended middle of 'Didn't Feel Lonely' for example - or for the duo to build on the positive reception and rehearse another half dozen songs. Maybe this will come as the new album is released and newer songs lose their shyness in appearing.

There was a curious upset at the end of the evening as a valuable guitar was discovered to be missing and disbelief that the almost reverential audience had contained a thief. Yet within twenty minutes, to immense relief, the instrument had been returned by an unknown and remorseful character whose conscience had won its battle with drink.

Conclusive proof, if it were ever needed that, that a higher and mightier hand was also plucking at strings on this most magical of nights.

Kevin - hope to see you again soon.


Set list: Too Old to Die Young, Shouting in a Bucket Blues, Eleanor's Cake, I Don't Depend on You, Lady Rachel, When Your Parents Go to Sleep, Blaming It All on Love, Didn't Feel Lonely, See You Later, Something in Between, Whatevershebringsweswing, Thank You Very Much, Interview. Encore - May I?, Ballbearing Blues

WAWS says big thanks to Dan for promoting this gig