January to June 2007
The Undertones
24th June 2007
‘Buskfest’, Banbridge, Northern Ireland
View: Centre back (thankfully under mixing desk canopy!)
Heavy rains and fans soaked to the skin was not the preserve of only Glastonbury revellers this weekend, as this series of free ‘buskers’ concerts in Northern Ireland proved. A few hundred hardy fans turned up to see Derry’s finest play a classic set, interspersed with good tracks from their forthcoming album (Dig Yourself Deep). New song So Close, sat comfortably alongside other recent tracks like Thrill Me. Unsurprisingly it was songs from the first four albums that really got this audience out from underneath their umbrellas!
Jimmy Jimmy remains an excellent opener – whilst the local crowd seemed more inclined towards the classic My Perfect Cousin than the two performances of Teenage Kicks (including one for encore). Whilst the tracks selection of old (Here Comes The Summer) and New (Here Comes The Rain) only seemed to ignite the spectators resilient spirit and the bands ability to have fun on stage (without slipping over!)
The crowd may have been small – and the rain heavy - but this certainly was all round Family Entertainment and a marked success despite everything!
© James Masterson
1) Jimmy Jimmy
2) Jump Boys
3) Girls That Don’t Talk
4) So Close (NEW)
5) Dig Yourself Deep (NEW)
6) Here comes the Summer
7) Gotta Getta
8) When Saturday Comes
9) You've Got My Number (Why Don't You Use It?)
10) Norman
11) Family Entertainment
12) Him Not Me (NEW)
13) Teenage Kicks
14) Runaround
15) Girls Don’t Like it
16) Thrill ME
17) Tearproof
18) Here Comes The Rain (New)
19) My Perfect Cousin
20) I Know A Girl
21) Get Over You
Encore
22) Male Model
23) True Confessions
24) Teenage Kicks
Riders On The Storm
Tripod, Dublin
21June 2007
View: Centre, middle.
Having recently parted company with the charismatic Ian Astbury – Riders On The Storm failed to sell out a relatively small venue – in direct contrast to last year’s tour. After a faltering, perhaps even inauspicious, start with Love Me 2 Times, Brett Scallions settled into the thankless role of not quite Jim Morrison tribute whilst trying to recapture the sexual allure & iconic status of the Doors frontman. Admirably by the second track (the well chosen Break On Through) he has won over large parts of the crowd.
There is though no getting away from the fact that this tour is a solid greatest hits set, with no surprises. We skirt from Moonlight Drive to LA Woman with expected highlights in between. At points the spotlight was given over to the two original members of the Doors (Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger). Manzarek seems to genuinely enjoy the show – giving credence to the probability that this is for fun and not a shameless cash in! In Five To One Ray sings backing on ‘Gonna make it baby in our prime’ without a hint of irony. Whilst Robby was able to prove he still had the agility on Spanish guitar before ploughing into a good rendition of Spanish Caravan.
Those present enjoyed a great evening with the obligatory nods to Jim Morrison but his place is not going to be usurped at any point soon.
© James Masterson
1) Love Me 2 Times
2) Break on thru
3) ?
4) ?
5) Strange Days
6) Love Her Madly
7) When The Music’s Over
8) Moonlight Drive
9) Spanish Caravan
10) Alabama Song
11) Backdoor man
12) ?
13) Five To One
14) Touch Me
15) LA Woman
Encore
16) People Are Strange
17) Light My Fire
Jason Donovan
30/05/2007
Dublin, Vicar Street
View: Balcony, Centre
An over-excited, oestrogen fuelled audience demanded a fun filled night with lots of tacky eighties references and that’s mainly what was delivered by Jason Donavon. With a strong backing band and a slide show that displayed the mulletted highs and the tabloid fodder lows of an interesting and varied life, JD was philosophical. It was not surprising that the big hits such as Nothing will Divide Us and Especially for You went down a storm. Whilst brand new tracks of a slightly more mature nature (Share My World & Talking To Myself) were listened to respectfully. However it was a bit disappointing that despite these, Donavon was unable to deliver the concert he planned: His musings about a life lived in the public eye were constantly interrupted my screaming females who were simply not interested in talk. All they wanted was more eighties tack and JD delivered with a half remembered snippet of One and Only and When Will I be Famous. He came on for the encore in the full Joseph coat, to the delight of the audience who sang along to every word of Any Dream Will Do. The night was finished off with Too Many Broken Hearts, while the determined audience were having none of his heart to hearts.
