With the country still in the midst of lockdown and no sign of any live music in the foreseeable future if at all this year I thought I would take the opportunity to look back in the archives, sounds posh I know but it’s just an spreadsheet, and revisit gigs I attended on this day down the years. I will keep this going until I can attend my first gig again in person so hopefully this also brings back memories for my gig going chums who have joined me on this great musical journey down the years.
With October traditionally album release time, ha not this year so much, it’s another busy one with four for today’s trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2019, Molly Tuttle, Bush Hall, London
This was a superb show for Andy and me. First and foremost what a picker. Her fingers are just a blur on the fretboard and then add the voice and songs and it was a perfect night reviewed here at the time.
2014, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Brighton Dome, Brighton
A sad memory this for the late Sharon Jones who was diagnosed with cancer the year before. Seemingly over that she suffered a stroke on Trumps election in 2016 and died that year. I thought she was just coming to her creative peak and this was a fabulous show that I reviewed at the time here. A sad loss in that rubbish of years where we also lost Bowie and Prince.
2004, Jesse Sykes, the Borderline, London
Jesse Sykes produced some lovely albums in the early noughties. Sadly, my memory of this show wasn’t as good. I think it was a case of nerves and maybe a cold but something didn’t click on the night which is a shame as I’m a sucker for a hushed fragile vocal that she possesses.
1993, John Hammond, Royal Festival Hall, London
A night of firsts for me. First time seeing John Hammond and first time at the Royal Festival Hall. It’s a big room and quite an odd configuration but you cannot fault the sight lines or the sound. The acoustics are excellent. I have little recollection of the gig itself which is a shame unlike the John Hammond show I reviewed in May at the more intimate Jazz Café. But he's a brilliant guitarist and singer that I cant believe it wasn't anything but very good.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon although I have now had my first gig of 2021 cancelled so that will take it to a full twelve months at least between gigs.
Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.