Oysterband at the Brook

Last night was Other Val’s birthday so she’d decided on a girlie night out in Southampton, with myself and Julie. Bill Badger would normally be an honorary girl, but he is away at the moment at a conference in Birmingham (he made do with a boy’s night out with Patrick).
The Brook had changed a little since I last went there to see Martyn Joseph. The place looked a lot less dingy, all in greens and stained wood, with the downstairs bar moved over to the far side and the upstairs bar refurbished with lots more seating. I wasn’t tempted by the lone real ale (Courage Best) but Other Val had no complaints.
Other Val and I headed down to the mosh pit whilst Julie stayed upstairs on the fag! There wasn’t a lot of dancing though, perhaps because of the lack of space. The sound was excellent though, and the Oysterband as energetic and skillful as ever (not turning up pissed like a band I’ve seen recently (Atishdrunkinpublichoo) although JJ did forget the words to ‘The Raven’ We met some nice people (as often happens with Other Val around) and had a bloody good time. Favourite song of the evening – ‘Northern Light’ (Other Val voted for ‘Milford Haven’ and Julie for the instrumentals)
Thanks to Other Val for driving on her birthday!