Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne
Sunday, 8th September 2024
Reviews by Dave Ridley & Graham Thomas
Photos by Chris Simmons
THE CHRIS BEVINGTON ORGANISATION
Photo by Graham Thomas
By the time the final day of the festival comes around, I’m flagging a bit to be honest. It’s an age thing, but I’m not giving up, so make my way to the music once more. The Chris Bevington Organisation are a band I’ve seen before, but they now boast Luke Machin in their ranks. How he finds the time to be in so many bands is beyond me, but he seems very much at home in this blues based big band, and his contributions are superb. The whole band though are super tight, and thoroughly professional. It’s great to see such youth in the ranks too, very much spanning the generations.
Photo by Graham Thomas
The line up includes two very young backing singers, and two young brass players, alongside the traditional bass, drums, guitar and keys, and such an expanded line up demands empathy between the instrumentalists. They certainly have that, and seem to telepathically communicate with each other, such is the understanding between them. Every player is allowed their time to shine, and the band is hugely impressive. It’s a fantastic start to the day. GT
GYPSY’S KISS
For me the morning belonged to Gypsy’s Kiss formed 50 years ago in the East End of London by Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris and schoolfriend David Smith. David still fronts the band which he reformed in 2018. Steve Harris wrote his first ever song with David and that featured in todays set. But this is not just a nostalgia band and the new songs like “Jack for all Times” sat easily alongside the older material. DR
Gypsy’s Kiss had the task of following that, and they give it a good go. Their claim to fame is being the band that once included Steve Harris in their ranks before he went on to form Iron Maiden! Well, they’ve doggedly carried on all this time, and they are really quite good. They have a nice line in self deprecating humour in the between song banter, and I find myself enjoying their songs much more than I’d expected. GT
TRILOGY
Off to the small stage next to check out Trilogy, a three piece would you believe, who perform a proggy set of extended tracks with gusto. They’ve been going for some time, but seem to be enjoying something of a renaissance of late. Their heavy prog is a bit reminiscent of Rush, and is really quite agreeable! GT
PREDATUR
Mid afternoon and more old school rock from Predatür formed back in 1976. DR
Back on the main stages, Predatür are finishing their set of extended 12 bar blues jams.GT
DORIS BRENDEL
Front man Baz confides that he’s always had a thing for Doris Brendel, who is setting up on the stage opposite! Doris and her talented band are hugely entertaining, covering many styles with consummate ease. Her interaction with the crowd is engaging, and she is a charismatic character. The songs are memorable, and the musicianship is top drawer. GT
HAZE
Back on the smaller stage, another band who have been reliably treading the boards for decades, Haze, are highlighting their latest album, The Water’s Edge. The songs are catchy and very strong, and I wonder why I’ve not cottoned on to their delights years ago. Their proggy trippy sound is beguiling, silly hats and costume changes abound, and they are thoroughly enjoyable. The tent is packed for their set, and the merch table does brisk business at the end, which tells you something. GT
Time to switch back to a magnificent performance by the McMahon brothers as Haze (Remember we already encountered them as Treebeard on Thursday) more convoluted folk/prog/metal with wizard’s hats and a multitude of other head dresses. Again, the actual music is faultless and features some of the tracks from their latest work, The Water’s Edge. DR
SOLSTICE
The main stage is the place to be next for another festival highlight, and band of the day for me, Solstice. Like Haze, they have been around for years, but the current incarnation is like a whole new band. They are joyous, bouncing around the stage, all smiles and infectious enthusiasm. They are impossible not to like, and you get swept up in the flow of their folky prog, gorgeous vocals from the girls, wonderful fiddle playing, and of course…
…Andy Glass’s sublime guitar. They are absolutely on top of their game, each band member essential to the wonderfully organic sound. They are one of the top bands on the circuit, and if you haven’t seen them, you need to rectify that urgently. GT
Today’s early evening slot is presented by Solstice. They are the Prog rock band of the moment with appearances at Glastonbury and Cropredy. Fronted by vocalist Jess Holland the band gave a dynamic performance especially on songs like A New Day. Andy Glass founder member and guitarist introduces a lot of the songs “as yet another one needing a title” which hardly helps a reviewer but doesn’t seem to detract from the audience’s enjoyment of the material. DR
