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.
Four on the floor of shows today for my look back down memory lane.
2017, James McMurtry, the Garage, London
Always a must see for his all too rare visits to the UK. Upgraded from the Lexington and reviewed here at the time.
2016, Blitzen Trapper, the Lexington, London
Every BT show I have seen has been brilliant and this one is no exception especially in my favourite small venue in London. They have all been different and this one was reviewed here at the time.
2011, Lauren Pritchard, the Borderline, London
Having my finger on the pulse and being down with the kids I was ahead of the game with this one with Lauren Pritchard being one of the BBC ones to watch for 2011. She released her debut album ‘Wasted in Jackson’ a few months previous and it was a lovely soulful slice of countryish pop.
She has a sweet sultry soul voice and runs through that debut album with some class. That my friends, though looks like where the story ends. I can’t find any other album released by her in the proceeding ten years which is a shame and I assume she has been eaten up by the music machine who have moved on to the next big thing.
2005, KT Tunstall, Komedia, Brighton
Another emerging star who hasn’t really got any bigger after her excellent debut album which she is touring this time around. Down in deepest Brighton at the excellent Komedia venue we are up close and personal and this was my first experience of the use of the loop back pedal which has more latterly been exploited by a certain Mr Sheeran.
The gradual build on ‘Black Horse and Cheery tree’ is quite incredible to see live. It all looks so simple as she overlays each component of the track individually to produce this stunning complete track in front of your eyes.
A great night for me and the missus.
Don’t forget, support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.