PastMasters concert at the Acorn Theatre

[Tony Szpala]

Just returned from another superb concert by Past Masters at the Acorn Theatre, Worksop.
A great mix of numbers including hits from the Shadows, Cliff, Elvis, Marty Wilde, Andy Williams, Duane Eddy, Acker Bilk, Boots Randolph, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Eddy Cochran, The Monkees, Billy Fury, Johnny Cash, Frankie Lane & Roy Orbison were played by the band.
Dave Robinson ("Robbo") is not well enough to play as yet, so Daniel Martin was deputising on Lead guitar and, as expected, did an excellent job
Sound balance was superb - I don't think a recording engineer in a studio could have done better - may have been due to the fact that Robbo was in charge of sound!
Only disappointment for me was "Rebel Rouser" - Daniel played it on a strat which as far as I was concerned did not work. Need a Gretsch 6120 or similar, with appropriate echo, reverb and tremolo.

Look forward to the next Past Masters concert at the Acorn.

Best wishes

Tony

[dave robinson]

Thank you Tony for that glowing report. I count myself very lucky to have survived cancer thus far and to be able to contribute in some way to the shows that I booked over a year ago, as well as having some first class musicians around me.
I am extremely lucky to have known Daniel for the past ten years or so and that he has studied our show and the way I do things, I watched from the desk in the wings and Daniel got it 90% as I would have played, which is remarkable.
The other 10% of Daniel's input was his own and his playing has moved on in leaps and bounds since I first knew him, as he is now listening to other players than Hank, thus developing his own style.

I understamd what you mean about not using a Gretsch 6120 for 'Rebel Rouser' but unfortunately we don't possess a left handed one, so rather than not do the number Daniel stuck with his Strat and it did the job for the majority.

Once again thanks for your support and I too look forward to the next one at The Acorn in March next year when I hope to be playing. As for being in charge of the sound, all I did was to lift the individual vocals and echo for whoever happened to be singing lead, which is impossible to do when I am part of the band on stage. . . . Anybody fancy a job on the desk when I get back on guitar?

[Arpeggio]

The 'Past Masters' shows sound fantastic. I do hope to get to one.......sometime in the future. Glad to hear that Daniel Martin is doing so well. But.....even gladder to hear that Dave 'Robbo''s health continues to improve and that he will hopefully be back where he belongs (onstage) some time in the none too distant future. It must be frustrating......but....good health has to come first, I know. In terms of Robbo's eventual return....I draw inspiration from Phil Kelly. Phil went through a desperate, horrendous year health - wise - even (at his lowest ebb) fearing that he might never play again. Lots of us saw him socially at Pipeline in April...which definitely lifted his spirits. Come August (Shadsfix)....Yowza!!!! Phil was back & he literally blew us all away. Why do I mention this....because, boy, when Dave R finally hits that stage again (after his enforced absence)....then he's going to be even more sensational than ever before.....I just know it!!!! The next Acorn Theatre show could be really special.....maybe I will book that ticket now & make the journey. Way to go Dave.

Rob

[Tony Szpala]

Rob

I hope that you can make it to the next show. You have to see Past Masters LIVE to get the group into proper perspective. They can frequently equal or even better some of the original artists.
I have seen some of the original artists play live that they emulate over the past few years and have in some instances been disappointed. Out of courtesy I will not name them - you never know they may have had an off day when I saw them!

Best wishes

Tony