GENIUS THE FOOL
A quick trot back to the Kingfisher stage and Genius The Fool are part way in to their slot. They have apparently been through some line up changes, but new singer Emma Caplan seems assured and sings beautifully. Mark Rowen’s troupe are tight and their melodic proggy songs hit the spot. I only catch a few songs, but they impress and I make a mental note to look out for them again. GT
MARTIN TURNER
Back in the main tent, Martin Turner has just begun a set of Wishbone Ash classics. His current band are very good, the twin lead guitar attack playing in harmony, and giving the crowd faithful renditions of their favourite songs. Argus features heavily, unsurprisingly, but there are one or two less well known songs which are good to hear, such as Doctor and Rock’n’roll Widow, and the lengthy FUBB. It’s perfect for this festival setting, and Turner’s voice still sounds very good after all these years. GT
Another exciting add to the bill today is Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash who was a founder member of the band along with Steve Upton. I don’t get into the argument over which version of Ash is the best, Martin’s or Andy Powell’s but having seen both multiple times let’s just say both have their merits and you always get authenticity and superb musicianship whichever band you have the privilege to see. Tonight is no exception, and we are treated to classic ash Throw Down the Sword, The King Will Come, Time Was and Warrior. Of course, it’s not an Ash gig without the classic twin guitar battle of Persephone. Mesmerising and arguably a headline band for future Nene appearances. The band ended with Jailbait with yet another guitar duel between Danny Willson and Misha Nikolic. DR
CARAVAN
Perhaps founders of the “Canterbury Scene” the final band tonight is Caravan. Founded in 1968 by Pye Hastings the band reached it height in the 70’s and very rarely gig, so NVRF was exceptionally lucky to secure them to close the festival. A full 90-minute show tonight and I was delighted that my favourite Caravan song Golf Girl was in the set. Other classics included I’m On My Way and Nine Feet Underground. A very laid-back finish to the festival but much like a Camel concert this band is best enjoyed whilst sitting back with a beer in your hand and letting the music wash over you like an aural bath. DR
Finally, Caravan, the festival headliners take to the stage, way past their bedtimes according to Pye Hastings! It’s amazing to think that he formed the band back in 1968, and he’s still going strong 55 years later! Geoffrey Richardson is the other long standing member, who excels on violin, flute, guitar and spoons. You name it, he can play it.
The band are on top form, rolling away the years with classic cuts such as Memory Lain / Headloss, Golf Girl, Winter Wine and many more. They end their set with the classic tour de force Nine Feet Underground. It’s a perfect way to end a great festival, and the crowd are all very happy. GT
[Live photographs by Chris Simmons and Graham Thomas]
FINAL THOUGHTS
So, there you have it another year with a multitude of bands old and new from Metal to Folk with Blues and lots and lots of Prog. Long Live NVRF! DR
The organisers of the Nene Valley Rock Festival have come up with a winning formula of great varied music, encompassing classic rock, prog and blues, bands old and new, and combined this with a boutique atmosphere, an extensive real ale bar, quality facilities, and friendly volunteers ready to welcome you. The location might be some way from transport links, but if you’re camping that’s not a problem, and the setting in the grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle is stunning. There’s so much that is right about this festival that I’d recommend it to any music lover. Roll on the next one, and we are assured there will be a next one! GT
This was the second time I had been invited to photograph this festival I must say the location was absolutely beautiful. Well done for finding such a venue and for the owners to let you use it.
Hats off to Trevor, Tony and Andrew who have once again given us such a unique festival experience and work tirelessly all year round planning and coordinating the event.
Also a mention to Jess who ran both the Swan and Heron stages. I don’t know where you get the energy to make sure this runs so smoothly and Roger who runs the Kingfisher stage.
And a BIG thank you to all the volunteers who made the whole event a warm and great experience, and without whom this couldn’t have gone ahead…
Already looking forward to next year which will be held once again at in the grounds Grimsthorpe Castle. Dates for the diary are Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th September 2025 – tickets are on sale now so make sure you grab your tickets soon. CS
LINKS
Nene Valley Rock Festival – Website | Facebook Group | Trevor NVRF