Having been to see/hear the Steve Cradock Band on four previous occasions, I knew exactly what to expect on this cold Sunday night: Top quality tunes from top quality musicians. However, this particular gig did come with a fantastic added bonus with the venue and setting itself being exquisitely matched to the intimate set delivered by Steve and his band.
Driving in and around Edinburgh is always a hassle but with the poor train service on a Sunday night taking the car became essential. Unfortunately, as I expected the parking situation proved challenging and whilst we were able to park relatively close to the venue it did take time to find a spot meaning we missed the start of the support act, Raymond Meade. Raymond had supported The Steve Cradock Band throughout this mini-tour of Scotland (consisting of Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dunfermline and Edinburgh) and was an artist I was keen to hear based on the fact the last band I caught supporting the Cradock band had been the fantastic and talented Gramotones.
Sitting with his acoustic, Raymond did a great job entertaining the Edinburgh crowd with a selection of songs from his album, Fables and Follies, and whilst I did not know the lyrics to sing-along to, I found the songs Raymond played pleasantly appealing and easy on the ear. The stand-out track I heard was a song about “Anna” that I later discovered is called ‘Radio Anna’. Raymond was also joined on stage towards the end of his set by two members of the Steve Cradock Band; Andy Flynn on bass and Jake Fletcher on guitar (who also makes up a quarter of the aforementioned Gramotones) for a terrific version of The Faces’ ‘Ooh La La’ from their final studio album of the same name. This set things up perfectly for Mr Cradock and his band to take to the stage with the numbers in attendance continuing to swell during the break.
As Steve and his band take to the stage it became apparent that this was going one of those special nights for those lucky enough to be in attendance. The intimate setting with many people sitting around tables appeared to appeal to Steve who engaged with some banter with his audience from the off and at one point he even taped his mouth with gaffer tape after one joke too far with his wife Sally. Accompanied by Andy and Jake, Sally on keys and percussionist Fergus Henderson, this was a relaxed Steve Cradock surrounded by his band, delivering his solo material to fans of real music (not for those pussycats sitting is their houses watching the so-called final of a show I refuse to name).
With three solo albums under his belt, Steve has built up his own back-catalogue with no apparent need these days to dip into Ocean Colour Scene material or covers of The Jam. This suits me perfectly as I have continued enjoy each album as much or more than the previous. From the debut album, The Kundalini Target, ‘It’s Transcendental’ and – one of my favourite Steve Cradock songs – ‘The Apple’ feature. For me, I love the lyrics and importance of family being emphasized in this one… brilliant!
Between tracks the banter is free flowing with Steve taking some stick and giving it back to one or two Southerners in the crowd. Between catching a few snaps, I chat to some Leith lads in attendance and with big Richard loving his OCS almost as much as me it was a pleasure to share their company. The songs themselves continue to flow smoothly in the manner I have become accustomed to hearing when The Cradock Band play live.
From Peace City West the fantastic ‘Pleasure Seekers’ is a big favourite, with many in the crowd singing along with a passion normally reserved for OCS gigs. Another personal favourite of my own, ‘I-Man’, continues in the same vibe with the adoring crowd visibly into it! Third and most recent album Travel Wild – Travel Free also provides a number of high points, with set opener ‘Anyway the Wind Blows’ highlighting the voice of wife Sally as her vocal complements Steve’s own. The catchy ‘Doodle Book’ again highlights this strength whilst ‘I am The Sea’, both co-written with Andy Crofts, provides Steve with an opportunity to acknowledge Mr Crofts and his talents. It is hard to pick a favourite Cradock track for me but certainly up there or there about is ‘Shear Interia’ and once again it is great to hear the track live.
With Sally, Andy, Gramotone Jake and Fergus all doing a fine job supporting Steve, this was special night and one I was delighted to make. With this gig likely to my last of the year it was the perfect ending to a great year of gigs and my only regret was not making more dates on this mini-tour. 2015 is however starting to look tasty with Merrymouth, OCS and Paul Weller all playing live shows in the first quarter. Coupled with a possible album release by the Gramotones and Pete MacLeod due to drop his second album it is a year I am starting to look forward to!
Bazza Mills
@bazzamills
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