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This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
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The Dylan Project- South Parade Pier, Southsea, Tuesday 7th December
Take four of Britain's most talented folk rock musicians and a unique singer,
add the repertoire of a genius, and you've got the recipe for a dream band.
The musicians in question are FAIRPORT CONVENTION's Gerry Conway, Simon Nicol
and Dave Pegg....... LITTLE JOHNNY ENGLANDs' PJ Wright..... and singer Steve
Gibbons, lead singer of THE STEVE GIBBONS BAND
As THE DYLAN PROJECT they present an exhilarating tribute to BOB DYLAN, the
greatest songwriter in the English language ever.
Don't be misled by the word 'tribute'. Although the phrase "tribute band" can
mean a slavish facsimile or a big-name cash-in, THE DYLAN PROJECT is far
more than a mere copycat act. The members bring their own distinctive take on the
music, Steve Gibbons interprets the lyrics with stylish individuality and,
above all, respect for a master writer and performer shines through every word,
every note.
As Mojo's reviewer said: "THE DYLAN PROJECT is a tribute in the best possible
sense. Touching and deftly handled, it makes you marvel, once again, at the
scope and majesty of this singular writer's work."
There is so much to relish in THE DYLAN PROJECT . For a start there's the
laconic and charismatic Steve Gibbons, sounding uncannily like Dylan while
retaining his own inimitable vocal style.
As well as Steve's homage to Dylan himself, the Project's musicians are
equally fine interpreters of the virtuosity of The Band. There's PJ Wright's
scintillating slide and haunting pedal steel; Simon Nicol adding compelling rhythm
guitar and fine backing vocals; Dave Pegg bringing his beautifully subtle and
powerful bass lines, and Gerry Conway holding the whole groove with a tour de
force on drums and percussion.
THE DYLAN PROJECT arose from an after-gig chat between Steve Gibons and Dave
Pegg when the conversation turned to Dylan. "One thing led to another,"
recalls Steve, "and Bob's your uncle - Dave's offer of his services was just the
spur I needed to do what I had long been considering, an album of Bob Dylan
songs."
That album, "THE DYLAN PROJECT", was recorded at Woodworm's studio in
Oxfordshire, produced by Dave Pegg and released in 1998. As well as Steve, PJ, Dave,
Simon and Gerry, there are guest contributions from Chris Leslie, Ric Sanders,
Maartin Allcock, Ben Bennion, and Mick Bullard.
Since its inception, THE DYLAN PROJECT have been entertaining audiences with
an electrifying stage show. As well as touring the UK's arts centres, concert
halls and theatres, THE DYLAN PROJECT have played in Europe and appeared at
festivals large and small - including Cropredy of course.
THE DYLAN PROJECT's repertoire spans the whole of Dylan's ouvre - everything
from "Highway 61" to "Mississippi" - and new material is frequently brought
into the setlist.
Whether you are a diehard Dylan fan or just enjoy great songs performed with
flair and brio, THE DYLAN PROJECT will take your breath away.
Tickets (£12.50) available from The Wedgewood Rooms, Albert Rd., Southsea,
(023) 9286 3911, Reflex Records Albert Rd., Southsea (023) 9229 3571, South
Parade Pier General Office (023) 9273 2283 or contact spiderpromos@aol.com or
ring 07970 959793