Of course back in King Cross for the umpteenth time in two weeks. Tonight though it’s the atmospheric St Pancras Old Church with its high gothic ceilings and it’s usually inappropriately timed chimes.
I have been a long-time fan of Steve Gunn but for some inexplicable reason this is the first time I have got to see him live in the flesh. After seeing this show that’s a lot of time I have wasted.
In keeping with the sparse setting Steve wanders in stage with little fanfare and is straight into an eighty minute master class in virtuoso guitar picking. His left hand is like a five legged spider contorting itself into weird and wonderful postions to create I am sure notes and chords that haven’t been invented yet. Coupled with innovative use of his effects pedal to create soundscapes and sounds from a solo acoustic guitar that has touches of orchestration, bass, sitar and full electric to name a few.
There’s not a sound from the audience, apart from the occasional can of beer opening, as we are left rapt in this mesmerizing display. The beauty of just man an guitar are in evidence tonight and of course it’s not the most rock n roll show I will see this year but it’s as equally enjoyable as four guys on guitar, bass and drums.
A superb night watching an artist at the top of their game.
Keep on finger picking acoustic rockin’ y’all