GIG REVIEW: Zarathustra
- Posted on April 7, 2007 4:00 PM
- 0 comments
GIG REVIEW: 12 Bar Club, Zarathustra presents
Thursday 5 April
By Peter Coulston
As you may recall from previous reviews, I am something of a fan of Zaid Joseph’s Zarathustra nights on the first Thursday of every month at the 12 Bar. These occasions consistently prove to be a source of new talent that I often wind up supporting and promoting. In fact, my venue of the week next week will feature a band that I originally heard on one of these nights. Zaid promotes live music nights at various venues including the Babalou and other Brixton based locations, and has an uncanny eye for new talent which he promotes with incredible energy. Zarathustra is a very popular night at the 12 Bar and I never fail to enjoy it. As usual, the show overran by around forty minutes despite starting on time due to encores being demanded for most of the artists.
I arrived just after 8pm, and Amadeus and the Composer were already on stage. Consisting of a singer and a guitarist they performed a fine set of original acoustic songs with interesting lyrics. Vocals and guitar were both good but the singer seemed a little uncomfortable on the slower numbers. I put it down to nerves, otherwise very nice. The next acoustic offering was J.D.Smith, who I saw recently at the Electroacoustic. He is pure rockabilly, and probably the only person performing this style right now. He has it down to a tee, and is highly recommended if that’s you’re scene, as it certainly was for most of the audience. Zaid intends bringing him back so keep your eyes peeled. Dirty Mick is an Australian singer songwriter who effortlessly moves between rock, ballads and country. His two country duets with Annie Evershed were a joy, as was his hilarious expose of an Australian musical icon who actually isn’t. For more details, ask Mick. The last acoustic of the evening was Tom Reed, whose somewhat dark material covered such subjects as Ukrainians, bars and suicide with some effect. He did a duet with a young lady also, and gave us a lively ending with a cover of “Who Do You Love”, which reminds most people of Bo Diddley. Those of us that have lived in Toronto tend to think of Ronnie Hawkins, but there you go. If in doubt, watch “The Last Waltz”.
The opening act of the band session of the proceedings can only be described as awesome, a word she used many times (she comes from across the Atlantic!). This lady moved between funky and soulful for a set that had the audience totally in the palm of her hand. Her three piece backing band was as tight as Gordon Brown’s budget and her voice knows no bounds. How come I’ve never seen her before. Craig Johnstone hails from Scotland and, in the beginning, reminded me of James Taylor when he had hair and I had a hangover. The set rapidly developed to show how versatile he is and the quality of his backing band, The cello player/backing singer excelled on every number and the last number “Wherever I Go” was a gem. Except, it wasn’t the last number; but the encore, “Beauty”, was pretty damned good too. The last band, The October Game, are a highly professional and technically brilliant band that I originally though were a little too clever for their own good. With each number, however, it became more and more apparent that this band is one to watch. With good songs, well sung accompanied by fine musicians and meticulous use of backing tracks, this band grows on you. Watch this space, or rather theirs.
Well Zaid, you pulled it off again. By 12:30 I was way too tired to stay on for the last two acoustic acts, having gigged myself silly all week; so I hit the road very satisfied with my night. Before I go though, I must mention Charley Lancaster, the resident pianist on these nights who plays between the acts. Jumping between his own songs and classics like “Mean Woman Blues”, “It Hurts Me Too” and “High School Confidential” the evening would not be the same without him. Check him out at Zaid’s other outlets. Have a good Easter Holiday and keep going to those gigs.
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