A rare find indeed ~~~
Majicat - Cat Stevens Scrapbook is happy to present to you a very rare find. This is a
concert review from one of Cat Stevens very first concert tours " The Walker
Brothers Tour " in 1967. I would have loved to had heard Cats version of " If I
were a Carpenter "
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- New Music Express Magazine
- 8 April 1967
- Courtesy of Linda Crafar
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- Walker Surprises
- Relaxing backstage on the opening night at
Finsbury Park, Astoria (L to R )
- Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Gary Leeds and
Englebert Humperdinck
By Keith Altham
We were well and truly
blitzed with "mini-happenings" on the Walker Brothers’ Tour opening
night, at Finsbury Park Astoria last Friday, when Jimi Hendrix
literally set the scene alight after his guitar exploded in a sheet of flames
at the end of his act.
The curtain fell and
rose again on the Walkers’ exciting act to reveal an Amazon-like fan
mobbing Scott Engel and gallantly being rescued (or was it abetted?) by publicist
Brian Sommerville.
Cat Stevens wore a Stetson
and gun holster to convince us all that "I'm Gonna Get Me A Gun"
was just a little old cowboy song and nothing controversial, while Engelbert
Humperdinck was smooth, suave and sophisticated and followed Hendrix rather like
Dr. Jekyll following Mr. Hyde.
The Walkers proved
to be supreme pop stars, giving us a sensible selection of "songs to scream
to" (but what a pity no one takes time out to listen to Scott Engel’s fine voice),
including "Land Of A Thousand Dances," "Hold On I’m
Coming," "What Now My Love," "The Sun Ain’t Gonna
Shine Anymore." "I Need You, " and finishing with "Oop Oop A
Doop."
Lovable "Leeds
"—the Walkers’ auxiliary drummer, gave us "Turn On Your Light" as
his solo spot. He proved he still had his supporters.
Cat Stevens looked
good—in green Edwardian frock coat—sounded good, especially on "Matthew And
Son" and "Here Comes My Baby."
An intelligent variation in
numbers, in which he also performed "I Love My Dog," "If I Were
A Carpenter." and "I’m Gonna Get Me A Gun" rounded off a
first-class performance.
To me Stevens was the
surprise packet on the show.
Engelbert Humperdinck
closed the first half and appeared the picture of sartorial elegance in a tuxedo, singing
a selection of songs more obviously suited to a cabaret audience.
This might have misfired
had it not been for his professional approach and excellent stage manner. His best
reaction was undoubtedly for his huge hit, "Release Me" and a fine vocal
performance of "Summertime" well suited to his strong voice.
Other numbers were
"Ain’t That Good News, " "Let Me Be Yours," "Midnight
Hour," "Ten Guitars" and "Jambalaya."
The Jimi Hendrix
Experience are a musical labyrinth—you either find your way into the solid wall of
incredible sound, or you sit back and gasp at Hendrix’ guitar antics and showmanship,
wondering what it’s all about.
The sounds are something
new—you either dig it or you do not.
"Foxey Lady,"
"Can You See Me" and Jimi’s two hits "Hey Joe," and "Purple
Haze," were the entire Hendrix programme.
Finale to Hendrix’ act
came about when his guitar burst into flames by "accident" we are assured, and
precipitated the entrance of a security officer who sprayed detergent from a canister all
over compere Nick Jones.
The Californians’ act
was all but drowned by a posse of young "ladies" seated directly
behind the reviewers. The show was opened by the Quotations, who later provided brilliant
backings for Cat Stevens and the Walkers.
