Dec 10 2018

Reg Meuross, Friday 7th December 2018

Friday 7th December 2018, The Live Room, Caroline Social Club, Saltaire. The first visit of Reg Meuross, singer, songwriter, storyteller and very humourous wit, which heralded the last of the 31 events this year at The Live Room. 

Deceptively simple, beautifully written songs played on a 1944 Martin guitar with a single condenser microphone doubling for vocals and guitar. No loops, no pedals, somewhat of a change these days. I say simple but the songs were very detailed and observant, well introduced and with immense background explanations. Even giving the audience a quick quiz on the song “My Name Is London Town”. Some very astute answers were forthcoming. Not surprisingly he was also very conversational during the interval and at the end of the show. That is his nature. Reg opened his show with “What Would William Morris say” from the album ENGLAND GREEN AND ENGLAND GREY. The song reflecting on changes in society and cultural changes. We had the “curtain entrance ” a la Eric Morecambe at start of set 2.

Following the entrance Reg performed the wonderful “Dragonfly”. He followed that with a wonderful new song called “Angel In A Blue Dress” An ongoing humourous banter and conversation with the audience throughout. He even tried to get the audience to shout “House” when the bingo calls from next door leaked slightly. As far as I remember the “C” word wasn’t mentioned much. He played a lot of new material as well as digging into an extensive back catalogue. “England Green & England Grey” brought the show proper to a close. An encore of “It’s Me Or Elvis” brought the show to a close. Much participation from a good sized Live Room audience who sang beautifully when requested to by Reg.On entering the audience were treated to free mince pies, chocolates and either sherry or fruit juice courtesy of Ron and Hilary. A nice seasonal touch to thank the Live Room audience for their ongoing support throughout what has been a superb year of shows. Next year looks like being a good one too with many shows already lined up and Ron & Hilary have a few more surprises they are currently working on.

Review and photos: Keith Belcher