The Happy Cats in Concert
George Stephenson Inn, Great Lime Rd, West Moor
Thursday 19th June 2003

After two years of supporting the band this will be the first time that I have done a review. One thing I will tell you is that every time I see them their songs they sing always have a fresh sound to them even though they have sang them many times.

First half

The night started off with a firm favourite 1)“Drifting Through” one of Marty’s own compositions and an upbeat song to commence the night, some canny playing of the accordions by Marty and Brian

Next in line was the wistful song 2)“All Fall Down”(here’s to ya James Alan Hull)

Bob Dylan’s 3)“Don’t Think Twice “ some mighty fine harmonica playing by Mr Craggs

This was followed by the Tom Waites song 4)“Looking For the Heart of Saturday Night”-the harmonies by Les and Marty on this are just fantastic.

5) Banks of the Roses-a great solo effort by Marty with the  Bodhran being his only music accompaniment and this song just proves what a good voice Marty has and he delivers his songs with so much passion.

6) You Got Me on the Run -by The Saw Doctors a favourite with the audience –the band seem to really enjoy this song

7) When the Boat Comes in-a traditional Geordie song recently brought into the show ‘

8)Still The One-a classic Shania  Twain song this is where Senor Duffy shows of his prowess on the ivorys (they cant touch you for it) all the covers that the band does they raise onto another level

9) It doesn’t come any better than this-the bands own composition and the first track on their cd

10) Fairytale of New York-a superb cover of the Pogues song which is concluded by some fine flute playing by Marty and the guitar playing of Les was silky smooth.

11) Jes Suis Desole-A fine Dire Straits cover-the Accordion playing I excellent on this song.

12) Walk Away Renee-A song made famous by the Four Tops, Brian again renders some smooth keyboard skills.

13) If your going to San Francisco-the first playing in public of this Scott McKenzie song-this was a terrific version of this song and is going to establish itself as a firm favourite, Marty’s sax playing on this was superb.

This concluded the first half and the variety of songs these lads played just cuts across any age barrier and they so enjoy what they do and the appreciate their audience

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2nd Half

After a few saucers of milk the merry men returned to further delight us with their music, the excitement was heightened when Marty came out wearing a pair of shorts and showing of his milk bottle legs, the ladies just went wild.

The music started with:
14) The Keel Row- where the audience were singing along and then straight into
15) Dirty Old Town-now established as a firm favourite and this again had the audience singing along and enjoying themselves this was followed by a superb rendition of:

16) The Fields of Athen Rye-some fine harmonies on this song, the band really enjoy this and Brian on the accordion and Les on the guitar are just superb. This was followed by

17) Speed of Loneliness-a bouncy Nancy Griffith’s song

18) Cushey Butterfield-this was another new song which was given the bands own interpretation and will be a firm favourite. Next in line was

19) Cant help falling in Love-this had the whole audience singing along.

20) Meet me on the Corner-this had the audience singing and dancing along and in my opinion is sang a lot better than “Lindisfarne” do it

21) Brown Eyed Girl-a favourite of mine and an excellent version of the original Van Morrison song,Marty excels on the Sax on this one.

This song was the last song in the set but an encore was screamed for and The Mavericks “Bring me down” was given.

To summarise the evening “The Happy Cats” are one of the best live bands you could see, and if you were feeling low at the start I guarantee your spirits will be a lot brighter at the end. They communicate with the audience and they appreciate them.

MARTY, LES AND BRIAN YOU ARE A JOY TO WATCH

Eddie Baker