Click here to watch the videos filmed at the Berlin & Niedernhausen gigs in Germany on 8th & 9th April by Eva, which includes the BF cover of Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black" - Also, "Another Time, Another Place" - "That's How Strong My Love Is" and "Same Old Blues" - Awesome !! (Thanks for filming them and posting them to YouTube Eva !!).

Robert :)

https://www.youtube.com/user/nightingal ... ture=watch

Cheers RobertJ.
Really enjoyed that, especially ATAP.

My thanks Eva also. Sorry Eva I just clicked on the youtube link, didn't really read the post.

Mes amis,
I have very mixed feelings about these amateur, unofficial videos appearing on line. The quality and sound never do the performances justice and I have to say, when somebody obstructs my view at gigs with one of these devices, I feel moved to use my Charvet silk knitted tie as a garrotte weapon!
That said, as a completely addicted Ferryista, I have of course viewed these films in their entirety and everybody looks on great form with the BFO clearly note perfect and I just love the arrangements not just for TJA tracks but the improvisation they bring to some of the "all band" numbers.
Visually, I think it would be great to see some "Flappers" dancing their way through the gig and also some TJA Paul Colin type visuals used in a film montage to animate the back drop.
Hopefully "The Taste Tarantula" will dig out that white tux ensemble for TRHA gig as it would give him even more stage presence and would be a nice sartorial contrast with the BFO smoking attire. Right now, I think we have a little too much black.
Regards,
Le Ancien Windswept.

Thanks Zappa, but I'm glad u also thanked Eva, as it was all her doing, lol !

And yes Windswept2, I feel the same about unofficial videos appearing on line, but I'd rather have them, than perhaps the performances never seeing the light of day in an official capacity - as we all know has happened much too often in the past. It's just heaven to hear ATAP, SOB and THSMLI !!

Robert.

Again I have to agree with Windswept. Everything is good and interesting - but please add some colours to all the black.
The setlist contains surprises. I`m especially delighted that there are two fairly obscure tracks from my favourite album, Mamouna. Can`t wait to see the show in real!

Monsieur Riff,
You have made me smile!
No doubt we have a huge amount to anticipate although, I agree with you that certain production values are a work in progress.
The TJA promotional videos and the launch party at "Annabel's" had some very sexy touches that would appear not to have made their way into the tour set.
ATGB, Frantic, FYP & Olympia were all great tours that presented as "total shows" and as our hero elegantly matures in years I think it is more important than ever that we have the sizzle as well as the sausage.
Perhaps all is in hand and some elements are not ready for the opening gigs as they were quick bookings made to supplement the main tour — for example, does anybody know if there was a programme or any TJA merchandise on sale in Berlin?
Doubtless some ne'er-do-well will write in and tell me how much this stuff costs but I can't believe for a minute that the "Taste Tarantula" will spoil the ship for the price of a few "Flappers" and a decent back-drop animation. After all, this is the year of TJA and The Great Gatsby. I am sure that our hero has everything in hand?
Regards,
Windswept

I wish she could have been in the front row at the B.B.C. the night Roxy did "Street Life" on TOPT or we may not have been sitting in suspenders for 40 year.

Have I woken up in an episode of Life on Mars?

I think Mr Windswept has summed up what I was going to say, these early dates are perhaps a trial run in a way and there will be further "tweaks" before Autumn falls. Any outdoor summer shows may also be a little different to what we will see in Oct/Nov.

I was surprised to see the main man looking a bit under dressed next to the orchestra in their tuxedos. I thought we might at least see the return of the dickie bow that he has been sporting in recent interviews and publicity shots. The return of the white tux would be a nice touch. Perhaps there is something new on the way making with someone stitching away as we speak.

I too thought about the lack of visuals but then thought perhaps they might distract from the orchestra & band? Maybe certain songs would work more than others. If there will be no video backdrop then some kind of set dressing would be nice.

Thanks to Eva & RJ for the link which has given us a preview of the setlist which looks pretty good, some inspired choices there. It is never ideal to watch & listen via a computer but it appears most of us can't resist the temptation. I am saddened to not see our favourite drummer TGPT in place on the stage.

Nice to see he has been brave enough to leave JG & MOL on the shelf for this tour and I hope he won't change things too much by the later shows, especially ATAP, Crazy Love, Same Old Blues, It's My Party, Back to Black and Move on Up which I look forward to hearing live in a concert hall setting.

Great "dress swooshing" by Bobbie & Jodie!