Strawbs/Van Der Graaf Generator - The Abbey Pub, Chicago 6/26/09

This was the long-awaited appearance of Van Der Graaf Generator in Chicago. The band has not performed in the United States since the mid 70s, so the anticipation was great. The bill included Strawbs, so you really got two great bands for the price of one. The Abbey Pub is a mid size venue equipped with very nice acoustics. Seeing any shows there guarantees an intimate evening, and the food is great too.

Strawbs started the evening playing an acoustic set. The line up included three out of four members. Strawbs had no problem getting things going as a trio. Having seen the electric version of the band the previous year I didn’t know how this would sound acoustically. After seeing the band perform a song during a sound check, I knew it would be great. Strawbs played an hour long set including many of their classics tracks, and the songs from their recent album (The Broken Hearted Bride.) There is just something very special about Dave Cousins’ story telling approach to songwriting. Not to mention the special delivery, and a good British sense of humor thrown in between. Dave Lambert’s guitar work as always excellent and his vocals filled with a lot of emotion. Bass player, Chas Cronk, worked really hard handling the rhythm and pedals for various special effects. Strawbs did an excellent job as an acoustic unit, equally as impressive as last year’s electric performance.

Van Der Graaf Generator was the main attraction of the evening. A large crowd gathered to see this legendary progressive band. Having reformed only few years ago, and now reduced to a trio, the band had no problems getting things going. Opening with Interference Patterns off their recent Trisector album Generator proceeded into well seasoned classics such as Scorched Earth and Lemmings. The recent album, Trisector, is a great representation of progress this group is still capable of. No surprise the band played several cuts live. The outstanding rendition of Lifetime was one of the evening’s highlights, but so was Over the Hill. Van Der Graaf Generator ended the show with Man-Erg, only to return to encore with La Rossa.

There is this avant-garde element to Van Der Graaf Generator’s music which makes this group very unusual and highly original. Vocalist, Peter Hammill, delivered his deep thoughts in his lyrics, and traveled between keyboards and guitar. Hugh Banton’s organ sounded great, and the man proved once again he is one of the true masters and legends of the instrument. Guy Evans’ drumming was just truly outstanding. Evans is a very creative drummer, and a heart of Van Der Graaf Generator. Throughout the show it was difficult to decide which musician to follow closely more. All three are so unique and so specific in their styles.

It was a great evening of two British trios. Both bands delivered great sets of music. The proficiency and originality of the musicians was outstanding. The fans were very enthusiastic and appeared satisfied. Let’s hope we wait less time to see Van Der Graaf Generator again. Strawbs already promised to return next year.

Mark Kadzielawa