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Post by gordon on Aug 23, 2010 8:04:39 GMT
My thanks to Grant and Martin d for your reports so far and to Karsten for your excellent photos as always.
A truly wonderful performance from Hayley who was obviously very pleased to be giving her first solo concert in a long time.I was especially glad to hear Jolene for the first time on stage and the return of one of my old favourites,Who painted the moon black?
Gordon
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Aug 23, 2010 8:11:14 GMT
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Post by grant on Aug 23, 2010 9:59:03 GMT
The Concert
And so to the concert – the first solo concert for Hayley this year and it soon became clear that Hayley was going to make the most of it. This was one of those occasions when you just knew that you would be saying for many months to come “I’m glad I was there!” This was Hayley at the absolute top of her game and she gave us, for my money, some of the best music I have ever heard from her. The sound too was top notch, but then it was always going to be with Arnaud back at the helm as Hayley’s sound engineer. Tim (who may never forgive me for calling him Andy after the concert!) Andy and the Raven girls (seemingly non the worse for their lack of sleep) were also on top form. The whole package was awesome!
The proceedings began with “Prayer” – Hayley opening the concert from off stage as had become her norm but, having not experienced it for some months, it packed quite a punch but what really hit home was that this was the Hayley we know and love - as much as we enjoy the special things she does like the Battle of Britain concerts, the solo concerts are what it’s really all about.
It’s usually at this point that Hayley introduces her people on stage and asks of the audience “how is everyone?” and I usually manage a response – tonight was no different for me but Hayley, gesturing towards me commented with a giggle “You’re very prompt aren’t you?” After Songbird, Hayley commented that she liked to “play around” with the set list and “re-discover” songs she hasn’t done for a while, it seems that this is going to be a concert with a difference.
Hayley finished her first set with “May It Be”, following which Raven gave us three of their traditional pieces with Hayley returning with “The Mummers Dance” – “Shenadoah” followed and then came “Danny Boy” I think it was at this point, for me anyway, that I began to realise that we were witnessing something special. Maybe it was not seeing Hayley for a while singing her own songs, but surely, there was more power in her voice than before – a “best ever” performance maybe? – certainly close. Well, I expected that to close out the first half but the music struck up again - a vaguely familiar tune – can’t place it though!! This was summer Fly” and Hayley was pulling out all the stops. This was a set list that had been very carefully chosen by Hayley; a set list that contained favourites old and new that she wanted to share with us tonight. Hayley always enjoys herself on stage but tonight she seemed to be enjoying herself more than ever.
After the interval, Raven opened with a new one to me “Brahms Hungarian Dance” which they followed with Czardas/Godfather then Hayley returned to stage wearing the new red dress – she was a little early I think, as Phil was still rearranging the stage which gave her the opportunity to introduce him. Gordon had already commented that there was a mike stand by the piano so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise when Hayley made straight for the piano – promptly apologising for the fact that she wouldn’t be able to play in her heels and would have to take them off – “River” was a nice surprise – well, not really. It is a Joni Mitchell song after all!
Tim and Andy now retuned to stage to accompany Hayley on my current favourite “I Know You By Heart” and “Jolene”. I was delighted to hear Hayley sing this live for the first time demonstrating once again how versatile her voice is – adopting a ‘country’ flavour for this song. “Never saw Blue” came next, Hayley telling us that it was one of her favourites and she followed it with in her words ‘A song that follows me everywhere I go and I never tire of singing it’ Of course, “Pokarekare Ana” It felt more special to me tonight, though I’m not sure why, it just did.
Hayley now left the stage whilst Raven played, returning a few minutes later in her ‘iTunes’ dress. Going straight over to the table for her bottle of water and a quick glance at her set list. Hayley turned to the audience and said ‘This is another change to my usual set list’. Giggling, she added ‘Hope you’re all OK with it?’ ‘Loving it!’ I replied which Hayley didn’t catch and asked me to repeat it which I gladly did. “Who Painted The Moon Black” and “Both Sides Now” brought us almost to the end of a wonderful set list but not before Hayley closed out the evening with “Wuthering Heights”. Tonight this sounded better than ever if that’s possible, but then tonight everything had sounded better than ever. Perhaps I’d simply missed this type of live performance from Hayley, but I think the rest of the audience must have been with me as they gave her a tremendous ovation as she left the stage with “Good night everyone!”
Of course, she had to come back and, over the hubbub asked “Would you like another one then?” The encore was “Amazing Grace” and once again, Hayley gave it everything. I had thought we might be lucky and get two encores with it being such an enthusiastic audience, but no one seemed to expect it – somehow it felt unfair to ask. Maybe Hayley had given everything and had no more to give, but we had enjoyed the most amazing performance – 17 songs in all – a night which almost surpassed the legendary Shepherds Bush concert. Tonight was certainly one of the finest performance I had ever seen from Hayley and one I shall remember for a very long time to come.
