John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest
London Shepherd’s Bush Empire
5th November, 2006

View: front, right first-tier

While BJH remain divided (BarcLees James Harvest and Barclay James Holroyd, anyone?), the vision of the band as rendered by original guitarist/singer Lees and keyboardist Woolly Wolstenholme (backed by drums, bass and keyboards), remains epic. For while the stage set and lighting is no longer of stadium grandeur, and Les Holroyd’s harmonies (and some tunes) are missed, you couldn’t argue with the 16 classic tracks offered on this filmed evening. Kicking off with the magnificent For No One, we took a trip down mainly 70s memory lane, punctuated by Woolly’s amusing pantomimic interludes, as the immaculately attired John wowed the 40s+ crowd with his equally prim playing. Child Of The Universe remains an overlooked great of the rock pantheon, Harbour lightened the tone, The Iron Maiden rekindled prog memories, and Cheap The Bullet rocked with 90s AOR conviction. Other standouts included the work of sheer beauty that is Suicide, the tambourine-clad Medicine Man, and a cornet-backed Mockingbird. With a powerhouse After The Day and ecstatic Hymn closing proceedings, Lees’ BJH once more proved their mettle with aplomb.

Reviewed by Tim Jones
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