It was a stirring and emotional night for the boys and girls of Bellowhead as the band returned to Cardiff for another stunning display of live musicianship. After disbanding in 2016, it took a global pandemic to bring the UK’s premier folk big band back together for a remote, online performance; Fans were excited, and so, it appears, were Bellowhead who got together in person for a one-off, online-broadcast performance.
The accompanying album, Reassembled, was a live capture of that process, which the band are now promoting on this, essentially, ‘best of’ reunion tour. What no-one was expecting was the tragic death of founding member Paul Sartin – who suffered a fatal heart attack before walking on stage only two months ago.
The band took to the stage with an understandably more subdued air than usual, and it wasn’t until the lighter Fakenham Fair a few numbers in, staged and lit more pastorally, that the sound of the band really came across. A stunning tribute to Sartin – Brisk Lad, featuring the late compere, oboist, fiddle player and singer’s recorded vocal – followed. Somehow, a cloud seemed to pass, and the band were able to lift their spirits and that of the crowd.
The musicianship, arrangements, camaraderie and energy of Bellowhead live was soon in full flow. And with a final set of songs that featured classics like London Town and Frog’s Legs And Dragon’s Teeth, the whole audience were on their feet, mimicking the bands moves and mischief-making. All that remains to be seen is if, under the circumstances, this is another farewell for a brilliant band that changed the face of British folk.
Bellowhead, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sun 21 Nov
words and photos JOHN-PAUL DAVIES
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