Big Chill Enchanted Garden

REVIEW

20th-22nd July 2001
Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire

So, the Big Chill. Probably the best kept secret in the festival calendar, and tempting though it is to slag it off in the vain hope that next year’s Chill will remain a well guarded secret only for us and our friends – it is simply impossible to do so. This was close to perfect, possibly bordering on decadent. A fabulous crowd of no particular age group (spread pretty evenly between Eighteen and fifty) that was there to, well, chill. Last year this venue held double the number of people but this year it was reduced back to 2,500 by popular demand. A small intimate gathering like this suits the Big Chill vibe just right, 'why do you wanna go harein' around all your life when you could just......chill'.

The setting demands a few words. Rumour has it that Larmer Tree Gardens are owned by a workers co-operative formed, controversially, by the peacocks that strut there stuff all around them. An Enchanted Garden it is. A first field much like any other festy, contains the dance tent and the traders and food stands (which were head and shoulders above your usual festy fodder). The main part of the festival was in the main gardens which, to put it mildy, are spectacular. Paths wind through trees, dense shrubs and past manicured lawns along which are strewn small summer houses and follies, some of which are commandeered to be coffee shops or simply a place to rest. The Sanctuary stage is basically a hedge-rimmed lawn and the Main Stage a larger affair attached somehow to a small building fronted by a huge painting that acted as a backdrop for the performers. Oh and there were peacocks (and peahens) wandering about the place knocking over beers and making very loud noises - basically showing off to one another. Initial impressions were very favourable – despite the fact that the bloody great big raincloud that follows us whenever we go to a festival had decided to dump its load on Friday evening.

The Big Chill isn’t the sort of festival that you go to in order to see a particular band – it is much more than that.

Luke Vibert had unfortunately cancelled for Friday evening but glimpses of Manitoba and Hefner from the beer tent saw a few brave souls risking the downpour to have a bop. The first full set we saw was Tom Middleton DJing. His eclectic mix of experimental electronica, house and even disco went down well, although it didn’t quite hit the highs that it could have done – probably due to the fact that complaints from neighbours had forced the volume levels down. The crowd cried for it to be louder but the hassled sound crew would not be moved. Whilst this remained a slight gripe in the dance tent throughout the weekend it was clearly better to lower the volume than to risk not getting a licence next year.

Saturday was dry if generally overcast, but the absence of rain quickly had the lawn littered with relaxing ‘chillers' and saw the mood spiral. Sophie Barker was the first on stage - an relatively unknown name, but instantly recognisable as the singer on a number of Zero 7’s tracks. Her solo material is much more folky, playing acoustic guitar and accompanied by excellent keyboards..

DJ Yam Yam was next, spinning some world-music inspired tracks, ably assisted by a reggae style MC. “It’s all about the upliftments” the MC cried, rapidly followed by ‘Feelin’ Groovy’ – a naff old track that, being played at the right time and place set an uplifting tone.

A Man Called Adam delivered a very chilled set followed by the excellent Roots Manuva. Clutching a bottle of champagne at one point (see, it was decadent), he quickly ran through the best tracks from ‘Brand New Second Hand’ his deep silky voice working its magic with the crowd.

Ross Allen is a fantastic DJ and his compilation Abstract Funk Theory is one of the best bits of vinyl I own. So expectations were high and unfortunately were not quite met. His experiment in style didn’t hit the right buttons.

Zero 7 hit the nail absolutely square on the head and delighted their large crowd. Having changed their plans to support Lambchop at Somerset House in London the other week, it was great to catch them at last. Musically tight and with near-perfect acoustics, they faithfully reproduced the lush sounds from their album ‘Simple Things’. The only thing that was missing was live strings – but there would not have been room on the small stage. Sia Furler’s soulful, sassy voice sounded slightly rougher than on CD but this emphasized the fantastic combination with Sophie Barker’s clear sweet voice on songs like ‘Destiny’. Mozez also sounded terrific, smoothly delivering the vocals on ‘I Have Seen’ and ’This World’. I think you get the picture. It was at this event last year, sat at the back of the Main Stage arena that Zero7 was spawned. This year they were the performers of the weekend, no doubt.

After Zero 7 was Mr Scruff - a must see, especially after the tremendous set he produced at the previous week’s Essential festival. Scruff being a regular ‘Chiller' was greeted with great enthusiasm - his mix of northern soul, house and ska keeping a packed dance tent moving. Again, the lower sound volume might have taken the edge off it a bit but, unlike most festivals these days, at least there were glowing dangly things and excellent visuals to keep us amused. As at Essential, he finished with Madness’ ‘One Step Beyond’ which worked just as well and closed a fantastic day in every respect.

We awoke Sunday morning to sunshine breaking through the clouds. A hot shower later (yes you heard me and with no queues) and the mood was set for another great day chillin.

Norman Jay sparked us into life with his second appearance here on the Main Stage. A two hour long set started perfectly for a Sunday afternoon with a dancey mix then merging into more upbeat tunes including Plump DJs. Norman jay has the Big Chill vibe and cajouled the crowd into a fair fervour over the course of the two hours.

With a hard act to follow the Compost 100 combination did very well to entertain us over the next 4 hours. Contributions from Les Gammas live, Jazzanova, Fauna Flash and Michael Reinboth had us up and down with a variety of tempos. Pete Lawrence with Muffled visions followed with a blissful mix reflecting Pete's goals as co-founder of Big Chill. There is a battle being waged against the 'blanding out' of big label chill out music and this audience is clearly in the Big Chill side! Finally Terry Callier took over to charm us with his soulful acid jazz varied music that kept the Main Stage audience swaying to the close.

Meanwhile in the Club Tent Lol Hammond was on form delivering a blistering set to satisfy those that were 'up for it'. Deep house/big beat with an ever increasing temp, Lol screaming encouragement. The small crowd that weren't chillin elsewhere were mad for it. Unfortunately with a no show from Mark pritchard there was no follow up. Talking with the punters, main feature LTJ Bukem was high on everybody’s wish list. And finally in the Club Tent was a classic Bukem set with a mix of gentle breaks and drum & bass giving way to a full-on sound towards the end. The packed tent loved it and when it came to the end there were calls for an encore for easily ten minutes. Sadly, the rules were the rules and the plug was pulled, but an excellent way to round off a truly excellent experience.

And a last word to the people we met who made it such a special weekend, our neighbours Rachel, Stu, Zoe and Michelle; Geoff and Rebecca; Mad Andy, Gilly and Heather; Mark & Anti-festival Man, the Snack Endorsement Crew, Ollie and the French ladies who do some excellent cookin – see you all next year if not before....stay 'chillin'.