We have a date 21st June for normality we hope and the end of socially distancing at a gig. I have my first gig pencilled in for 7th June a seated affair at the Jazz Café to hopefully set up the rest of the year. I have still have about half a dozen gigs that will either be cancelled or postponed some for the third time. So cautious optimism is the watch word here. Given that the summer months are usually a little quieter the autumn could be crazy for gigs if things get back to normal. So with everything crossed let’s hope there is real light at the end of this horribly long tunnel.
When I first started this little exercise we were a month into lockdown on the 24th April. Like most of you I expected this to last a month or two. The reality now is clear and sadly it will be a full twelve months and probably a lot more between my last gig and the next one. We go again and hopefully this brings back memories for my gig going chums who have joined me on this great musical journey down the years.
A handful of shows today for my look back down memory lane.
2019, Chris Shiflett, Omeara, London
This was simply a great rock and roll show. Reviewed in more detail here at the time but if you are just looking for a superb night out with some guitar led music don’t look any further than a Chris Shiflett gig.
2006, Corinne Bailey Rae, Concorde 2, Brighton
This might have been CBR’s first headline tour in support of her excellent debut album. We make the short trip down the A23 to Brighton for a spring show full of sunny acoustic folky pop. Quite simply a delightful evening.
Not sure why her career hasn’t pushed on really since then as she’s an obvious talent.
2003, Steve Earle, Jeff Finlin, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
I have seen Steve Earle countless times and all reviewed here over the past year. He is generally consistently good and those early shows with the Dukes are some of the finest I have ever seen. This would have been the ‘Jerusalem’ tour which probably wouldn’t feature in a Steve Earle top ten album poll. Of course it has its moments but naturally the older numbers are still killer on the night.
Nothing stands out from this gig but that double header of ‘Copperhead Road’ and ‘Guitar Town’ stand out to remind us of those early year highs.
Shout out to Jeff Finlin who was excellent and if you don’t have it check out his album ‘Somewhere South of Wonder’ from 2002.
That’s it for today so don’t forget, support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.