© James Masterson
1) RSVP
2) Nothing Can Divide us
3) You can depend on me
4) G’Day (new song)
5) Talking To Myself (new)
6) Hang onto Love When You Find it
7) I Can’t Take Another Night
8) ?
9) Sealed With A Kiss (Acoustic)
10) I can’t love nobody but you for all my life
11) When You come back to me (?)
12) Share My World
13) One And Only
14) Everyday I Love You More
15) Especially For You
16) Desire (interlude!)
17) Any Dream Will Do (attired in technicolour coat)
18) Too Many Broken Hearts
John Martyn
Dublin, Vicar Street
14/5/07
View: Balcony Centre
John Martyn may have to be wheeled on stage since the removal of the lower part of his leg, however in many ways he remains as animated as he ever was and clearly enjoys the adrenaline of live performing: His fat fingers are still incredibly deft over the strings of his guitar. For the first half of tonight’s show we were treated to modern electric blues with tracks like Cool Tide and Glorious Fool. Nothing exceptional, but solid; akin to much of his back catalogue! The second half of the show (even promoted as Solid Air 2007) is almost exclusively from his 1973 album. Good performances of The Man In The Station and Go Down Easy reiterate how well he knows and loves these tunes. However it was his still stunning vocals and agile guitar work on exceptional tracks like Don’t Want To Know and the title track that show how skilful John Martyn truly is.
The crowd clearly enjoyed the entire set, but held their ebullience for the second half of the 2 hours show.
© James Masterson
1) Cool Tide
2) Glorious Fool
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
6) The man In the Station electric
7) Don’t Want To Know acoustic
8) May You Never
9) Clutches (Jelly Roll)
10) Go Down Easy
11) Solid Air
12) The River Ballad
13) ?
Patti Smith
Dublin, Vicar Street 13/5/07
View: Balcony, Centre
Attired in her obligatory tie and jacket and armed with an oboe, which she wields like a marching baton, Patti Smith and her band are on electric form tonight. Promoting her current album of covers (which has raised a few eyebrows) she is justifiably unapologetic, as she has been selecting other people’s tracks to interpret live for her entire career. Her version of Hendrix’s Are You Experienced? replaced the iconic guitar solo with an equally stunning oboe slot. Consistently a powerful and intense musician, her excitement in performing great music (be it her own or someone else’s) is palpable and contagious. Tonight included an absorbing tribute to George Harrison (Within You, Without You) in celebration of the fact that this album approaches its 40’s anniversary. From Pissing In The River to the anthemic Because The Night her own intelligent music stands the test of time as much as her peers. Her more abstract statements about Blake, alongside local favourites Beckett and Joyce, lead logically to My Blakean Year, whilst surreal announcements (or ramblings?) about last nights dreamscape lead, perhaps a little predictably, to a version of White Rabbit. Her conclusion to this evenings show culminates in Smells Like Teen Spirit: Tori Amos may have reinterpreted it first, but Patti Smith managed to retain more of the energy and venom of the original. Before tearing through the powerful rock bastions of Gimmie Shelter, and the still riveting, Rock N Roll Nigger. No Horses surprisingly, but plenty of animal magnetism and charisma from the first lady of punk, making tonight (according to Smith herself) her best Mother’s Day ever!
© James Masterson
1) Gloria
2) Redondo beach
3) Are You Experienced ?
4) Within You Without You
5) Beneath the southern Cross
6) Prelim Dublin centric Beckett, Joyce, Wilde – led to
7) My Blakean Year
8) Free money
9) Feed Your Head
10) Helpless (Neil Young)
11) Soul Kitchen
12) Because The Night
13) Pissing in a river
14) ? Little Boy ?
