Search - Show of Hands :: Live at the Royal Albert Hall

One Of England's Best Kept Secrets - ALAS!

Christopher L. Dolmetsch | Hurricane, WV USA | 03/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For well over a decade the duo of Phil Beer [ex-Albion Band] and Steve Knightley have been entertaining enthusiastic audiences throughout the United Kingdom and in a few select venues abroad (ranging from India, and Australia, to Canada). Their only ventures into the United States have been brief appearances in Boston and Texas. Still, their style of acoustic music using such typically folk instruments as fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, along with lesser known pieces such as the cuatro, has allowed this pair of minstrels the ability to produce contemporary songs in a traditional English folk medium. While shunning the term "folk music," preferring instead the moniker "World Music from the West Country," Show of Hands has established a loyal and growing following wherever they have appeared and released about a dozen amazing albums, many on their own small label. This set, a live recording made at the fabled Royal Albert Hall in London, finds the duo in top form. The audience was treated that night to a typically inspired set of tunes, many from the pen of Messr. Knightley, and responded with warmth and genuine enthusiasm. Augmented by musical colleagues from Chile and with some vocals by UK folksinger Polly Bolton, this album is an extraordinary introduction to one of England's best kept secrets. One listen, and many would do precisely what I did: order the rest of their catalogue. Perhaps if enough people on these shores felt as I do, they'd make a full tour of the States a reality."