WOMAD 2010
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th July 2010Charlton Park, Upper Minety, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England MAP
early bird £120 for three days
Daily capacity: 22,500
Friday starts well with the gregarious The Drummers of Burundi banging out their big beat rhythms and leaping feet in the air, dressed in traditional garb, and nice opener to WOMAD. Calypso Rose proves hugely entertaining in the Siam tent with her sassy disses, and entertaining songs about men and women. WOMAD founder Peter Gabriel gives a speach to introduce the re-named Charlie Gillett stage in memory of the DJ and world music champion. Norwegians Farmers Market, sound like Ozric Tentacles meets Jethro Tull and are one of the highlights. Nouvelle Vague have a new singer and a few new tunes, and their laid back delivery suits me more than Gabby Young and Other Animals, who just fails to connect with me, her songs seem too laboured and slow, yet the moment I walk away I hear them gather pace, too late.
I expect them to be the last act to excite me on the first day, but I hadn't banked on the Mongolian/Chinesee traditionally dressed Hanggai who decide to mix up everything from Jimi Hendrix, to The Doors, to Johnny Cash, and Irish folk over the occasional bit of throat signing and, traditional instruments, and dance percussion. The lead singer and left handed guitarist has an agreeable quality about him, and the lack of overt throat singing makes this much more accessible, helped by the more global rhythms. The most memorable act of the weekend for me.
review by: Scott Williams
photos by: Karen Williams / Phil Bull
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