Originally published by L.S. Media. November 16th 2010.

The Strawbs are one of those acts that you should mark out in your diary as “leave free” for. With a career spanning over 40 years and considered one of the finest exponents of the British Folk/Rock tradition, it is no wonder their gigs are attended by some of the most dedicated followers of live music anywhere.

During the summer of 2010 they even had great success as the Acoustic Strawbs during this year’s inaugural High Voltage event in London.

The first part of the show was a collection of songs that blended together well and complimented the bands unique style of playing and entertaining their passionate crowd. Opening the night with Turn Me Round and New World Dave Cousins and the guys proved once more that their personal sound and intelligent lyrics are amongst the best.

After a short break the band came back to the stage and lead vocalist Dave Cousins announced they were going to play the whole of the 1974 release, Hero and Heroine to thunderous applause. The animated crowd was certainly not let down by the choice of material played by the guys on the night.

With tracks such as the three part opener of the album Autumn delicately ringing in the audience’s ears, the band gave a virtuoso rendition of the classic album including a wonderful and sentimental version of Sad Young Man.

Although not part of the original band John Young on keyboards has had years of experience behind him to cope with the most demanding of sets, his keyboard skills were beyond reproach on the evening and a pleasure to see this talented musician enjoying being part of the legendary group.

The Strawbs finished an incredible night of reminiscing and good music with songs such as Round and Round and the superb Lay A Little Light which had the respectful crowd heap praise on the band for their performance.

Ian D. Hall