15) Smell Like Teen Spirit
Encore
16) Gimmie Shelter
17) Rock N Roll Nigger
Cat Power
Dublin, The Tripod, 10/5/07
View: Front, Right. Below the Keyboard player and heart of the Dirty Delta Blues Band.
Chen Marshall AKA Cat Power has had a very public struggle with her own insecurities and addictions resulting in inconsistent and in some cases diabolical performances. From desperate attempts for attention to moody departures from the stage – her unpredictability has, in the past, made her a liability. Judging from tonight’s set (and indeed from other reports on this tour) her demons might well be behind her. She gave us a blistering, intimate, but sensual demonstration of how sexy Soul can be. Her albums really do not do her justice. Even this evening’s selection of cover versions are an anomaly: A set list that includes New York, New York and Tracks of My Tears implies a dull evening of unimaginative imitations. Nothing could be further from the truth as Ms Power gave the standards a thorough reworking and stamped her own inimitable mark on the many tracks she interpreted. Both Sinatra’s and Smokey’s were almost unrecognisable, and took on a life of their own. Similarly the mashed version of Patsy Cline Meets Gnarls Barkley – (Crazy (Does That Make Me?)) was a melee of both played at 33 in a different key! She found time to play tracks from The Greatest including an exciting version of Living Proof and the title track; both excellent and performed with relish. Her four piece band, The Dirty Delta Blues Band, seem to enjoy themselves and perhaps the new found solidity. This was an exciting evening of Alt. country meets the sultry rasping vocals of Bonnie Tyler, and it worked.
© James Masterson
1?
2?
(3) Silver Stallions
(4) New York New York ! Amazing version – doesn’t really do cover version but abstract interpretations
(5) The Greatest
(6) Woman Like Me
(7) Living Proof
(8) Song to Bobby
(9) I’ve been loving you too long to stop now
(10) Tracks of My Tears
(11) Satisfaction
(12) Dark End Of The Street
(13)
(14) Crazy Medley ?
Liam Clancy
Dublin, National Concert Hall
12/4/07
View: Balcony, Centre middle
Part way through tonight’s set Liam Clancy tells us that he has for the first time ever had to cancel 2 concerts in a row due to bronchitis. Perhaps he should have cancelled 3. Tonight was mediocre affair at best, but the line up of performers who accompanied him certainly helped to cover his shortcomings. From Donovan’s still vibrant performance of Catch the wind to the amazing vocal strength and array of Karen Casey’s evocative version of Strange Fruit - guests helped carry tonight’s show. But they could do nothing to save Liam Clancy’s poor voice and overall bad performance on Those Were The Days – a song he still clearly loves, but appeared not to have rehearsed with the band for tonight. What appeared to be a genuine experiment with many undeniably excellent musicians, a vocal group and instrumental band was a failure and left the stage feeling too crowded. Liam Clancy himself only really looked in his element, and showed moments of the genius he unquestionably possess, when performing with just his 2 guitarists on tracks like And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda & Wild Colonial Boy.
Overall it did not feel well rehearsed and was if anything a bit subdued. I personally came away feeling that if it had been a school report it would have said ‘Could Do Better’.
© James Masterson
A legend in his own lifetime!
1) Old Rasen Ne Bow ?
2) Ballad of St Annes Reel (David Mallet)
3) In Aghadoe
4) Peter Pan And Me
5) Cruel Mother (Frank Harte) Childs Nursery rhyme
6) Cruel Mother – Ballad
7) Danu song
8) Warp 4 song
9) Warp 4 Song ( John Knacker Knack ?)
10) Hanging Johnny
11) The Painter (Mallet) Spoken word
12) Ay, I may as well try and catch the wind
INTERVAL
3 piece – stripped bare.
13) And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
14) The Dutchman
15) Wild Colonial Boy
16) Scottish Folk song – North country – Brom brown etc
17) Shannonnog
18) Go Down your Blood Red roses
19) Leave her Johnny Leave Her
20) Strange Fruit (Karen Casey)
21) Irish Rover
22) Those Were The Days (w/Donovan)
23) Go Lassie Go
24) The Parting Glass
Barenaked Ladies
Dublin, Olympia.
