Saturday 19th May Great Green Concert Featuring cowfisH, Talamasca and Shindigg At Beverley Green Fair (3/3) Words and Photos by Michelle Dee

(1/3), (2/3), (3/3).

Mr. Whiteley is hanging it all out to dry on bass guitar, he fashioned this from his own dining room table. Simon allies the band sound with a range of key refrains on his big piano. James, at the back behind his kit, keeps everybody together with cymbal smashes, kick thuds, snare stabs and more ... But really it’s Tim and Mike that steal the show, with more moves than you could swing a slim-line flying V at. We move on to a fairy-step strut, a sideways shuffle - right in front of Mr Whiteley - who looks on amused and continues to play.

There comes a moment where Mike, with guitar thrust on, one leg bent, proceeds to spin right across the stage never once getting caught up in his lead; no easy feat.

Then there’s the nonchalance of the keyboard lean, and the maniacal Jesus Freak Out which, as I understand it, can take place both standing up and laid on the floor. He does this all the while continuing to play the damnest interchangeable lead and rhythm guitar you ever did hear.

Hardly ever looking at the fret board- neither of them do - both with huge smiles and sparkly eyes the two men bring the best out of each other.

cowfisH are in my opinion now elevated to being best band in Hull by some margin. Best band for the following reason; they create such a feeling of excitement, jubilance and fun on stage, then give it all to you. I got the chance a few nights earlier to strut and pose on a stage with Tim’s guitar. I can’t play, but oh, the feeling was just incredible.

The encouragement, the smiles, the warmth - it all pours from the band and you get to feel the same just by watching and listening to them. Shouts of Encore are answered by the exuberant finale Hole In My Pocket, that sees lots of people running to dance and celebrate this special band. There’s a young lad and his father taking pictures at the side of the stage, there’s people all around moved by the music, the magic and more or less so by Mike’s mad drunken Texan finish.

Look out for the new album Evolution coming soon from the cowfisH family. I hear there’s just one or two tracks to complete then it’ll be ready. I can’t wait. www.cowfish.me.uk www.myspace.com/cowfishpearls

Photographs courtesy and Copyright ©  Michelle Dee 2007

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