Hove Folk Club

DAvid Rovics : Friday 1st April 2011
Report by J "Bubs" Bath

Friday the 1st April saw David Rovics play at the Hove Folk Club – and what a night it was!

A full turn out found the folk club full to bursting on Friday night, with a many eager faces – familiar and new – ready for a great night! Robb Johnson kicked off the evening with a few of his new political songs, "testing the waters", so to speak and people began to settle in. As various floor singers took to the front more people piled in – everyone was in high spirits expecting good things!

The standard of the floor singers was particularly high, everyone trying out new things and playing the favourites. I have to say that I enjoyed everyone who played, a highlight being Mike Reinstein's alternative version of "Summer Holiday" by Cliff Richard. A fantastically fun and thought provoking ditty about the wanker banker financial deficit!

David Rovics took to the floor to a thunderous round of applause and he didn't disappoint! The first half was simply amazing and every song Rovics finished was met with huge delight. Half way through, in typical Rovics style, he told a great story about a cancelled gig in Germany. He then proceeded into a lively version of "I'm a better anarchist than you" which had everyone singing along. A personal highlight of the first half was "A song for my broken heart" – a stunningly beautiful song that never fails to bring an awe of silence on any audience who listens. Friday was no exception – I doubt whether you will hear a more emotive and moving song from such a unique voice.

The first half over, everyone piled downstairs for a well-deserved beer. Everyone was in high spirits and looking forward to the next part of the gig. The floor singers during the interlude were just as good as the beginning slots – some fantastic talent was on display!

The second half of Rovics was just as good as the first. We broke US federal law and everyone sang along to a version of "burn it down!" This was great fun.  Rovics raised a jolly roger – which I think is some sort of cocktail type drink?! – to "The Pirates of Somalia" and still the audience were enthralled in Rovics's fantastic performance. He also sang "All aboard the Mari-Mara" about the aid mission to the Gaza strip, a fantastic piece of music that – like so much of Rovics's music – makes you think about all the injustices in the world.

At the end of the session Rovics bowed whilst the Folk Club went mad and demanded an encore – luckily Rovics was happy to oblige! He then sang a mesmerising and unforgettable rendition of "Life is beautiful" a song that never fails to put smile on my face. A fantastic performance was followed with yet another demand for further songs!! After making several jokes that we would all soon be thrown out of the establishment due to prescribed licensing laws - Rovics ended on a high with a song from his children's album.

The evening was great, the atmosphere was brilliant and Rovics was simply stunning! A great mix of politically motivating, thought provoking and beautifully crafted songs. Rovics was amazing!! If you are disappointed that you missed out on Friday – (and you should be because it was brilliant) – come down to the next Folk Club on the 6th May when we will have more from our very own Robb Johnson.

Web site: www.davidrovics.com

MySpace: www.myspace.com/davidrovics

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