I haven't seen Gwyn for about 9 months. But what a gestation period it has been. Gwyn was in top form tonight - and although I turned up with industrial strength earplugs I removed them when I realised it wasn't that loud. In fact the sound was perfect. This is something very positive that has come from the demise of the Torrington - the sound at the Green Man seems much better. Well done guys!
Gwyn's show was captivating. The same excellent line-up as before of Paul Wetton on bass and Paul King on drums makes this one of the tightest power blues-rock bands you could ever wish to encounter. Paul W plays beautiful bass, his long fingers caressing the strings effortlessly - and I really liked the "duelling guitars" bit with Gwyn, that sounded just great. Paul K did some amazing drummy stuff which was in danger of going unnoticed in the background, but I appreciated its complexity - thank you Paul.
Even I could tell the difference between the Stratocaster, Telecasters and Gibson's sound - as I said, the sound quality at the Green Man is top class, crystal clear, and Gwyn's choice of equipment is outstanding. Some of the sustained notes Gwyn played on the Gibson, just on the edge of feedback, were so pure, so perfect, it was an absolute joy to be in the presence of such a master craftsman.
There was such light and shade. Quiet, beautiful ballads like "Castaway", slow blues, fast boogies, awesome rock - something for everyone. And of course my favourite type of rollercoaster with dynamics from the gentlest whisper to all hell let loose. Absolutely wonderful.
So, thank you very much Gwyn! Please come back soon, and next time let's not advertise it as a solo "Dobro Show" - and many more people should turn up!
Score on a scale from 0 to 100? Somewhere around 120, I think!
Rob White - this review is from Rob's blog where you can add your own comments if you wish