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Aug 23, 2010 10:13:57 GMT
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Post by Roger-G on Aug 23, 2010 11:47:20 GMT
I have to agree with everything said above. It was beautifully sung and excellently produced.
Also I believe this was the longest ever Hayley concert.
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Aug 23, 2010 11:54:29 GMT
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Post by grant on Aug 23, 2010 12:28:50 GMT
The Stage DoorOut into a pleasantly fresh summer evening, we made our way around to the stage door, where a very large group is already gathered to see Hayley. I found myself a spot where I hoped I would be able to get some pictures but it was always going to be difficult with so many people. Positioned where it was, the stage door was ideally placed for Hayley to stand and sign as it created a funnelling effect but photographically it was to prove almost impossible. Hayley emerged with Phil a little after 10pm, seemingly un-phased by the crowd there to greet her – it had been similar 2 years ago when Hayley actually did a signing inside. Early on, I found myself taking photos for other people and collecting email addresses so I could send the pictures on which was fine – always happy to help fans get that special picture with Hayley. I did manage to tell Hayley that I thought her set list was fantastic which seemed to please her. Thankfully, there appears no urgency to be away and, as the satisfied members of the audience drifted away with memories of a special evening, capped with meeting the star of the show herself, I got to work with the camera. Eventually, as is often the case, it was mostly just “us” and Hayley and we thanked her for her time here after the concert and for the very special performance she had given and took our leave. It was five minutes before eleven and, once again, Hayley had spent almost an hour with her fans but I think she would have been happy in the knowledge that no one had left the stage door this night disappointed. We were certainly in a very jolly frame of mind as we made our way back to the car park for our respective journey’s home. Mmmm! Suppose I better start sorting my pictures out now! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifBest wishes Grant
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Aug 23, 2010 12:33:55 GMT
Yay! Thanks for the excellent concert report, Grant! Thanks, Jillian |
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Aug 23, 2010 13:54:18 GMT
Hi All
Just back from a very enjoyable concert at Buxton where there was a sizable HWI contingent (15 plus friends and family). Not only did we all set out to enjoy the concert but it was clear that it was also Hayley's intention. She was relaxed and really having a ball especially with the up-tempo numbers.
As mentioned I think a few records were matched last night, if not broken; namely the number of songs and the length of time spent with fans post concert.
It was also a truly international gathering, but not all HWI members, waiting to meet Hayley after the concert. I noticed a couple of Germans (excluding Karsten) and a man from Belgium to mention a few. It was also an honour to meet and talk with Tim Evans's parents who are over here from New Zealand visiting him.
We all thank Hayley for making it a very memorable evening.
Martin
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Post by Mark on Aug 23, 2010 14:10:24 GMT
Hi everyone
Thanks to those who have already submitted reports and pics. I have to say that this concert for me also felt very very special. Grant, I think that you have surpassed yourself with the second part of your report, you echo my thoughts and feelings so well and quite frankly, I couldn't have written it better myself using my own words.
I guess it felt so special perhaps partly because it has been so long since we have had a 'Hayley Only' concert and partly because I have missed hearing the songs that bring back so many memories of past concerts over the years. But it was also Hayley's command of the stage, that extra confidence that comes when it is 'her' show. It was also the power of her voice last night - every song was just spot on. Like you Grant, when I heard the first few bars of 'Pokarekare Ana', i found myself becoming quite emotional - almost as emotional as when she sang 'Never Saw Blue', which many of you will know, still remains my all time favourite Hayley song.
I was blown away when she sang 'Who Painted The Moon Black'. I said to Hayley after the show that I can't recall having ever heard her sing that live in all the 47 concerts that I have attended over the last 5 years. It was a real treat and I thought Tim had done a superb job of the musical arrangement - as I told him afterwards.
As well as the concert itself, there was a very good turn out of HWI'ers and apart from catching up with many familiar faces, it was great to catch up with a few that I haven't seen for a while, like Paddy & Eugene, Danny, Andy, his wife and young daughter Bethany, as well as a few new faces. The pre concert meal was very enjoyable - just across the road from the venue. The sun was shining and some of us had a very pleasant walk around the lovely gardens and lakes that make Buxton such a lovely tourist spot before the concert started.
