So this weekend I went to my very first Nick Drake Gathering, and I’d have to say I enjoyed myself immensely. It was my first “proper” outing in Clemintine, the Big Orange Camper with the bike on the back. The bike was a godsend – allowing me the freedom to discover nearby Henley-on-Arden – but also get around the campsite quickly and into Tanworth-in-Arden for the two early evenings til late concerts. I’d have to say the quality of the performers was stellar, and I started to lose track of the names of the performers – to follow up late. But for me, the stand-out people were Oscar Browne, George Bachelor (from Florida) and Chris Brain (there were more on Saturday – but by then, I’d lost track!). I’ve got a programme, so I guess I can search the web for their names. As soon as these guys touch the guitar, you know they have the ‘feel’, and you are for a treat. I’d have to say these people must have oodles of confidence to tackle Nick Drakes’s finger-picking style in front of a village hall or church full of aficionados. I take my hat off them – Every Single One.
As for myself, I wasn’t performing. I left things too late, and I only “know” two Nick Drake songs (the easy ones!) and didn’t realise the festival allowed at least one song ‘influenced’ by Drake as well as a song by the great man himself. So maybe next year. I contented myself by playing some new tunes from my up-and-coming EP around the campfire. And what a campfire – some guy (sorry, I forget the name) took it upon himself to cook the most enormous paella I’ve ever seen – this wasn’t quite “family size” but more campsite size – with each of us getting two portions (erm, 3 in my case!). I think for me that embodied the spirit of the NDG24 (kind of snappy if not very folky sounding). It’s entirely free (donations welcome) and wholly staffed by volunteers – so the welcoming spirit is strong – and it’s the kind of gathering that renews and replenishes your belief in people – and let’s face it, some people can be toxic at times.
So I will definitely be back next year. Possibly playing. But no promises!
I have more photos to post. When I get my phone back – which I appear to have lost somewhere, somewhere in a field in Warwickshire. Many thanks to Denise, who found the phone and is returning it to me – and many thanks to the folks on the campsite, who managed to jump-start Clemintine after flattening her battery listening to “The Endless Coloured Ways” album on the stereo.
Note to self: Bring a Bluetooth player next time.
For the folks from the Gathering – check out the 2x CD of Nick Drake songs. I’m a Katherine Priddy fan and I love her version of “I think they’re living me behind”