Don Williams / Judy Collins Live in Llandudno, 2004

Elly Roberts reviews

Don Williams / Judy Collins
at North Wales Theatre LlandudnoTuesday 18th May 2004 Don Williams: Greatest Hits LiveYee Haaaa!

So you thought Country Music was dead and buried. Not so. Golden voiced ‘ GentleGiant ‘ Don Williams’ (right) double bill with Judy Collins is going downa storm. With only two British chart hits back in the 70’s – I Recall A Gypsy Woman and You’re My Best Friend, you’d think he was all but forgotten. His fanbase are turningout in droves as he tours the UK and Ireland promoting his new album, ‘My Heart To You‘.

He popped – in at the North Wales Theatre in Llandudno, proving he’s a big star as ever.Now, I’m not one of the biggest fans of the genre, but I’ve had my moments viaCrystal Gayle, Billie Jo Spears et al, and I’m glad I didn’t miss this one. Dressedin appropriate gear : stetson, cowboy boots, and jeans, he created a wonderfully-relaxedatmosphere. A man of few words, “I dawn’t say mach,“ he said in his deepTexan drawl. “Why not?”, shouted a fan in the front row. “Caauuse I aalways put ma foot in it!“,he replied, as the crowd roared with laughter.

Laid back is an understatement: he takes top prize in that department. Playing his musicis another issue, as there’s no hanging around. Flanked by his band – Billy Sanford onguitars, Charles Cochran on keys, Matt McKenzie on bass, John Clausi on guitar andSteve Turner on drums they took us into the wonderful world where the lyrics are paramount,along with some glorious melodies. His famous voice, described as, “..a rich, thick, barbecuesauce thing, as warm and honest as a preacher’s country handshake, as calming as a light rain…“, is something to behold.

Most of the evening turned into a mass – sing a long. You might think that this wasmusic for a certain age group, but by the crowd make – up, it was evident that hehas mass appeal for both sexes and all ages. During a 21-song setlist he thrilledhis devotees with past and present gems, which at their core are, simple, unpretentiousand above all deeply emotional. My favourites of the night were: the hit singles,Dr. Hook’s Years From Now and It Must Be Love.

Finger lickin’ good!

..and a Greatest Hits Collection – Volume One is now available on R1 DVD.

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Judy Colllins: Live at Wolf TrapGraceful, tall and elegant,former 60’s flower – child Judy Collins (right) was a fantastic support act.Known for the quality of her beautiful voice, at 65 years of age, she would shamemost of today’s young pretenders. A mass of long grey hair swept back into ahair comb, long flared trousers and sparkly jacket, she is appearing in the UK forthe first time in 20 years, and still very much in love with American Folk music.

Heavily influenced by her father’s love of Irish songs, she moved from her classical pianotuition to guitar by her late teens. Setting high standards in Greenwich Village in New York,she opened up the world to up and coming singer – songwriters like Bob Dylan, Joan Baezand Pete Seeger, who she regularly covers.

She greeted everyone with, “Hi there. It’s my first visit to Wales. It’s beautiful.I’m only sorry I’m not on vacation,“ as the crowd roared with approval. There was noband, just her and a pianist, and she began with Carole King’s Both Sides Now. Then we gotCountry Roads, The Beatles’ In My Life and a stirring acappellaversion of Amazing Grace. Highlights included solos of songs from her childhood likeMy Funny Valentine. She took to the piano herself for a few songs, dazzlingeveryone with her skills.

Review & pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004.