"Great music /awful audience"
A review of Peter De Wit by Ray Robinson - Friday 10th of November 2006
Last friday night me and my sweet-heart stepped in off the street in Greenwich to the sound of a wonderful guitarist and a fabulous lady singing. When I was a youngster, I used to dream about places like Peter de Wit's: a small room; excellent music; easy acces; little or no accent on money, music being the reason for people being there. We ended up sitting a few feet from the performers, basking in the beautiful sounds. They seemed pleased to see us, as we were obviously enjoying their work so much.
However my perfect experience was spoiled a little by the other ten or so people in the cafe who just sat talking very very loudly and ignoring the music.
Is it always like this in London? The next night we went to Oliver's around the corner. Mr Zec and his colleagues were struggling to ply their craft against a larger and even ruder audience. They chose to play up-tempo, bop-orientated songs. Is this the only type of music that can survive a rude London audience?
Two weeks ago, I heard Stan Tracey play in Belfast. Once again, apart from an incredbly beautiful version of Angel Eyes, we got macho, up-tempo bop. Is this the London musician's response to London audiences? It does'nt happen in Paris, New York, Edinburgh.
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