CROSBY, STILLS & NASH | LIVE REVIEW
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Tue 22 Sept
Crosby, Stills & Nash, the folk-rock supergroup formed during the mind-blowing days of flower power, massive political unrest and protest, take to Motorpoint’s stage, and you wonder if they could still cut the mustard after being together (give or take some break-up bumps in the road) for almost 50 years. Ye of little faith – yes they can, and do, in front of a huge crowd of believers.
There’s no opening act because CSN need the whole show of just over two hours (not including a 20 minute break) to attempt a whopping catalogue of iconic songs that includes Marrakesh Express, Long Time Gone, Just A Song Before I Go, Our House, and Déjà Vu. Even then, everything can’t fit: no Woodstock or Ohio, nods to Joni and Neil.
What’s so striking is CSN still have such a comfortable chemistry going that has stayed with them through a shitload of ups and downs, and of course, the uplifting, shining harmonising. No embellishing here though – Stills’ voice isn’t what it used to be (hence, perhaps, no Dark Star, a favourite of mine), but you can’t beat them together.
Even though the group haven’t released an original studio album in over 15 years, they’re not content to rest on their laurels. They each perform recent solo tunes that, unlike with some artists’ new work, doesn’t signal a run for a fag/drink/loo break. Nash accompanies himself on guitar/harmonica during the quietly reflective Myself At Last; Crosby, saying, “New songs are signs of life, a good thing ,” offers Somebody Home, with a jazzy-bluesy organ backing him up. Stills rocks out on Virtual World, a song he’s recorded with a group, the Rides.
A defining moment came with Crosby and Nash standing together, with only the sound of Crosby’s acoustic guitar, uniting their heavenly voices on Guinnevere (which Crosby dedicates to his wife, Jan). Time stood still, folks. CSN together again , all going electric on the guitars, with a trio of back-to-back protest songs: Military Madness (“it doesn’t look like we’ve learned much,” adds Nash), Almost Cut My Hair and Wooden Ships. Stills supplies amazing axe work, showing he hasn’t lost his chops; CSN’s five-piece touring band, meanwhile, is excellent and includes Crosby’s son.
They encore with Teach Your Children and Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Wow. Marvellous magical history made once more. Peace and love, man. Peace and love.
words RHONDA LEE REALI
