David Cousins, Dave Lambert, and Chas Cronk Offer Intimate Versions of Strawbs Classics
As summer transitions into fall, the Acoustic Strawbs will observe the Autumnal Equinox, not at Stonehenge, but among the more modern edifices of New York City. Moving into their fifth decade of musical innovation, they will spend dates around the Equinox in the Midwest, East Coast and then electric Strawbs shows in Canada, continuing the tour that has charmed audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
David Cousins who was hailed, “the most talented Dylan influenced songwriter to come out of England,” by the influential All Music Guide, still leads the group. Strawbs often are mentioned in the same breath as progressive rockers like Yes, The Moody Blues, and Renaissance. In fact, Rick Wakeman left Strawbs to join Yes, and Wakeman's son Oliver, who has replaced his father in Yes, played with the most recent electric version of Strawbs!
Beyond progressive rock, Strawbs brought another key component to their complex and intricate songs. Initially they fell in with the British Folk movement of the mid-'60s, starting life as the Strawberry Hill Boys and playing bluegrass. Even so, frontman Cousins maintains, “I've never sung a folk song in my life!”
Moving more into the mainstream, the Strawbs joined forces with Sandy Denny. They recorded their first album with her for a Danish label. While she left them soon afterwards to join the seminal Fairport Convention, this record brought them to the attention of A&M records, which promptly signed them. The Strawbs were the first English band on the A&M roster.
On the strength of albums like Grave New World, Bursting at the Seams, Hero and Heroine, and Ghosts, and songs like “Benedictus,” “Lay Down,” and “A Glimpse of Heaven,” Strawbs has retained a devoted following, a fan base that continues to grow. This acoustic tour features singer/guitarist Cousins, 37-year-long Strawb guitarist Dave Lambert and 36-year-long member bassist Chas Cronk. The group will also play five nights in Canada as the full electric Strawbs line-up.
On the American dates, fans can also buy recent CDs including, All Our Own Work by Sandy Denny and the Strawbs (sorry, no press copies), the Acoustic Strawbs Live at Hampton Court Palace and Dancing to the Devil's Beat, as well as Cousins' book Secrets, Stories & Songs (sorry, no press copies available).
ACOUSTIC STRAWBS TOUR DATES
Thursday 9 September The Ark Ann Arbor MI
Friday 10 September Abbey Chicago IL
Saturday 11 September Beachland Ballroom Cleveland OH opener: Jann Klose
Sunday 12 September Thunderbird Cafe Pittsburg, PA
Tuesday 14 September The Turning Point Cafe Piermont NY
Wednesday 15 September Music on Main Street Woodbridge NJ
Thursday 16 September Sellersville Theatre Sellersville PA
Friday 17 September Strand Theatre Lakewood NJ opener: Patrick Fitzsimmons
Saturday 18 September Towne Crier Pawling NJ
Sunday 19 September University Café Stony Brook NY
Tuesday 21 September BB King's New York NY opener: Aztec Two-Step
Wednesday 22 September Showcase Live Foxborough MA
Thursday 23 September 8th Step at Proctors Schenectady, NY
Friday 24 September Redhouse Syracuse NY
Saturday 25 September Lovin' Cup Rochester NY
ELECTRIC STRAWBS DATES
Saturday 2 October The Place Hamilton
Tuesday 5 October Hugh's Room Toronto
Wednesday 6 October Hugh's Room Toronto
Thursday 7 October Outremont Theatre Montreal
Friday 8 October Barrymore’s Ottawa
http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk
http://www.witchwoodrecords.co.uk
