by Ben Romain and Victoria Stanley
We ventured out to the Barge to catch Alex Roberts after first seeing him at The Southgate, Devizes on the highest recommendation of Devizes favourite Vince Bell. That was an introduction to an artist well worth following; so we duly did!
The Barge has had its challenges in years past with unique past owners and misplaced concepts of what this particular Inn’s place in the community actually is, but happily this experience was more like earliest memories of folk gigs there twenty years before and a great venue to visit once again.
There was a warm welcome into a crowd of characters, some from miles away, pleased to follow Alex and regulars of the Inn and many boaters amongst them. A good foil for a talented folk singer, this crowd knowing as many on the cut do, how to sing and encourage willing musicians!
Alex loves the Barge, and settled into the ‘stage’ corner with a plethora of instruments, we were treated to interpretations of many great songs in the folk/blues traditions and of course brilliant songs of his own pen.
Pyramid – Alex Roberts a fantastic song of his own writing, my favourite from his songbook this gig. Then covers such as ‘Girl from the North Country’, Bob Dylan delivered with such warmth and sensibility and a lifelong Dylan fan (such as myself) was enthralled.
So a lovely return to a great local venue and a great gig; everything you want from a Saturday eagerly awaited for this very reason.
The Barge has a very active Facebook page and many gigs / events, we will certainly be making more of an effort to fit some in following this gig.
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