10/4/2007
Confidently striding onto the Olympia’s grand stage with their biggest hit to date (One Week) Barenaked Ladies make clear their intention to drown the albatross early on - perhaps highlighting what makes them a popular underground group: Largely derivative in their music, it is their humour (and the live ad libbing) that raise them above the average student circuit band. From tirades against the low fare airlines (especially Ryan Air) to geeky computer game observations (via Helen Hunt) they somehow work in a cleverly ad libbed 4 minute rap medley about Twisters! At the same time they manage to stick to a clear set list of crowd pleasers from The King Of Bedside Manner (from Gordon) to Angry People (From Barenaked Ladies Are Me). Despite trying to defy convention by playing their big single early, the climax of the show, which includes 2 encores, still offers firm fan favourites such as If I Had A Million Dollars, Brian Wilson plus It’s All Been Done Before. Finally concluding with the subtly titled ‘Go Home’ which the crowd dutifully did – albeit still hoping for more!
© James Masterson
1) One Week
2) Old Apartment
3) Ad Lib – Bangers & Mash
4) Sound Of Your Voice
5) Some Fantastic
6) Maybe You’re right
7) Too little too late
8) Ad Lib – Ryan Air
9) Falling For The First Time
10) Have You Seen My Love
11) ?
12) The King Of Bedside manner
13) Wind It Up
14) Angry People
15) Pinch Me
16) Talk – About Computer Games
17) Ad Lib Twister
18) ?
19) It’s All Been Done Before
20) Brian Wilson
Encore 1
21) Easy
22) If I had A million Dollars
23) Memories (Midnight)
Encore 2
24) Go Home
Gary Moore
Dublin, Vicar Street
3/4/07
View: Balcony, Off Centre
“Going through the motions!” was the accusation thrown at Gary Moore part way through tonight’s set, by a member of the audience clearly at a different gig! The man himself justifiably took issue with this, but it did seem to spur him on. He had already given us an exciting selection of old (Oh Pretty Woman) and new (Trouble At Home). Even the hardliners, desperate for some kind of Thin Lizzy tribute night, nearly got their way with his very intense version of ‘Don’t Believe A Word’. He realised his zenith on the second encore with the intricacy and beauty of his exceptional guitar work, truly leaving the best (Parisienne Walkways) to last.
Throughout the show Moore is the consummate musician and complete Perfectionist. All night he was not happy with the sound and made sure the roadies knew about it, whilst they ran around trying to fix a slight buzzing connection between one of the guitars and an amp! Overall few surprises – but a great selection of tracks – why make any changes - going through the motions he most certainly cannot be accused of.
© James Masterson
(Otis Taylor support – 12 bar blues standard, pretty flashy)
1) Oh Pretty Woman
2) Since I met You Baby
3) all your love (I miss loving)
4) Trouble at Home (new)
5) Hard Times (new)
6) Midnight Blues
7) ?
8) 30 days?
9) Don’t Believe a Word (Lizzy)
10) I’m Tired?
11) Solo ?
12) Still Got the Blues
13) The Blues is Alright ?
For second encore there followed a Superb guitar track or possibly intro to:
14) Parissienne Walkways
Joan Armatrading
Vicar St
27/3/07
View: Balcony Centre front. Spotlight view.
Seeing Joan Armatrading in concert you realise just how much attention she lavishes on her guitar during the show: Perhaps a manifestation of the nerves this obviously shy person feels on stage.
However her unpretentious skill and ability coupled with the overall quality of her solos, which are never ostentatious, rival any guitarist in their beauty.
This evening’s gig was in part to showcase the new album (Into The Blues) and judging from tonight a powerhouse of driving blues will be on this LP with songs such as Woman in Love and Something's Gotta Blow. However despite the quality of the new tracks an obvious apex for this devoted crowd culminated in Love & Affection & All The Way From America, yet all tunes old and new were greeted with rapturous delight. The Staples of her live show (Willow & Drop The Pilot) were well received as old friends rather than dull routine, however it was (I Love It When You) Call Me Names that was the true highlight of the set – exciting and electric, it seemed to invigorate the crowd into action, standing and screaming for more. Such is the devotion she inspires in her crowd (and gives in return) the only disappointment for this partisan crowd was the lack of second encore!
