From: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org (onlyJMDL Digest) To: onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Subject: onlyJMDL Digest V2010 #279 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Archives: http://www.smoe.org/lists/onlyjoni Websites: http://www.jmdl.com http://www.jonimitchell.com Unsubscribe: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe onlyJMDL Digest Thursday, October 7 2010 Volume 2010 : Number 279 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Dave and Robin of The Universe [Jamie Zubairi Home ] Subject: joni covers, volume 129 ["Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: Dave and Robin of The Universe Hello All, This is my report of what was a lovely night of songs and friends with Dave Blackburn and Robin Adler. I arrived at 7.30 to Olivier's Bar in Nevada Street in Greenwich, thinking I was going to be late. I knew the bar from my frequent visits to Greenwich Theatre, the backstage door being just over the road. It was drizzling slightly so I barely got to read the sign in chalk that said "Dave and Robin of The Universe". Interesting, I thought. I was way too early anyway, according to the Frenchman behind the counter, which was good as I was really hungry and passed a chippy en route to the bar. I went back to the chippy and had a lovely traditional fish & chips. I missed it on Friday so I made up for it today. Yum. Anyway, back to the evening. I returned to the bar about 8.30 and Lieve was there to greet me with her lovely smiling face and welcome hugs. She introduced me to Roger (oh dear, in this late stage, I think that already I think I've got your husband's name wrong Lieve!) and the special guests of the night Robin Adler, who I have read and heard so much about over the years from the JMDL, who didn't disappoint as a warm and friendly and open person. Such loveliness and grace. Then more introductions as Lieve's friends turned up. Finally Lieve introduces me to Dave Blackburn who has been busy setting up and meeting his old uni friends who had travelled to Greenwich for the evening. Great to meet him too, such a good bloke who I didn't know was English. After he mentioned this during their set, I heard more Englishisms in his speech than I previously heard. The bar started crowding and people started asking for free seats and stools, hoping to settle in for the evening. There was a large table to the rear or the bar which had been reserved for a party of 15. Things were looking up for numbers. Robin and Dave opened with Rainy Night House which was amazing. Dave's playing was first class and his arrangement was more like the band arrangement on MoA, which I think was brave and spot on. I felt that we were going to be up for a good evening of amazing music and superb singing from Robin. Applause all round after every song. Oh good. A Joni crowd. Or so I thought. After about the 3rd song and Robin was doing an intro to her song, someone from the large table piped 'Come on, play something funky, something up-tempo. Funk it up, play something London!' (Oh dear. Embarrassing. I hope you don't think we're rude townies in London, Robin and Dave. The guy was half-cut). Robin countered with something diffusive and then Dave played a guitar-only version of 'Dry Cleaner From Des Moines' which was hot and Robin was smokin'. After one or two songs Robin said something in the vein of 'we've been invited here to play the songs of Joni Mitchell whose style ranges from EVERYTHING to everything else and this is what we do, so we're just going to do what we do well.' Pointed, in a not pointed way. But the rest of the audience knew who she was talking to and gave her a loud round of applause. The audience were on her side. They were there to hear good music too. The rest of the evening was a blend of good cheer, good music and good listening. I love the way that every song they chose is a gem to them, every one treated as special, nothing feels like filler or crowd pleasing. And the crowd really got into it. They were of a mixed age - the youngest I think was a chap at uni, who is/was also at Warwick University, coincidentally, where Dave studied - to the oldest who must've been a regular at the bar, who came up to Robin and said 'I didn't leave! If I hear folk music, I usually leave. What I don't like about folk music is that it tries to teach me something. I like Jazz because I want to be entertained! But this... I didn't leave, you were good!' It was such a pleasure to meet Dave and Robin, now I can finally put faces to names and voices to pictures. I think the crowd also really like the fact that Robin doesn't 'do' Joni. Robin does Robin singing songs written by Joni Mitchell. What comes across from both of them is love for each other and for performing. And a whole lotta warmth. Much Joni Jamie Zoob. - -- Jamie Zubairi Actor, Voiceover, Painter, Photographer. Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/yapqx3j Jamie Zubairi can be found for voice-overs at http://www.voices.com/people/jamiezooby acting CV and showreel at http://uk.castingcallpro.com/u/81749 http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/965489410181 agent: http://www.pelhamassociates.co.uk 01273 323 010 Website: http://www.jamiezubairi.com Randomly Related Blog: http://jamiezubairi.blogspot.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 17:49:46 -0700 (PDT) From: Jim Subject: Re: Dave and Robin of The Universe Great Dave and Robin reports Jamie (and Lieve). Sounds like it was a great evening. Now the rest of you Blokes leave poor Gilbert alone. Imagine how difficult it was for him coming out of the closet in the early 70's. Alone again, Naturally, b& "To think that only yesterday, I was cheerful, bright and gay." Gilbert's my hero!!! Jim ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:23:47 -0400 From: "Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: Subject: joni covers, volume 129 I really enjoyed this too. Thanks for taking the time to build it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y2MFaHR4SE Jim L'Hommedieu ------------------------------ End of onlyJMDL Digest V2010 #279 ********************************* ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe