Review by Allan Jeff
The Blakey music festival is truly one of life's special moments it just happens to last a day or so. The look of abject joy splashed across the collective face of the crowd, was enough to light up the stage on it's own. To say Blakey Ridge is a stunning setting, is like saying Marilyn Monroe wasn't a bad looking woman, a masterstroke in the art of understatement.
The festival site has a breath taking magical quality, surely borne of the beautiful scenery but somehow enhanced by the excitement and enthusiasm generated by an ever-growing band of fanatical disciples.
However, despite it's ongoing growth, the festival still manages to retain an earthy quality that comes from the distinct lack of crass commercialisation, which seems to claw at the heart of many a major music event. It seems the sustained success of the festival and the heart of the Blakey philosophy, stems from the belief in offering a line-up of new, up and coming local talent mixed with a smattering of veteran troubadours to steady the ship. The crowds flock in droves year on year to see something different and innovative.
New for this year was the position of the festival enclosure, now with the majestic Farndale as it's backdrop. The stage sitting at the bottom of a gentle slope, allowed a fantastic view from anywhere in the site, though the regular climb to the beer tent seemed to get steeper as the day wore on.
First on stage this year was the Steve Daggett Trio, together with Michael Bailey on bass and Rachael Rhoades on violin, the legendary Mr Daggett gave the crowd a warm and welcoming collective bear hug, their brand of drinking music was the perfect accompaniment to the first few beers of the day.
The bass and violin alongside the acoustic guitar and harmonica gave a silk lining to Daggett's gravel edged vocals. The trio took a stroll through a mixture of folksy covers and heart warming original tunes, such as "This Time Of Year". Having played to the big crowds with the likes of Lindisfarne, Steve is now an accomplished stage performer; relaxed and confident he set the Blakey ship on course and left the crowd feeling chilled and relaxed.
As the audience basked in Daggett's afterglow, Sevenball took to the stage and proceeded to blow the cobwebs away, this was a surf ride to oblivion, a wave of loutish guitars crashed around the site as singer Luke Richie took the bull by the horns and ripped it's head off, his voice has enough power to launch the space shuttle, their latest song "Coming Home" stood out, but the highlight of the set, with all the haze of Hendrix and the sit up and beg of the Chilli Peppers, was "One Of Them".
Next up, Prendo took to the stage, as the milky sky did its best to strangle the sun, by now the crowd were lapping up the beer as fast as the tunes. Prendo opened with a Jimi-tastic rendition of "Hey Joe", Pete Bell playing bass like a spider catching a fly, the three piece snaked their way through their set of groove laden tunes, at one point slipping from a debauched rendition of "Babylon Is Burning" into "War" and back again without breaking a sweat.
As usual Prendo were sheer class and all the more amazing given The Yards' drummer John Miller sat in for them at the last minute without an ounce of rehearsal.
The Mothers hit the stage, setting their stall out early with a superb rendition of Marvin Gaye"s "Heard It Through The Grapevine". What followed was a magic carpet ride of covered classics, their eclectic mix swung from Bob Dylan to James Brown. A version of the Hendrix classic "Foxy Lady" made my hair stand on end and in doing "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" they managed to be darker than The Darkness. Crowd pleasers such as The Who's "The Seeker" went down a storm alongside "She's Not There" by The Zombies.
The Mothers were entertaining throughout, their musicianship was outstanding, though coming as no surprise, as they can count ex-Shed Seven keyboardist Fraser Smith and ex-Seahorses bass player Stuart Fletcher amongst their ranks.
As the Mothers departed, Fletcher stayed on stage to join up with his main squeeze, The Yards, recently signed, this new band boast another ex-Seahorse in their ranks, in the form of the acclaimed Chris Helme on vocals. Having graced stages at the major festivals including Glastonbury back in the day, their latest incarnation looked at home in front of the Blakey crowd.
Frontman Helme swaggered around the stage acoustic in hand, demanding attention, after all it was his birthday, as he was quick to point out. However, in between Helme singing happy birthday to himself, proposing to his girlfriend and chatting to his young son in the crowd, The Yards got down to business, Helme's evocative voice seared though a sublime collection of songs, "The Devil Is Alive And Well And In DC" ripped another hole in the ozone layer, while the lilting "Only Myself To Blame" apologetically repaired the damage.
They blazed on through the Buffalo Springfield classic "Mr Soul" before ending with "Fireflies", with an album in the pipeline and due for release in the autumn and given their ability and heritage, perhaps it won't be too long before Helme and co are back at Glastonbury.
If The Yards were great, then Four Day Hombre certainly raised the bar. This Leeds based five piece are mind blowing, they took to the stage beneath moody skies, grabbed the crowd by the scruff of the neck and dragged them kicking and screaming into the eye of their personal storm. In the world of the Hombre butterflies come with diesel engines and battleships float in cream, nothing is as it seems, they bend reality into enlightenment. As Four Day Hombre mesmerized the crowd one notable local celebrity summed it all up saying, "I want time to slow down".
Amongst a set chocked full of blinding moments standout tracks included "Drink" and "Single Room" but despite the showcase of new single "Mr M" the highlight of this extraordinary performance had to be their rendition of last years single "The First Word Is The Hardest".
As the Audience were still catching their breath, a torrent of dry ice slithered across the stage, four huge beams of white light punched back the darkness above our heads and headliners, Mostly Autumn, became one with "Night Sky". The beguiling Heather Findlay caressed centre stage as the crowd stood transfixed, even the first real rain of the day couldn't wash away the enthusiasm of either the band or the audience. The emotive guitar playing of Bryan Josh, led the band into "Something in Between" the second of a twenty-two song set.
As the band got into their stride it became obvious why they command an ever expanding fan base, musically there are no weak links in this chain and with the highly acclaimed Troy Donockley, joining them on pipes their multi-faceted repertoire took on a life of its own. "Answer The Question" preceded the beautiful strains of "Evergreen" each track coaxed into bloom by the celestial vocals of Heather Findlay. More classics followed including "Shindig", "Never The Rainbow", and "Shrinking Violet", as usual the band's faithful following were in raptures through every note and harmony.
Mostly Autumn don't just play, they give a performance, dramatic and sensual, they become their music. Their lyrics are undeniably poignant, welded to rhythms and melodies that tease your heart into submission. In a nod to their roots the band included a cover of "Comfortably Numb", completely at home alongside their own masterpiece "Passengers".
As Mostly Autumn wound up their show, the now customary fireworks cracked overhead, for many the festival was far from over, while for others, copious amounts of real ale finally pulled the rug from under them.
Whilst all who were there couldn't fail to be impressed with the quality of the bands, great as they were, it was the superb organisation, friendliness of the Blakey staff and the unbelievable setting that gave them an audience ready to rock.
Allan Jeff, Matmata Media
Hi Paul
Thank you so much for having us yesterday - it was marvellous. One day all festivals will be like this!
It's just a shame we couldn't hang about - ah well. I hope the weather held off for you.
Thanks again - speak to you soon.
Michael, Steve and Rach
(The Steve Daggett Trio)
www.stevedaggett.co.uk
Paul,
The time and effort you put into the festival
must be incredible, Thanks.
I again enjoyed every minute even through I was one of the early
ones to bed (4.30am) that's only so i dont miss out on the breakfast!!!
All the best
Lee Sharp
Hi Paul,
Once again, a big thank you to yourself and everyone else involved
in this years event.
Excellent line up of bands and I thought that the sound was spot
on, liked the layout of the site too, thought that worked very
well.
Will hopefully see you and The Mostlies there again next year.
Cheers mate,
Ian Bell.
Hi Paul.
Just a note say thank you for organising such an awesome event.
This was my first Blakey Festival. It won't be my last.
It was superb.
I must also say that your staff are quite amazing. The service
even under these circumstances was superb, the food was excellent
and the festival very well run. And incredible value for money
Good on you all.
Thanks again.
There are some photos here - http://gallery83879.fotopic.net/ Feel
free to use any of them if you wish.
Andy H.
We would just like to thank
you and all involved in yet another wonderful festival. 
So well organised and the relocation
of the stage is a masterstroke. Such an outstanding backdrop for
the event. All the teething problems from last year well and truely
ironed out and the atmosphere seemed more relaxed this year.
Rain? what rain? Heather didn't notice and nor did I.
The only downer was the five and half hour drive home which normally takes me two hours to do the 120 miles on Friday.
Same again next year paul, you're a star.
cheers
Bev, matt & steve.
PS Please don't make it any bigger, its great the way it is.
Thanks again for another stunning couple
of days, we had loads of fun (and OP) on 
Wednesday night, followed by a great day Thursday,
the bands were very good, I was especially impressed with The
Yards. Mostly Autumn as always just blew me away.
I managed to bring 6 people along this year, 4 of whom had never seen MA live, the two 15 yr olds had not heard anything of the band so wasn't too sure what they were gonna think. They thought The Yards and Four Day Hombre were very good and thought MA would be along the same lines, the smiles on their faces at the end said it all.
Was great to see you on the day too, hope to catch you sometime later on in the year, take care and keep up the great work.
Steve Bones
Fantastic festival every
thing was just great that includes your bar staff and the great
efort that made it just a joy to be there.
Sam looked great in the pirate hat picture to follow if they turn
out
Best wishes from the Pirates
Arrived as evening set in and The Yards had taken the stage, as a Yards virgin i have to say the set had a depth that made me remember why I like to go out and see music being made. Will certainly purchase cd when released and will come and catch another show as and when, but there's no club or dance hall venue that could hold a candle to the drama of the Blakey Ridge horizon, the sky was dark as a storm rumbled over Scarboro but I thought it was a beautiful moment. Good music, a JD & Coke and an amazin view, who could want more from a summer evenin in Yorks!
Cheers Paul, the event was
great, it was good to meet the guy who organised this event.
I don't remember a lot about Wednesday night due to the serious
amount of "Old Rosy, a mind blowing apple experience",
but I do remember meeting Bryan & Heather from Mostly Autumn
and reminding them of our last encounter one hot August morning
at the Canterbury Fayre, I'm sure they thought I was some sort
of big, drunk Irish nut case who was speaking too fast for the
Yorkshire ear but we managed to have a conversation.
Thursday's line up was great and the fireworks display was a nice
finish.
It was a bummer having to leave but I will return.
Cheers to everyone at The Lion Inn and all the groups who played,
lots of love.
Gib (Northern Ireland).
A big thank you to Paul and the rest of
the Blakey crew for a fantastic day .The bands were great, the
atmosphere nice and friendly and the setting absolutley stunning!!
Thanks to Mostly Autumn for a stunning set, the best band on the
planet!!! More of the same please for next year.Thanks again,Chris
This was going to be a sort of reply to the guy who posted on Friday criticising Mostly Autumn's appearance at the Fest, as Paul has deleted it that's buggered that up and you won't know what I'm on about.
I will say this though to
anyone who may think along those lines ie "What's going on?
Prog rock hippy band along with up'n'coming 4DH,Yards etc".
A couple of years ago I would have agreed with you, as a punk
in the mid 70s Floyd, Yes, ELP and their ilk were the antithesis
of the bands of the time, Pistols, Clash, 999 etc. And if you're
thinking that I have seen the light and now listen to these bands
non-stop you couldn't be more wrong, I think they're up your own
ass pap....BUT....I can now appreciate WHY people like them and
this is the crux of the matter, the older you get the more you
understand different types of music, personally I hate Techno/Rave
and all that stuff but if Paul(legend) put a Techno/Rave band
on at the Fest I'd have my Whistle, Dustmask and Vicks Vaporub
and be "Bangin'" with the rest of 'em. So just learn
to live with it, think of it as a musical education, get pissed,
have a bit of a jig to Heather and Angela's glorious Flute/Whistle
combo and if you think some of the songs go on a bit just walk
to the top of the hill lay on the grass and just chill and let
Josh's guitar wash over you maaaan!
Right, after that bull you may be surprised to hear that I luurve Mostly Autumn, I would not bracket them with aforementioned bands, no dreary dirge here just some of the best and most superbly crafted songs for years that can really get you in your girly sensitive spots then get you punching the air in a major testosterone rush like a bouncer in Hartlepool (No offence meant Kev). Though why on earth they play a dreary Floyd number and omit the truly magnificent "Pass the Clock" is beyond me. It is their gig I suppose (and hundreds of people loving every minute of it also says it's OK).
If you've got this far you may be asleep or ready for a sort of Festreview or Jim's unwanted Opinionfest.
Steve Daggett Trio were really good at what they did, but suffered a bit from being the first band on when everyone was putting up their deckchairs. I'd love to see them in a more intimate setting and no doubt will if they aren't on when I'm on nightshift!!
Sevenball. Ha! I'd said to Paul C that they weren't my cup of tea when I'd seen them at the 2002 festival. I don't feel embarrassed in the least to admit that I was a mile off. I thought they were brilliant on Thursday.
Prendo. Again his music doesn't float my boat but what a musician, and at a festival you can't beat his chilled out style for drinking Guinness and enjoying life.
Mothers. They were superb, what a voice the singer had eh? "The Seeker" is one of my favourite Who songs, "Jean Genie" was the first single I bought and the James Brown cover was the Dogs Bollocks. Get 'em booked for a Thursday night Paul.
The Yards. These guys are
proper Rock'n'Roll, Chris Helme is one of the few REAL frontmen.
Their set never seems to last as long as anyone elses 'cos it
just drives along with great stomping tunes and with Chris' voice
soaring over the moors It just makes for a glorious hour. "Only
myself to Blame" is an instant drunken singalong classic.
Well it was for me anyway. All this and a guitarist who looks
like Russell Crowe, how can they fail !!
Four Day Hombre. I make no secret of the fact that these are my favourite band at the moment, neither do I make a secret of the fact that I didn't know how it would go following The Yards, who I knew would play a blinding set. No worries mate. 4DH played a set which consisted of me thinking after most songs, "Ah bollocks lads you should play that one last!!" "Allow Me", "First Word" the orgasmic "There's a place we can Stay". Then they finish with the ball breaking "Single Room" and all's right with the world.
Mostly Autumn. See above and wasn't Heathers voice soooo strong? As last year it was a great set for a singsong and as usual MA proved that they never give us Blakey folk anything but a great show and great banter. I loved Josh's "Pretentious Hippy Bollocks" speech. MA's love of Blakey is obvious and is reciprocated a hundredfold. Play "Pass the clock" at Christmas though or I'll put rocks in the snowballs!!
Paul Crossland.Get his picture on a T-Shirt!!!
PS All you Floyd, Yes, ELP fans who are seething that I dared to compare your faves with that Punk crap. I have long Blonde hair a bushy tache and glasses.
Paul,
Just a note to say how superbly run the Blakey Festival was. The
line-up of bands was spot and I'd only heard of Mostly Autumn
before!
I think having `The Mothers' on in the middle was inspired too.
Took my two lads who are only 7 + 10 and they had a ball (1st
of many gigs
I think!). The food and ale was excellent and how your staff managed
to serve so quickly on Wednesday night. Well we'll be coming again
that's for sure! Keep up the good work and make sure it happens
again next year !
Cheers
Eddie + Family
Hey Paul
Thanks for having us. We had a great time! It was ace.
Jason (Four Day Hombre)
Hi Paul
Just about recovered, it took me all weekend, I must be getting
older.
Please pass my thanks on to all who worked on the festival.
Once again I had a fantastic time.
See you at christmas possibly, or around the country at one of
the V shows.
Take care
See you soon
Paul Turner
Thanks Paul for yet another
wonderful festival and please thank all those that worked so hard
to get it 99% right this year!
The 1% was of course the weather which even you cannot control
(or can you?).
Couldn't find you on Saturday to say goodbye but the wind finally
won and we had to get off. See you later in the year (I hope)
and really looking forward to next year's.
Bob (& Philippa)
Dear Mr Crossland,
Last Wednesday we planned to drive the usual 140 mile round trip to sample our favourite Old Peculiar Casserole and Real Chips at your humble establishment. Imagine our surprise when we arrived and some lunatics had arranged a festival! And what a job they had done. Superb.
Line up was spot on. Very impressed with
SevenBall... The Mothers were a real hit... lightened and lifted
the atmosphere impeccably, every party should have one! Four Day
Hombre really showed some class. Superb Songs, Superbly performed...one
after the other....roll on the debut album! Loved every min!
I have to say... not being a hoooge MA fan... I rather enjoyed the show, and justly the night belonged to them.
Massive thanks to all!
Until Then....
Ben & Nicky
PS Can someone get Mike a new shirt for next year!
Thank you to Paul and the rest of the Blakey crew for a great day!!
Keep on truckin.
Robert Binkley
What a fantastic event. So well organised, the food in the pub was great and the service excellent.
MA were awesome - they were having such a great time. Shame about Troy's plumbing !!
A fabulous 3 hour set. Thanks to everyone involved.
Andy
Had a great time at Blakey. Well done to all involved.
Brilliant setlist and performance from Mostly Autumn in such a beautiful place. Perfect.
Maria & Patrick
Well it's over. What a fab two days. I hope everybody got home safe and well. I did eventually after a five and a half hour marathon to drive the 120 miles home.
For those that were missing, you missed a cracker.
Thanks to Paul Crossland for making the whole thing happen.
Cheers
Steve
Very quick Mostly Autumn / Blakey review:
Played for almost three hours. Excellent set (couldn't have asked for a better one). Excellent venue. Can't remember the last time the band looked so relaxed and happy. Maybe too relaxed at times? I've heard them play better, but the good vibe more than made up for any dodgy bits.
Best concert I've ever been to... and somebody said it was raining but I didn't notice.
Dave Meadows
We (the Missus & me) entirely agree. The band looked like they really enjoyed themselves, and so did we. Who cares about sleeping in the car after a night like that!!
Mostly Awesome indeed - I'd say - the guys always play brilliantly. For me - I'd prefer to see them all really relaxed and having a ball - than being totally studio-perfect soundwise... Even totally drunk (not saying they were) the Mostlies live performances still would wipe the floor with virtually every band I've ever seen - they're such expert musicians...! Angie was amaaaaaaazing - best I've seen her - all witchily swathed in smoke... and BJ in a really good mood makes all the diiference to the live performances - the band (and the fans) have sooo much respect for him that he really uplifts the whole thing and he's always on top form at Blakey! This was certainly my fave Blakey ever- what an atmosphere, and overall possibly my fave ever Mostly gig! It's not about being pedantic about a few missed notes, it's the whole overall package, which was just STAGGERING! And did anybody notice the sky afterwards...!?!
Lisa
I`m in total agreement with you Lisa, I thought Heather had a
good night too, like the rest of the band she was really up for
it and yes I noticed the sky as well, a glorious end to a glorious
day!
Ian B
Reasonable weather, great people, great atmosphere, a none too shabby headline band. Business as usual at Blakey 2004... can I book my ticket for 2005 now??
David
Glad u enjoyed the show but i must say that the weather was perfect!!
Chris.
Cheers! Was a great day,
thanks.
Janet
Thanks for another fantastic festival. I enjoyed the day so much! Keep it live and local. Much appreciated your hard work and good humour. CHEERS!
A satisfied customer
Just to say a big THANKYOU
for another great festival.
Everything about the day was excellent, especially Mostly Autumn
who were majestic.
Great event, people and music keep up the good work.
Cheers and see u next year.
Dave H
yea it kicked ass bring nxt year on
Kezza
Dear Paul
Just to let you know how
much we enjoyed the Festival on 22 July at Blakey.
Didn't know what to expect, but loved it, especially the fireworks!
Camped overnight in our little touring caravan.
We shall look forward to hearing about future events.
Many thanks,
Roland & Lynn
Blakey Ridge has been our night out 4 two yrs now and this year really rocked. I met a nice lad and had a great night wid all my ace m8s. i am all lined up for next year its like christmas. i cant wait.
Kerrie
We had a fantastic time at the festival this year, the bands were brilliant and Mr Crossland had clearly put a lot of effort into this years event which was abundantly evident. Cheers mate! Only thing i found a bit dissapointing was the lack of after party action in the camping field. It seems most were tucked up in their sleeping bags after the fireworks with a good book and pom pom hat on! After quenching a skinful over the day, our dehydration was exacebated through the water running out in the field. Nobody had any reserve and would not share, it resembled a scene from Mad Max on one occasion! This however all added character to the day and we are all looking forward to next year, spreading the word and bringing a larger contingent.
Mike J
Sorry about the problems with the water supply in the camping field folks. We had a back-up water tanker to use if our own supply ran out, but when we switched to this we got an air lock in the pump, but didn't realise until the next morning. It will be sorted for next time, but would still be worth bringing your own drinking water along, just in case...
Thanks
Paul (Mad Max)
Arriving early to find a
flat bit of ground I found an even earlier bird had got the worm,
however an all year camper in the field this was no problem. Even
before the music the atmosphere hummed with a gentle freedom eminating
from all around. What a fantastic place to put the stage! Fizz
went a can of beer. Looking down the valley the weather was set
fair (thank goodness the wind wasn't in the east) Fizz went another
beer.
Enter the compound, have you tried carrying 3 pints in those plastic
glasses across the field?? Loads of music all day some great some
I cant remember but time flew.
Credit to everyone there for making it such quality, friendly
people everywhere! Thanks to all the Blakey staff. Bestest bit
was when Mostly Autumn were building up the mood and it started
to rain capturing the RIDGE as it normally is!
Next year please, Water !!! p.s I was the 2nd torch beam up in
the sky just to say, its not over yet!
Chris C
Can't believe I didn't pull my finger out
& travel up to Blakey this year. You can keep this as testiment
that I, Little Lucy, will be attending next years festival. Come
rain or shine, I WILL be there. Hopefully with a load of southerners
who need to listen to some decent music.
Cheerio for now x
Lucy
Loved the festival, thought all bands were great but really appreciated Sevenball, Four Day Hombre and of course Mostly Autumn.
See you at the next FDH gig.
Paul & Sarah Borton
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