China Crisis

The Globe – 19/10/2018

There's been a resurgence of late for eighties nostalgia and bands have been quick to give the public what it wants. What with reruns of Top Of The Pops and radio shows dedicated to the era, for many fans its a second chance to see the bands of their youth.

But few bands come with the pedigree and back catalogue that this Kirby duo have produced since they burst on the scene back in the early eighties and it was a sell out crowd that welcomed the band like they were a reformed One Direction, howling like teenagers as the band came out to play.

Having seen the band a number of times in the last few years they never disappoint whether as a duo, trio, or like this evening, a full live band, their melodic brand of pop/rock filled with hooks that instantly grab you is a joy to behold.

The concert, split in two, featured in the first half their hit album Flaunt The Imperfection, produced by Walter Becker of Steely Dan fame, and featuring on bass former member Gary “Gazza” Johnson, joining band stalwarts Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon for a unique performance of a quality recording

With each song, singer Gary Daly delighted with gems of information regarding the album's creation, always joking, his personality dominated the evening with good-natured banter and funny put-downs, but quick to acclaim what a massive influence Becker was on their much-loved recording especially two of the evening's stand out tracks "You Did Cut Me" and "King in a Catholic Style”.

After a short pause, they returned with a second half that comprised mainly of their greatest hits which featured stunning versions of "African and White" and "Christian" plus a track from their most recent release, the impressive Autumn in the Neighbourhood with guitarist Eddie taking lead vocals on “Fool”

What really impressed on a scintillating evening was how well the songs sounded despite being created in the eighties they were as fresh as the day they were recorded which is a testament to their creativity and the support of their excellent band mates.

No doubt they will be back and certainly another evening not to be missed.

Five Stars

China Crisis

Joan Armatrading

St David's Hall - 17/10/2018

It's been 46 years since the first appearance of the talent that is Joan Armatrading. And for 46 years her body of work increases with a quality that is few and far between in an industry lacking in such inspirational and inspiring artistes.

With her unique and easily identifiable vocal style, Armatrading was quite ground-breaking with British female singer/songwriters a rarity back in the Seventies, so the younger Armatrading laid a path for many to follow.

Opening the show with her latest album Not Too Far A Way in its entirety, it may seem a brave move yet with no support for the evening, it did make sense as we very rarely know anything by the support act and despite not knowing much of the new material, it worked wonderfully with Joan, her guitars plus an array of pedal effects that gave the songs an energy and a musical boost.

Dressed all in black with a times just her keyboards for accompaniment and no backing band it wasn't without its problems as a few guitar and tech issues allowed Armatrading to converse more freely with crowd with a few quips and self-effacing put downs.

Highlights from the first half were the albums title track plus the interestingly quirky Invisible(Blue Light) and the lovely Not Too Far Away.

Set two was a more retrospective one playing older songs which included of course hits such as All The Way From America, Rosie and and the punchy Drop The Pilot and delighting the audience with a encore comprising of the beautiful Weakness In Me, on piano and the song that really brought her to prominence, the ageless Love And Affection.

A quality evening from a quality performer who never fails to deliver

Joan Armatrading

Blair Dunlop

Acapela Studio - 07/10/2018

Occasionally, as if by fate, you get to see someone new who you would never had seen but for a random email or name drop from a friend that tempts you out.

Thankfully on a chilled Sunday evening I headed out to the splendid Acapela Studio in Pentyrch to witness a quite enjoyable evening in the presence of Blair Dunlop and his able support for the tour, Jack Carty.

Aussie Jack Carty opened proceedings with a shortish set that featured bitter-sweet tunes of travel and the longing for home and missed friends and family, which certainly whetted the appetite for more from the friendly New South Walian.

Promoting his new album Notes From An Island, the highly acclaimed Dunlop as been busy gaining plaudits since his debut Bags Outside The Door EP in 2011.

Interestingly, Dunlop is no stranger to Cardiff spending much of his time in the Roath area of the city and experiencing the delights of student night at a certain nightclub in the city that he's quite scathing about in one of the evenings stand out tunes 45s from his House of Jacks album.

With support from the previously mentioned Carty on bass and Fred Claridge on drums, both also supplying backing vocals to assist a 'croaky' Dunlop, who, even though with in his words “a shot voice” his delivery at times was quite sublime in a set perfectly paced.

Left alone to perform a couple of numbers acoustically, Dunlop's refreshing take on Springsteen's standard “Dancing In The Dark” plus “Green Liquor”, a song about the housing crisis in London, the liquor being the sauce accompanying the pie, mash and jellied eels of the town's East End were soulful and thought-provoking as was “Spices From The East” which hits on Britain's dark colonial past.

With the band on stage “Sweet On You” with its Beatle-like intro and lyrically superb, bounced along at a rate whilst the band-version of “Nothing Good” proved how good and adaptable Dunlop's songs can be either acoustically or rockin' with the band.

In parting Dunlop proclaimed he'd be back even if just for the venue's prized pizza, though I suspect a song or several would be required for payment. A brilliant evening from a brilliant talent. 

Blair Dunlop