26 Jul 2010
nice review
Goud’Acoustic Festival 2009 in Goudargues, France
The Brothers and I returned from Goudargues in the south of France yesterday, our first time playing in France!
Goudargues is so gorgeous that postcards will not do it justice. Small cracked streets with zinging mopeds, lined by old sandstone houses, often crooked, and crammed with tiny cars that all show signs of occasional close contact, creates this little perfect atmosphere that the Disney Corp would be envious about. It is definitely worth a visit.
We arrived Thursday morning at the airport in Marseille where Derek, a friendly Irishman drove us to Goudargues, a little less than 2 hours away. We were set to stay at the ‘presbyterian’ a building next to the church that seemed to have been some kind of convent I asume. Today it served as the working quarters of the big smiling, hospitable, hearty laughing priest, Jean-Luc. He gave us full access to his kitchen (his bar-cupboard included), computer and the backyard.
Thursday evening we met up with the Pedro Del Gardo’s from the Netherlands who were schedule to play friday night after us, we had refreshing beers in the town center, and made our way to bed as we were all tired after only having slept a few hours the night before.
Friday was gig night for us. We went to the festival site, a mere 3 minute walk from the church, and was welcomed with baguettes, brie and wine. Our urge for a time schedule for the day was left unsoothed as we learned that “sometime after lunch” was sufficient for any frenchman when it comes to time soundchecking. Instead we feasted on the wonderful lunch, complementary rosé wine included, with The Dutch guys and another Swedish band, “Gustav and the Seasick Sailors”.
After soundcheck (which eventually was around 16:30) we wandered about for a bit, enjoyed the village and the sun. Some banjoplaying might have occured, much to the enjoyment of the ever louder cicadas who enthusiastically joined in. We went back and changed into our way-too-warm-for-south-of-france suits, got on stage and played a good fun set, much to the enjoyment of the around 150 people in the crowd. After us the Pedro Del Gardo’s went on stage and played good crowdpleasing set, it is obvious that they take a lot of inspiration from the Hackensaw Boys.
Our job well done, we returned home to the church and met with the members of Prison Love, and Irish oldtime cajun band scheduled to play on saturday night. They jokingly said we had pretty much played *their* set, so they would have to go cajun heavy the next evening! Saturday would be our day off and we were looking forward to enjoying Goudargues once again.
Saturday was once again hot and the backyard became a place of residence. I got up early and ended up sitting there by myself playing banjo with a distinct mountain minor mood. I missed Rachel a bunch, and was enjoying my melancholic time playing ‘Whiteface’ for half an hour, realizing that only two weeks from now, I’m finally going to see her again. Eventually Peter joined me while Ralf and Pontus borrowed a car and drove to a nearby village. We went to the festival site for another great lunch, enjoyed the weather, wine and the people.
Prison Love was my personal favourite that night, followed closely by Maison Dixon, a French//American americana trio who played old songs with very nice arrangements and feelings. I realize how much I love a bowed double-bass.
After the music was over, we and the Irish Prison Love guys got together backstage and jammed for hours with laughing and fun tunes! This was my personal highlight of a trip with no real low points. We stayed up to 4:30 am, went back to our rooms, knowing that we would have to get up again at 6:45 to make it to our flight home. Oh well, we can sleep on the plane..
A big thanks to the organizers and volunteers for making this festival. Eddie is a true fan of americana music of all sorts and the dedication and time which he and his wife put into this is astounding. Hats of to them! And to the rest of you, if you get a chance to play this festival, jump on it! it is great!
Check out Prison Love on youtube, they rock!
peace,
Kristian
