Photo by Terry Cassidy - loads more pictures from Terry and from Alison Brown.

REVIEWS

THE SWISS COTTAGERS ON A ROLL
Review by Lindsay Sorrell

'Twas an extremely enjoyable evening. Nice trendy bistro place about 10 seconds' walk away to start with, then down to the bar (sorry I don't know the name). I know Dick had spent a while researching a suitable venue and it paid off - a very ambient underground bar/club with a friendly feel, dark with candlelit tables etc. (slightly reminiscent of The Troubadour). There were several bodies already propping up the bar when we wandered in, and by the time the Cottagers took to the stage the place was packed with a crowd obviously out for a mega-good time.

Hopeless as ever at remembering setlists, I do at least remember Dick starting off the proceedings with his own composition, "Mystery Lady", which I had first heard recently. It sounded great and set the mood nicely for the evening - song after song delivered well by an obviously talented bunch. Early on Hud was itching to adjust Dick's mic slightly and could hold himself back no longer - he fought his way through the crowd to do just that. The sound was actually very good - Dick had secured the services of the person who regularly does sound there which was a good move.

Many of us already know of our webmaster's own musical talents, but there is obviously a lot more talent to be had among his fellow Swiss Cottagers. The band engaged the audience throughout the evening with their skillful playing and hearty singing, not to mention their obvious enjoyment and boundless enthusiasm. I am now listening to The Cottagers' second CD "Gospel in he Air" as I type - very listenable, and brings back the fun atmosphere of the earlier time I saw the band, having been recorded live on that occasion (almost unbelievably, that was five years ago. How time flies!)

Lots of photos to follow I'm sure - Ali, Pete B. and Hud's partner-in-crime (and High Society and The Monks) Terry formed the front line of paparazzi, clicking away all evening from the front row. Terry alone said he had taken over 200 shots to sift through!

Well done and thanks to all involved for making it such a great evening, particularly in the party season. (Dick made the observation post-gig that, as ever, it was the Strawbs-related crowd that were still standing/sitting/lying and going strong when everyone else had thrown in the towel. Utterly disgraceful!)

AN ECLECTIC LIST OF MUSICAL COVERS
Review by Pete Rand

For those of you who may not already know, our very own Mr Dick Greener (when not playing the fool) has another band to his name, namely "The Swiss Cottagers" who are so called not because of what you think but the fact that they all used to work in that part of London.

On Tuesday night, I and many others were treated to their 10th anniversary gig in West Hampstead - and what an excellent night it was. Great songs (some originals from Mr G, and an eclectic list of musical covers, ranging from Travis via Peter Paul and Mary,Creedence Clearwater Revival through to Irving Berlin!) and everyone (including the audience) seemed to be having a great time.

I'm sure Pete B, Ali, or Lindsay will have more detailed notes/setlist and maybe photos(!), but Dick, who was a tad concerned in advance about lack of rehearsals, need not have been - it was really good fun.

Messrs Richard Hudson and Terry Cassidy (Strawb, The Monks) were in attendance to see this performance too, and were equally impressed judging by the comments afterwards.

The have have 2 CD's available (via Dick I think) - a wonderful addition to your Christmas Stocking etc...

There is some talk of the next one being next year - in which case I'm in!

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Terry Cassidy's photos

Alison Brown's photos

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