BIRMINGHAM SEPT 12

[FREEWHEELER]

My 2nd AKUS gig in 8 days following Dublin, the Birmingham gig last night was just wonderful, I enjoyed it even more than Dublin and I've already reviewed that elsewhere. The set was almost identical except last night Alison beautifully sang "Ghost in this House", her voice just soared to the Heavens on this one and the encore last night didn't include the magnificent "You will be my ain true love" that she did in Dublin with Dan.

Having now seen this band twice, they can do no wrong in my eyes and ears, I loved every note and the Symphony Hall's acoustics added to the special and unique sound that is AKUS. The band also had alot of fun up there last night and the audience also kept them at it, it was pure gold as I described it to my friend back in Dublin.

Leah (and others of course), you may be interested to hear that this Birmingham show was recorded by the BBC according to Alison. Whether for TV or Radio I don't know but I have emailed the BBC to find out when it is on. When I find out I will post it up here as I will be anxious to re-live last night's 2 hours 15 minutes of the greatest band I will ever hear. Glad you enjoyed Edinburgh Leah, if I could nip over to London this weekend I would but sadly I can't. I look forward to a prompt return to Europe for AKUS and I thank them sincerely for 2 sensational nights in the past week or so. I so love this band. Bye for now all!!

[eyesoflove]

Wow, reading the review makes me realize I need my AKUS fix! I haven't seen them since April. Ghost In This House is one of my all time faves, especially to hear live. I don't think she did it at either of the shows I went to this year. I'm glad she's still doing it every now and then, though. It's a great song!

Stacy

[Leah]

Hi Freewheeler, glad you had fun at 2 concerts! (jealous!!) I wish I could nip over to London this weekend too But at least they're planning to come to Europe again soon so a wee trip over to a more exotic location will have to be arranged!
Yeah I've been emailing Ron & he said the documentary is by the BBC, he said it'll have to be fixed up by AKUS first obviously, so it may be a while before it hits our screens. I presume it's for TV, why else film it with a camera like that (I hope!).

[FREEWHEELER]

Leah, do you have any idea when they might be returning to Europe and what countries as you say they are returning again soon? That would be just ace to see them in the not too distant future. While Ireland/UK is obviously my preferred venue, it's true that a more exotic location might be nice, though a trip to the Faroe Islands in the middle of winter mightn't attract me too much.............with all respect to any Faroese reading this.........I'm merely worried about the weather and travelling there.

Ta for the info anyhow, keep listening to the magic as often as you can.

[Leah]

When I said exotic I meant somewhere they don't speak English!! It says on the official website in the FAQ section under the question about when they'll tour Europe -
'AKUS hopes to tour other parts of Europe sometime in 2006.'
So that's where I got it! At least if they come back to Europe it's closer for us than going to the USA tho that'd be a great trip

[Leah]

Happy Birthday by the way! I see your name there on the homepage.

[FREEWHEELER]

Thanks alot Leah, one more for the big 4 and 0. I got a mail back from the BBC earlier, they couldn't yet say when they are broadcasting the Birmingham show but I went in myself to their website and discovered that Don McLean (not the singer) is talking to Alison on his radio show on BBC Radio 2 between 7am and 9.05am on Sunday 18th, so that might be of interest. I will certainly have that set up to listen to. Ah I did understand what you meant by "exotic" by the way! All the best for now.

[Leah]

Yeah I heard them on BBC Radio 2 online (show repeated from yesterday - Johnnie Walker show but with Stuart Maconie (sp?) standing in) - was good to hear A Living Prayer sung the way they did at the concert, ie. with bass & dobro added very nice! it moved me!

[Doug]

Leah,

Thanks for the info on the interview.

Everyone, you can connect and hear the broadcast at:

www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/walker/playlist_wednesday.shtml

Only problem, you will have to listen to over an hour of the show to get to hear the interview. Alison is her usual self... very much worth listening to.

I have recorded it and am cleaning it up a little so will post it soon on the Unreleased Recordings site.

You won't believe "A Living Prayer". Just wish we had a studio recording of this arrangement. I'll let everyone know on the Messageboard when its up and ready to download.

By the way Leah and all you UK people out there. I was really impressed with BBC 2 at least the program AKUS was on. What a refreshing mix of music. That is something you never see in the US.

Doug