© James Masterson
1) Heaven
2) ?
3) New Track (Woman in Love)
4) Show some emotion – great
5) Something;s gotta blow (power blues)
6) When you sing the blues you take all my clothes off
7) My baby does nothing but the blues
8) ?
9) Love & Affection
10) All the way from America
11) My Baby’s gone / come back baby
12) ?
13) Steal My Heart
14) ?
15) I love it when you call me names
16) Me, Myself & I
Encore
17) Willow
18) Drop The Pilot
Michael Bolton
Vicar Street, Dublin
14/03/07
View: Balcony, back centre standing.
Back in the late 80’s he was hailed as the New Soul Sensation - but it soon became clear this was not the case. However 60 million albums later and having written with or for the likes of Kiss to Bob Dylan one must ‘think twice’ before sniggering. Still touting his wares on the tour circuit - he himself concedes that the only thing that has changed since he was in Dublin last is the size of the venue -having filled the far larger Point on previous occasions! Classic Pop was the main theme of the evening - from Love Is A Wonderful Thing to Steel Walls his rock influences could been seen like chinks of light through the show. Severely lacking was any panache - replaced by a tackiness. His version of Summertime, which he claims to have been playing on stage since he was 14 has either become stale or highlights just how one dimensional Bolton’s performance is. This is true especially when he breaks into a 5 track Sinatra interlude to promote his current album. Succeeding only in highlighting how good Sinatra’s versions are. That said - the show did come into it’s own when Michael Bolton picked up a guitar and ripped into the Blues (Rock Me Baby). For this track his voice, and the entire performance from the 11 piece band, boarded on the electric. Perhaps a hark back to his heavy rock days! That said the crowd knew what to expect and enjoyed the show - only really regretting that they were never treated to ‘How Am I supposed to Live Without You.
© James Masterson
1) Love is a wonderful thing
2) Said I loved you but I lied
3) To love somebody
4) (Sitting on the ) Dock of the bay
5) Just a friend / you don’t know me
6) Summertime 7
7) For once in my life (Sinatra)
8) Night and Day (Sinatra)
9) ?Random Proposal on stage
10) That’s life (Sinatra)
11) New York, New York (Sinatra)
12) Georgia on my mind
13) Instrumental solos
14) When a man loves a woman
15) Steel walls
16) Time love & tenderness
17) Encore: Rock ME Baby (Blues) guitar – top song
U-Roy Junior Murvin Tripod, Dublin
7/03/07
View: Balcony, centre front.
“I was Appointed” hails Junior Murvin to introduce his opening track, before grooving through a classic reggae collection almost exclusively from his 1977 Debut ‘Police & Thieves’, much of it still as fresh as when it was originally released.
The majority of this devoted crowd know and enjoy it all - but perhaps not surprisingly the warmest cheer was reserved for his final track, and his biggest hit - Police & Thieves. Despite 30 years in the business Junior’s stage presence is not one of confidence, but he oozes happiness and obviously has fun, which is contagious!
One legend is quickly followed by another. U-Roy’s stronger vocal and more concrete stage presence underlie his talent and experience. U-Roy did not disappoint and continued the retrospective slant of the evening from his superb Wake the Town to the humorous Chalice in the Palace. Laid back, but tight with the band throughout; this set did include a surprise version of I Shall Be Released but unfortunately no sign of Mr.Branson Ran Away With The Ransom! Overall this evenings show had a cool vibe and the jamming crowd left happy.
© James Masterson
Good time reggae - legends on stage - performing for an eager devoted Dublin crowd.
Both track lists were heavy on the retro - but no-one minded that!
Junior Mervin
1) I was appointed
2) Loose train (?) From Police & Thieves
3) Babylon in the why / way ?
4) Solomon
5) Bad Man Passe ? Passing ?
6) Bounce Back
7) ? Cooler song ?
