Världens Band at Gateshead Old Town Hall

It was exactly one year ago to the day that I last saw this band at Sage Gateshead. This year, in a gig promoted by Sage, the venue had switched to the nearby Gateshead Old Town Hall.

If you are unfamiliar with Världens Band then may I suggest you read the words I wrote last year. 
http://eddie-graham.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/varldens-band-at-kings-hall-newcastle.html

As you will see, I was mightily impressed and wasted little time in securing tickets to see them again supporting their brand new album 'Transglobal Roots Fusion' - a title that very accurately describes their philosophy and their music.

Aside from the change of venue and the absence of singer Navah Elbaz, very little had changed. The band are still a wonderful collection of musicians from across the globe, who entertain not just with their infectious brand of world music, but also with their example of how cultures and nations can exist in harmony. It is a message that we could all learn from, particularly world leaders and nationalistic or religious fanatics who put their own desire for power over any concern for world peace. 

Because of their diversity, the band members are rarely able to get together to write new material or even to rehearse, so it is testimony to their skill as performers that they are able to put on a show of this quality.

I have also heard good things about their album which is not due for release for a couple of weeks, Thankfully copies were available at the venue and I was very pleased to be able to support this fine young band by purchasing one; which they dutifully signed for me.

The date coincided (as it did last year) with the birthday of Scottish flautist David Foley. I'm already looking forward to hopefully getting together with him and his friends next year to celebrate another one.