Glad to see that we can now view the rates for our reviews. Maybe next time Ciao should test the new...
Glad to see that we can now view the rates for our reviews. Maybe next time Ciao should test the new system before installing it?
Member since:21.10.2000
Reviews:938
Members who trust:330
Maddy Prior has the most beautiful voice. She used to be lead singer with Steeleye Span in the 70’s and I always loved their music – remember the hit All Around My Hat?
I saw Steeleye Span perform live at the open air concert at Cardiff Castle where 10CC were topping the bill. It had rained all afternoon and we were all soaked but as Maddy Prior took the stage the rain stopped! I didn't really know her at that time but the music was brilliant and her voice was so clear.
Well, now she sings with The Carnival Band, a group of 5 musicians who can play an amazing number of instruments. As you take your seats for the performance the stage is littered with guitars, fiddles, drums of all sorts, bagpipes (Irish and Flemish), oboe and many instruments I’d never even heard of!
Dave's boss had suggested that he went to see Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band a couple of years ago and he asked me who she was. I said I remembered her from her Steeleye Span days so he got tickets for the gig. He wasn't really convinced about going until he actually saw and, more importantly, heard her - now he is always on the look out for gigs near enough for us to attend! We're going to see them at the Civic in Wolverhampton in October, and we've got front row seats!
They play basically mediaeval music updated in their own style. Ms Prior does most of the singing but they are also quite capable of a lovely 6 part acapello harmony and the band do one or two instrumentals too.
They are in touch with the audience and obviously good friends with one another, as they tell stories about the songs with a great deal of affection and humour.
During the interval you'll find Ms Prior out in the foyer talking to fans and autographing CD's.
The whole concert is conducted with a relaxed air of good fun and I really do come out feeling good about life. I know that sounds really trite but they're that sort of act.
We went to see the Christmas concert of ‘Carols and Capers’ last year and her daughter sang a couple of the songs with her. She takes after mom for her voice! It was a wonderful way to begin the Christmas festivities.
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One of the great voices, definitely. The only time I've seen her to date was when Steeleye Span were supporting Status Quo on their winter 1996 tour and, inevitably, for Quo's encore she joined them to sing on 'All Around My Hat'. I think her next tour with SS after that was her farewell to them.
mikeydred 19.01.2001 17:12
I loved Steeleye Span and the Silly Sisters stuff she did with June Tabor (who does a wonderful unaccompanied version of 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda')
Aspen 14.01.2001 11:12
The mention of Steeleye Span reminds me of my age! Ahh . . Bach goes to Limerick! I'll keep my ears open for the Carnival Band. Glad to hear Maddy's still going strong. Thanks for the info.
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