Music to my ears….
Seven songs in and Ian Siegal announces – ‘Oh yeah – it’s a
kind of rule we have – you only take photos during the first three songs – so
I’ve played six or seven – you’ve had your chance – put your phones away and
just enjoy the gig!’
Has he read my last blog! Of course not but there are
musicians out there who get that a concert is an event, to be enjoyed in the
moment not later through photos, so don't spent their time posing instead they spend their time performing!
Its music to my ears – he carries on with the tirade – ‘and if you use a flash – I’ll know you’re not a professional! – So just put it away’
Its music to my ears – he carries on with the tirade – ‘and if you use a flash – I’ll know you’re not a professional! – So just put it away’
Before the chorus of the eighth song Siegal spots an
offender, wanders from his mic to stage left, stops playing, and wags a finger
at the phone pointing at him. Back to the mic and the phone is still raised
Siegal stares straight down the lens as he sings the chorus, there is a flash, without
flinching and still staring down the iPhone he finishes the chorus with the, simple but effective,
’arse’ - the crowd respond with
cheers at least most of this audience get the concept!
Too young to be that
talented…
And why wouldn’t you tonight – this is a master class in
live performance. This is the first time
I’ve seen Ian Siegal with a band – I’ve seen him a couple of times before –
once solo in a tiny venue and once with Jimbo Mathias and both times acoustic.
He is a consummate performer with the ability to communicate with any audience and not just through his music no matter what kind of gig or venue – an ability too many performers ignore.
The communication starts with the sheer depth of passion for the music, his self-taught badass blues guitar and that voice (a voice for which blues was invented) and continues as he effortlessly chats between songs telling stories or berating the audience for talking!
He is a consummate performer with the ability to communicate with any audience and not just through his music no matter what kind of gig or venue – an ability too many performers ignore.
The communication starts with the sheer depth of passion for the music, his self-taught badass blues guitar and that voice (a voice for which blues was invented) and continues as he effortlessly chats between songs telling stories or berating the audience for talking!
Tonight is no different as he and his band blast through the
first three songs you are sucked in and you know you are part of something very
special, the description of which will grace many whiskey-soaked conversations
in years to come.
His new band mates are quite simply too young to be that talented – we are treated to 2 hours of a fabulously tight band and breath-taking guitar playing from Dusty Ciggaar (real name!) – we know we have seen a guitar great and the best blues Europe has to offer.
His new band mates are quite simply too young to be that talented – we are treated to 2 hours of a fabulously tight band and breath-taking guitar playing from Dusty Ciggaar (real name!) – we know we have seen a guitar great and the best blues Europe has to offer.
And I didn’t have to
queue for the loo…
With the mention of Europe I’m briefly taken back to
Shepherds Bush last week – but the performances are chalk and cheese,
conference and premiership, boys and men – to be honest there is no comparison
– tonight was a gig of power, passion, virtuoso performance and delicately
crafted songs, and last week wasn’t.
After the encore and before the trip home time to answer the
call of nature, this week there is no queue, and the urinal utterance is simple
– ‘damn fine gig’ - and we all, while still looking straight ahead, nod in agreement - afterall even a gig this good isn't going to allow for a break in urinal etiquette!!!
(All photos taken during the first three songs - Honest)
Gig: 3 of 50
Date
of Gig: Sat 28th March 2015
Venue
Jazz Cafe Camden
Artists
Niall Kelly
Ian Siegal Band
Running
total of artists seen 6
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