I am sure Grant will fill you in with more detail about what happened after the show. There was no official signing and the crowd at the stage door just got larger and larger. By the time Hayley eventually appeared, quite a long queue had formed. However, Hayley appeared to be relaxed and totally undaunted by the number of fans waiting to see her. I noticed there was a good number of children and younger people in the audience last night and quite a few of those were at the stage door waiting patiently for their turn for those few precious moments with Hayley.
During the proceedings, a gentlemen stepped forward and handed Hayley a bag full of Chocolate! Those of you who follow Hayley's tweets will know that she has very recently become fond of Bounty Bars and I believe this goody bag contained lots of them!! As far as I am aware, no-one from HWI turned up with any Bounty bars, following her gentle hint that perhaps we shouldn't start bringing them for her. Therefore, as a little joke, I had printed out a picture of a Bounty bar and was intending to show it to her with the comment 'well I couldn't bring the real thing but I didn't want you to think I had forgotten'. Of course, when presented with a bag full of chocolate, the subject was raised and after a few 'Wow's' from Hayley at the shire size of the gentle mans gift, without thinking, I blurted out "I feel so guilty now, I only brought you a picture of one". This certainly made Hayley chuckle - at least I hope she could see the funny side.
Anyway, the time was getting on and I was thinking about my 2 hour drive home, so I took an opportunity to ask Hayley if she would mind a photo with me - I told her that I think the last one was about a year ago, to which she replied "Awww come on then" Thanks Hayley and thanks James for taking it - hope it turned out alright.
Anyway, the whole event was fantastic and as you say Grant, I am so glad that I was there. I do feel that we were treated to something very special last night. In fact, I told Hayley as much after the show. I really did need a good dose of all my favourite Hayley songs and last night, my wishes were granted.
Thanks to all my HWI friends once again for your company and friendship and of course thanks to Hayley, Tim,Andy & Raven for a truly spectacular performance.
Very best wishes
Mark
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Post by grant on Aug 23, 2010 14:15:37 GMT
Thanks everyone for comments and reports so far. Martin, there was also a couple on holiday from California and we mustn't forget Paddy and Eugene from Ireland, who had both kept their intention to attend the concert quiet  Here are a few pictures of our time with Hayley before the concert. Hayley seems happy to see Elizabeth Hayley chats to Mike (out of picture) Hayley attentive Signing More later i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifGrant |
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Post by anshita on Aug 23, 2010 14:44:18 GMT
To keep you all going, here is the very eclectic set list! Prayer Scarborough Fair Songbird May It Be Mummers dance Shenandoah Danny Boy Summer Fly IntervalRiver I Know You By Heart Jolene Never saw Blue Pokarekare Ana Who Painted The Moon Black? Both Sides Now Wuthering Heights EncoreAmazing Grace How nice! Truly looks like a very enjoyable evening! And thanks everyone for sharing those lovely pictures and reports. Cheers, Anshita |
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Post by stephen on Aug 23, 2010 15:07:38 GMT
Hi all,
For me it was a day to remember forever.A truly fantastic concert with Hayley in top form and singing more songs than concerts I have attended in the past.Great to see all the hwi
members there.I thought Hayley might have been slightly worried by the man who gave her all the presents.First a packet of roses appeared and then a second stating these were for the girls but she should have them as well. Then two full carrier bags of unkwown items were passed over.He then reached into one pocket and pulled out a number of Bounty bars.A draw string bag was then produced as an encore with unknown contents
At this point I think it was Martins wife who saved the day by handing over a kit kat and saying "Take a break....have a Kit Kat. No doubt his intentions were good but you can go too far.
Stephen.
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jennieb
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Real Music.
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Post by jennieb on Aug 23, 2010 15:43:09 GMT
Thank you to all for those fantastic reports on the concert and your minute by minute report Grant, wonderful photographs that make it all seem so close for us so far away.  one day. Jennie B |
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Post by grant on Aug 23, 2010 17:37:29 GMT
Hi Stephen I thought Hayley might have been slightly worried by the man who gave her all the presents.First a packet of roses appeared and then a second stating these were for the girls but she should have them as well. Then two full carrier bags of unkwown items were passed over.He then reached into one pocket and pulled out a number of Bounty bars.A draw string bag was then produced as an encore with unknown contents
At this point I think it was Martins wife who saved the day by handing over a kit kat and saying "Take a break....have a Kit Kat. No doubt his intentions were good but you can go too far. Yes I remember the chap in question and well done remembering the "kit-kat" incident - I think Hayley would have appreciated the 'intrusion' as the guy's attention was becoming somewhat OTT and I remember she eventually moved on to someone else whilst he fumbled in his pockets for something. Even his autograph book - when it appeared - had yet another gift attached to it! I'm sure Phil had him sized up though! Best wishes Grant |
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