Steve Pledger – Somewhere Between album launch

Steve Pledger
Photograph by Jean Camp

The Great Hall, Dunster Castle – Friday 4th November 2016

There are album launches and there are extra special ones. The Steve Pledger Somewhere Between album launch was extraordinary!

The exquisite setting for the launch was an outstanding National Trust property in North Somerset, not far from Minehead. The grand front door, which had steps up to, had a bell like Downton Abbey! I wasn’t prepared for the sheer grandeur of this huge lovely property. The Great Hall hosted a magnificent fireplace that had a fire burning, and the walls were furnished with beautiful paintings from days gone by, also beautiful old furniture was dotted around. I had arrived a little early and through the windows saw captivating views of the sea, and the rolling hills of Somerset. I had a chance to speak to David, the custodian of this amazing castle, who was very chuffed to be hosting this concert, and was a fan of Steve’s music.

Steve’s very supportive and lovely wife Becky was found to be setting up the bar, whilst Steve could be heard sound checking in the Hall next door. It sounded fabulous and I immediately knew I was in for a special evening. Brian Player from Blues and Roots Radio had just finished an interview with Steve, and the MC for the evening was Neil King from Fatea Magazine.

Steve kicked off the evening with the first track of the album, ‘To Change The World’, and although most of the songs were from the album, including ‘Doing Well’ which had a lot to say about benefit cuts, we heard a mix of songs from Steve’s second album Striking Matches In The Wind.

Just after the interval, Brian Player hosted a short questions and answers session, and various questions were asked. During these questions, someone asked why Steve came across as angry, he answered – tongue in cheek – “well I have three children” (who were sitting in the audience in front of me spellbound by their father!)

All Steve’s songs have attitude and encompass issues and the environment of our world today, which he feels strongly about. In his second set he included the Woody Guthrie song – ‘Deportee’ – which was very apt as was about refugees displaced in various parts of our troubled globe.

The end of the evening came far too soon, we had an encore of two songs, firstly ‘The Right To Be Wrong’ off the new album and then the amazing ‘Hallelujah’, giving the Steve Pledger treatment. A fantastic rendition delivered with passion and feeling.

Afterwards a very tired and happy Steve signed copies of his albums, chatted to his supporters without any hint of rushing them, and then became his own roadie to clear up his gear, while his adoring wife Becky and the family tidied up the bar and merchandise area. Acclaimed reviews are coming out now about the launch gig and the new album, everyone has great things to say about Steve and his music.

I felt so honoured and privileged to be able to attend this fantastic gig and to hear the new album first time live. I played the album all the way home to Plymouth and it has not been off my player since. Twelve amazing songs on the album, all great tracks and I can’t name a favourite! Thank you for the music Steve!

If you haven’t found Steve before, you have now! Check him out on www.stevepledger.co.uk and buy his albums, listen to his links, radio interviews and you can also find his tour dates on his website too. Go see him live, you will be glad you did!!

Jean Camp