GIG REVIEW: Last Week in London
- Posted on March 10, 2008 3:10 PM
- 0 comments
More New Faces in Old Familiar Places
by Peter Coulston
Hello and welcome to London’s live music scene on this first week of March. The weather may be cold but the music is hot and in abundant supply. On Tuesday, I fancied a bit of blues, as you do, so I headed to the frozen north which is the Adelaide pub on Adelaide Road. Situated between Chalk Farm and Swiss Cottage tubes, and a good walk from both, this is an oasis in the centre of endless tower blocks. It offers a good selection of beers, wines and shots, regular pub grub and, on Wednesday, a blues night hosted by Niall Kelly. I saw Niall at the 12 Bar last week so I thought I would check this out as I am fond of good blues. The Gumtree advertisement for this gig boasted a one hundred year old piano as one of the attractions, and it was, in fact, there in all it’s historic glory. Unfortunately, there was nobody there who knew how to play it. Mind you, the ad. did only promise the piano. Notwithstanding, Niall opened with some old favourites like Neil Young’s “Vampire Blues” before passing the mike to whoever would take it. There were plenty of good harp and fender players but the vocal talents were a little thin on the ground until Niall retook the stage. This is a good night if you are really into your blues, but not up to the standard of the Wednesday night blues jam at the Green Room.
On Wednesday I was due to cover an art rock band from LA but the Post Office had other ideas and still have the tickets. Left gigless, as apposed to legless, I resorted to Plan B, and didn’t I do well. Despite Shepherds Bush Central Line tube station being closed for renovations until October, Ginglik on Shepherds Bush Green is still pretty easy to get to on numerous buses including the rail replacement service from White City tube station. After invoicing Transport For London for the free publicity, I shall continue with this review. The Big Secret is always a good gig on a Wednesday and Amity, the organiser and host, had a great line up again. Karim Fanous opened with a solo set that included some good folky ballads and the excellent “Perfume”. I shall be reviewing his album simultaneously so read that as well. He finished with a new and very catchy, commercial song, “Lonely Days”, and set the high standard for the evening. I have seen Karim many times and recommend his live performances with or without his band. Betty Skeles did some nice songs next with guitar, which suited her earthy urban voice. Her use of multi tracking needs some work but a fine set all the same. I am a great fan of rocky country ballads and Emily Baker sure knows how to deliver them. With her guitar, and Dorry Jackson on harmony vocals, I just loved “Overcoat”, Hit and Run” and “Wild Horses”, each of which had terrific lyrics and great hooks and melodies. Catch you again, Emily. Lindsay Cleary is another talented girl with a country sound to her songs, but more in the power ballad style. This girl looks and sounds great, and songs like “Fall For Me” and “It’s All Right” were perfect for displaying her vocal range as well as being well constructed. Watch out for her. Shields are a three piece from Scotland fronted by Robert Shields on keyboards, awesome vocals and perfectly constructed songs. “White Lightning” and “Quiet Man” rock along beautifully while the ballad, “In Colour” did what it was meant to. A superb set from a band that are destined for great things.
As I said, it’s the first week in March, which can only mean Zarathustra at the 12 Bar on Thursday night. Once again, Zaid Joseph put together a brilliant show that unfortunately overran, meaning that I missed the last act. However, those that went before were more than enough to be going on with. Charlie Lancaster was his usual brilliant self, singing and playing piano between acts and filling in as compere when needed (Zaid was at the bar). Lots of good blues, old rockers and his own songs laced with some very classy jazz. It would not be the same without you, Charlie. The show opened with Higher Love, an alternative/new wave duo consisting of drums/vocals and guitar. Influenced by the likes of Depeche Mode, the songs were pretty good while the tortured vocals were a bit like Kraftwerk on acid. Don’t be put off, they have a good sampler CD on MySpace which is worth a listen. Next up was Laura Dudhee, a singer/keyboard player who did some good versions of covers, including a slow soulful “Valerie”. Mark Ronson take note. Her version of Coldplay’s “Scientist” didn’t quite work but a good set overall with nice guitar help from a friend. She has a great voice and could do well. Jedd Holden hit the spot for me with his superb country rock assisted by his brother, Ant, who picks a very mean guitar. The ballad, “On Your Own” was great and Ant plays a good mandolin also. They closed with “Sweet Figurine” aided by JP from Sanjuro on violin. Excellent stuff, guys. Talking of Sanjuro, what a band they are. With guitar, bass, drums, accordion and violin, they move effortlessly between gypsy, tex-mex, and rock to bring us great songs in English or French. This group of talented musicians really had the audience going and earned the first encore of the night. For me, they were Gogol Bordello, only better. To hear them live, go to the Babalou at Brixton on 27 March and party. Now for something completely different, but equally enjoyable; the 0898’s. This class act do funky ska and soul extremely well and feature a strong female vocalist and solid soloists on guitar and trombone. Their very professional set included a beautiful Billie Holliday cover, a rocky “Samuel L” and the Caribbean influenced “Hot Air, Spare Change”. Check them out on myspace. My evening closed with some very tight Chemical Brothers style drum and bass (and flute) from Toxic Funk Berry, a couple of guys who make good use of their resources and can make people dance. Lots of good stuff here, including a nod to Ferris Bueller on “Voodoo Economics” and beats and effects that demanded and received an encore. These guys know their stuff and you can hear them at The Railway Arms, Tulse Hill on 22 March. Thanks again, Zaid, for a terrific evening of talent waiting to happen. Zaid has many other venues which I will attempt to visit soon; if not, same time next month. Next week I should be enjoying The Black Kids from Florida at ICA and attending Matt Kebbels album launch. You are, as always. Welcome to join me. Stay safe and well and keep gigging.
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