8) Police & Thieves
Encore 9) ?
U-Roy
1) Burnin’ ?
2) Tell the people ?
3) English Man
4) You’re gonna Be Sorry ?
5) ?
6) I shall be released (Dylan)
7) ?
8) ? True Love ?
9) I’m a rebel / Soul rebel must be blue ?
10) Freedom blues ?
11) Society, your majesty ?
12) Natty Dread
Lloyd Cole
28th Jan 2007
Whelans
View: Side view, but at the intimate venue Whelan’s that’s up close and personal.
No longer attracting the crowds that Commotions managed, we are treated to an initimate evening of well selected tracks new and old. No longer attracting the same interest as he did with the Commotions, Lloyd Cole can still boast a healthy and loyal following. The track selection for tonight was intelligent with a healthy mix of commotions tracks (Cut Me Down & Rattlesnakes) alongside his own stronger songs (Music in a foreign language & No Blue Skies). Cole no longer views himself as a pop singer, instead preferring to be recognised as a folk singer. To this end his anecdotes and stories between tracks are sometimes interesting and humourous. However Lloyd Cole’s self-deprecating obsession with his own morbidity can wear a bit thin. His lyrics, fortunately, speak for themselves - he is often overlooked for his intricate and intelligent song lyrics.
He has matured from Pop anti-hero to lothario chin stroking Acoustic Folk singer songwriter gracefully. Also unafraid to play requests off the cuff (2CV), he entertained this loyal audience in the first of 3 sell out nights! Finely balanced between beautiful and haunting without falling down on the side of twee Cole’s New York City Sunshine The biggest cheer of the evening however was for encore. Which was led by Cole’s own My Bag – given what he describes as a Johnny Cash slant (boom-chicka-boom) and the intelligent Young Ideallists – however his final encore track was popular with everyone – Jennifer she said left the crowd happy.
© James Masterson
1) My Alibi (?)
2) Don’t Look Back
3) Woman in a Window (?)
4) Cut Me Down (Commotions track)
5) Pay For It
6) Like Lovers Do
7) Are You Ready To be Heartbroken
8) Unhappy Song
9) Music In a Foreign Languague
10) Rattlesnakes
11) Late Night Early Town
12) Butterfly
13) New York City Sunshine
14) No More Love Songs
15) (poss. ‘I didn’t see it coming’ or Sweetness )
16) Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends (Kris Kristofferson)
17) Why I love Country Music
18) How wrong can you be
19) No Blue Skies
20) 2CV
21) My Bag (Johnny Cash reading of )
22) Young Idealists
23) Jennifer She Said
Ben Folds
Dublin, Vicar Street
21st Jan 2007
View: Centre Balcony.
Making his entrance to a full rendition of The Final Countdown, Ben Folds set the tone for this ironic, fun and greatly entertaining evening. His humour and boundless, affable energy appeals to the discerning listener of either gender in equal measure. Folds consistently performs to sold out gigs around the world – an apt statement on this entertaining, affable and thought-provoking singer-songwriter. Through a now standard set, Folds interspersed surprise impromptu tit-bits, with a piano based rendition of Purple Haze thrown into his mix of tunes. In his popular live cover of ‘Bitches Aint Shit’ Folds was joined onstage to rapturous applause by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, whose dry humour and powerful voice complemented and enhanced this melodic gem. Making concessions for the mainly standing crowd, Folds, Smith (on drums) and ?? (on bass) did not play any of the slower songs, which was a shame. Whilst Brick may have dropped of the repertoire of late it is great to see a song he claims not to have played for 7 years (Underground) reappear –as good as ever.
© James Masterson
1) Medley
2) Trusted
3) Medley
4) There's Always Someone Cooler Than You (BF5)
5) Gone (BF5)
6) All you can eat
7) ) Learn To Live With What You Are (BF5 track)
8) Jesusland
9) Still Fighting it
10) Landed
11) Bitches Ain’t Shit
12)
13) (Everybody looks perfect from far away)
14) Rockin’ The Suburbs
15) Not the same
Encore
16) Army
17) Underground
