North Sea Radio Orchestra

Just booked a trip to London to see North Sea Radio Orchestra & William D Drake at St Anne & St Agnes in London on November 26th. 

Just got back from my quick round trip to London for the William D Drake and North Sea Radio Orchestra. Got in on Saturday morning and spent the afternoon with my sister. We toured around a few Craft Ale pubs and had a rather good time. Sunday headed over for the gig. Met a bunch of online friends at the gig from the prog scene and Kavus & Charlie Cawood from Knifeworld (was good to meet Christian/Lewian). Certainly felt like a gathering of the tribe. Nice little church, band was at floor level so could only really see the tops of the heads of the musicians. William D Drake played with James Larcombe on Hurdygurdy and clarinet player. The sound wasn't great with some echo from the high ceiling messing with the mix but good stuff and a nice set. North Sea Radio Orchestra's sound was much better. Very much a folky chamber rock band with violin, cello, bassoon, clarinet, vibes, acoustic guitar, keys and vocal. Absolutely beautiful stuff, wonderful material delivered expertly with humor & warmth. Came away breathless at the end. Flew out Monday morning via Phillie. Tired but very happy.

I love both Mr Drake and the NSRO so much! True the sound was not perfect and live it shows more that Mr Drake isn't really a proficient singer (while playing his incredible keyboard cascades) than on his albums, but I have huge respect for the man. I saw him already in Salisbury in summer and apparently every time he uses different instrumentation and plays different songs in different ways.
And the Orchestra just have the most beautiful and uplifting collection of songs of pretty much all existing bands. Pity that we didn't have more time to chat.