Reg Meuross — Fire and Dust
Bush Hall, London

BUSH HALL in Shepherd’s Bush saw a full house for the album launch of Fire and Dust: a tribute to Woody Guthrie by Reg Meuross, and commissioned by Pete Townsend. Previously reviewed in this paper the album takes us through the story of Guthrie’s life, music and political commitment. 

Joined by backing band The Strike, featuring Phil Beer, Geraint Watkins, Marion Fleetwood, Simon Edwards and Roy Dodds, this live performance also included narration between songs by Professor Will Kaufman, a writer and authority on Guthrie’s life. 

Setting the scene with the title track referencing the fire tragedies and duststorms that played a major role in Guthrie’s life, we then heard A Folk Song's A Song written by Meuross and set to the tune Bob Dylan used in his own tribute, reflecting the inspiration Guthrie has given to other musicians. 

Kaufman's narration helped take the audience through both the tragedies of Guthrie's life and his indignation at social injustice, and this was particularly well reflected in a powerful rendition of Deportees about the 1940 plane crash at Los Gatos Canyon. 

Sadly, the songs seem just as relevant today, but the combination of music and storytelling provided an uplifting and inspirational night for the audience. 

Towards the end we heard The Gypsy Singer about Dylan's visits to Guthrie when he was in his hospital bed suffering from Huntingdon’s disease. This was melancholic, but the upbeat tone was restored with a performance of So Long It’s Been Good To Know You and finally a rousing version of This Land Is Your Land. Written as a counter to Irving Berlin’s God Bless America the vision of America as a land for working people may seem optimistic in present times but progressive change comes about through struggle and music has always had a part to play.

An unforgettable experience, and highly recommended.

Tours until November 8. For dates and tickets see: regmeuross.com