It’s a Christmas double bill tonight with Peter Bruntnell but first Robert Vincent. I cannot lie I hadn’t heard of him before or listened to any of his music. Well shame on me as he was a revelation. Some great tunes, a voice reminiscent of Danny George Wilson and supported by a superb rhythm section. One of the most enjoyable hour or so of music from a ‘support’ act I have seen in years. I will definitely be checking out more of his stuff going forward.
I have seen Pete in many guises down the years, from solo acoustic, duos with the likes of BJ Cole, 14 cousins and then a few with the enigmatic James Walbourne to name a few. Tonight is no exception with another great band supporting him. This is on top of bumping into him at other gigs around London down the years too.
It’s a good turnout at the Half Moon tonight on a Monday night and it’s the first time I have been back there for five years as it seems to specialise in covers band recently. The show tonight is real greatest hits with tracks performed from across his lengthy and always excellent back catalogue. What struck me most from this show is what a good and underrated guitarist Pete is. Often overshadowed by the lead guitarist he shares the stage with tonight he gets a number of opportunities to shine with a couple of impressive solos.
It’s difficult to pinpoint Pete’s musical style as just tonight it takes in hints of Wilco, Costello, Fanclub but overall it’s just great music. The between song banter is delivered in his usual laconic style but as soon as the guitar pedal is clicked on its all business. It’s all over far too quickly and picking a highlight would be to undermine the consistent quality throughout but it was nice to finish the set with an oldie ‘Here comes the Swells’.
Mark this one down as another quality performance and Pete never fails to deliver.
Keep on rock and rollin y’all