Rotterdam, Café de B – 11 May 1984
Phil’s cassette archive of In Cahoots concerts has numerous recordings from the band’s first European tour in 1984, and the fact that Richard Sinclair was playing bass in this line-up makes these especially popular with Hatfield fans, in spite of the music being very different. There is of course a heavy improvised component, and the opening “Your Root 2” is notable for an extended ‘jam’ section where Elton and Pip take the rest of the band in uncharted areas. And the rest of the gig, preserved with fine sound and good dynamics, does not disappoint, with the band in great form. This being an afternoon performance (they played an evening gig, also in Rotterdam, that same day), this is likely to be all that was played – “Final Call” and “Speaking To Lydia” are of particular interest for being such different arrangements to the ones ultimately released.
Phil Miller – guitar
Elton Dean – alto sax, saxello
Peter Lemer – keyboards
Richard Sinclair – bass
Pip Pyle – drums
The Rotterdam Club. PM in great form here.