“Good evening my name is Malcolm Morley.  I used to be in a band with these guys.  I’m a bit rusty but let’s  give it a go !” 

An acoustic/piano set was about to begin - I might be mistaken but I think tonight is Malcolm’s first gig since the Enterprise gig’s a few years ago.... The Help’s ‘Willow’ was the opening song. A little nervy to begin with but delivered beautifully.  And growing with confidence as the song progressed, the crowd soon put Malcolm’s early nerves to rest.  I must pay tribute to the audience tonight who listened intently and respected the whole performance throughout.   J.J. Cales ‘Magnolia’ was next up, sung with great feel and emotion, you could have heard a pin drop!  The tempo was raised for the next song ‘Love, Love, Crazy Love’ (I think that’s the title.  Apologies if I’m wrong) sung and played majestically.  ‘Corina ,Corina’ followed; an old favourite which the audience greeted enthusiastically.  A blues number next, with some fine picking and vocals to boot - again I didn’t get the title of that one!



‘You dont know me’ was next with some fine vocal and picking.  The next part of the set was played out on keyboards and the classic ‘Work Song’ followed and Malcolm’s treatment was fine with some stylish key runs.  ‘Rags n Old Iron’ followed and those who saw the Enterprise gig’s would be familiar with this Oscar Brown Jnr song.  Time was slipping away and the last song was announced “This is an old Help Yourself number I haven’t played for ages” and putting the guitar back on, ‘Paper Leaves’ commenced and to me was the highlight of the set.  Well the audience cheered loudly and the last words go to  Malcolm “ A bit rusty ,not sure if I enjoyed it, but is great to be back”… Lets hope this is the start of  more to come……..



Now onto The Ray. I wondered how they would respond ?  Well rather splendidly I’d say.  Gently easing the start of the set with ‘Small Springs rising to the surface’ building up nicely as the song progressed; Ken stretching out with his new bass. (For those who wondered what bass it was, it’s an Epiphone Jack Cassady signature model.)

Onto ‘Silver Ring’ with some lovely lead playing from Richard, Ken’s  weaving Bass lines flowing and the two Simon’s keeping the backbeat solid. Ken  hands over vocal duties to Simon and a nice  version of ‘Breathe’ is set upon us with some rather nice bass and guitar  playing   “Richard’s gonna do a song for you now“ announces Ken.  Richard’s intro tipped the hat to Malcolm and the familiar intro to ‘Morning Song’ rang out with Simon H taking the 1st solo and Rich taking 2nd, aided by solid backing from the Whaley brothers. “Can Malcolm join us now?” Simon H stepping aside for Mr. Morley and the familiar opening to ‘Swedish Detective Movie’ commences with Malcolm easing his way through the song, made even better by exceptional guitar work from Mr. Treece.



Time was slipping by.   “OK” sez Rich “We have Three Quarters of the Band up here” the opening riff to ‘Help Me’ begins and the band and audience seem to be enjoying the song and themselves  “Help Me,Help Me” scats Richard  and Malcolm comes to his aid.



Loads of smiles all around from the audience and band members and it was all over too soon as Ken announced the last number ‘All My Tears’ which closed the set with Simon H rejoining for the final thrust.



To sum it all up …BLOODY MARVELLOUS CHAPS!!!…

Review by Mr Cholmondley Warner (aka Jeff).
Photographs by Gina.