Alan Cook at Union Chapel.

[B.J.Weston]

Just in from watching Michael Weston Kings outfit at the Union Chapell, Islington London. Alan Cook on pedal steel, and a face from my younger days Martin Belmont on guitar.A very nice sound for such a cavernous building. Some lovely playing from Alan on a gleaming Carter steel. The dinamics were excellent. It's really great to hear a band drop out after a "middle eight" and tastefully bring the ballance back as the verse pics up. the usual thing from the soundman, not recognizing the steel on solo's and bringing up the 6string guitar level when it was a steel lift. Sorry to bitch, overall it's rare for me to catch a steel player in my neck of the woods,(Hackney,London)so I was more than happy to see Alan play tonight. Oh! and I sat next to B.J.Cole. Life is good. Baz.

[saddletramp]

I was there too, thanks to a rare opportunity for me to stay in London overnight on business. Great coincidence My Darling Clementine were playing last night and I was delighted to be able to go as I have the CD and wanted to hear Alan playing live.

I have similar gripes about the steel in the mix, but what I heard of Alan's playing was very impressive. Some very tasteful fills and solos, and the tone was excellent. I had a close look at his Carter after the show, but didn't get a chance to meet him or chat about his setup. As a relatively new player I would have been keen to ask his advice on whether I should go for 12 strings if and when I upgrade. I would like some lower strings than standard E9, but I'm not sure what the pros and cons are. Is a U12 the same as extended E9?

The show as really good and the band was very tight and, as Baz notes above, clearly knew when to lay off to create good dynamics. Makes a real difference from bands where members play over each other and the vocals.

Chris