Live in 2019: Jonathan Wilson with support from Zervas & Pepper and Little Red Wednesday 17th July 2019

It was the Upstairs Room in Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff's Music Quarter (Womanby Street) that was the venue for Jonathan Wilson's Cardiff Debut.

Fresh from a stint with Prog Legend Roger Waters' touring band, Jonathan has chosen the Welsh Capital to be part of a small select Summer Solo Tour. 

But first up this evening we had the Cardiff singer, Little Red. Formally known as Ellie Makes Music, (real name Ellie James) Little Red has opted for a fresh approach (and change in name). Tonight she performs her songs with just a guitar in hand.

Diminutive (and flame haired, obviously) she treats the audience with several lovely songs.

Although she is diminutive she has a stage presence which draws your eye and keeps your attention. 

Hell

Little Red plays a set of new songs tonight, which judging by the audience reaction bodes well for the next album. And some of the songs already had a following as I watched audience members sing them back to her'

click for the video of What Love Is

The songs played tonight were

Uncomfortable, Perfect, Beg For Love, How Do I Find You, Walls & A Little Love.

She had a great reaction and I'm sure she is destined for bigger and better things when the new material is released.

What made this gig extra sweet for me was the last minute addition of one of my favourite bands (playing tonight as a duo), Cardiff based Zervas & Pepper. Paul & Kath are now on their fifth album with the recent release of Endless Road Restless Nomad. Tonight was a chance to give some of these new songs a live outing and the duo took the opportunity to shine.

With harmonies to die for, Paul & Kath were the perfect aperitif for the Californian Jonathan as they brought the sunshine of their hook laden melodies to the Ifor tonight.

They played a couple of established favourites with the inclusion of Living In A Small Town and  Mother Earth.

Living In A Small Town

From the new album, we are treated to Sad Pariah (with Paul singing lead) and Cards (with Kath singing lead). I always love to hear Paul and Kath singing as a duo because it's a treat to hear the songs how they must have been written, with just a guitar.

If you ever go to see a Zervas & Pepper show then you're always treated to an interesting cover and tonight they really plucked out a killer with a lovely version of  Neil Young's Through My Sails from his 1975 album Zuma.

To end the set, they played the final song from the new album - There Is Only Love.

A small but perfect performance and an introduction to the new songs live - setting it up nicely for their own tour later in the year.

There Is Only Love

With the crowd nicely warmed up, it was time for Jonathan Wilson to take the stage. He is very much the laid back Californian you hope he would be and he gets a chance to show some of his personality tonight in this more intimate setting. Now on his third album, Jonathan focuses tonight on his latest magnum opus, Rare Birds. He opens the set with Loving You from said album,

Armed with an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, a keyboard and a small drum machine, he moved between the instruments keeping the show interesting and inventive.

Loving You

Known very much as a record producer as well as a recording musician, it was interesting to see how he presented the songs in this acoustic setting. And very different from their album versions. Much like Zervas & Pepper it was great to see the songs stripped back to their very essence. Exactly how they must have been written, But what songs were written on piano and what on guitar, (BESIDE THE OBVIOUS) he didn't say. You have to keep some mystery. 

His albums are dense, beautifully recorded and sonically very inventive but even tonight in this stripped back presentation they lose none of their power and even the long songs of 8 minutes plus hold your attention throughout

During the show - we are treated to such tracks as, from the Rare Birds album, Rare Birds, Sunset Blvd, There's A Light and 49 Hairflips

Can We Really Party Today

With several of the songs hitting almost 8 minutes in length, you can see why a gig with Roger Waters might have appealed for Mr Wilson. You can see the influence of the Prog giants in his recorded work, as well as those West Coast giants and Laurel Canyon singer/songwriters and Harmony merchants. 

There's A Light

Although tonight's show is Rare Birds heavy, Jonathan still has the sense to play some of the songs for his other 'Big' album, his debut, Gentle Spirit. Such as the magnificent Desert Raven, Ballad Of The Pines and Rolling Universe.

Desert Raven

There is no doubting Mr Wilson's skills as a musician and a vocalist and a maker of sonic soundscapes. He paints his albums with a multitude of sound and colours (which is why he is in such demand as a producer) and he brings these in a truncated form to these live solo shows.  

Sunset Blvd

My highlight of the show was a magnificent interpretation of the best song from Rare Birds, the mammoth Over The Midnight, which showcased just how good a guitar player he is. No wonder Mr Waters chose him for his band,

Over The Midnight

Another of the shows highlights come next in the form of Trafalgar Square from Rare Birds which he introduces just operating his simple drum machine of the evening.

Trafalgar Square

Towards the end of the show Jonathan introduces his special guest as one of his 'favourite singers', Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals.

Now, I have to admit I know nothing of the recorded history of Super Furry Animals so I could not tell you the two songs they performed to finish the show. Although I can say they had a tremendous reception from the crowd, many of whom know the songs and sang with some passion

So many of my favourite JW songs, he didn't play. Almost all of the Fanfare album was neglected. SO for his next show, I'd love to see a bit more from this album. But for now, I'll take all that I'm given. It'll be interesting to see where he goes after Rare Birds. Hopefully some Epic Americana but don't stop at 8 minutes Jonathan, let's see how far you can go.

click for the Official Jonathan Wilson Website

Twitter - @songsofjw

click for the Official Zervas & Pepper Website

Twitter - @zervaspepper

click for the Official Little Red Website

Twitter - @little_redmusic

ARRIVAL UK: The Hits Of ABBA - live at Acapela Studios, Pentyrch nr Cardiff on Saturday 20th July 2019

Music is a beautiful thing. It comes in all shapes and sizes and allows you to dig as deep into it's meaning as much as you desire. Whether it be the sheer poetry of a Leonard Cohen, as politically charged as Woody Gutherie or Bob Dylan or designed to get your body moving like Chic or Madonna.

And then some Music is the work of Genius. Classical Music has it's fair share. But Classical Music was only the popular Music of it's time. 'Modern' Music has it Genius too. Bob Dylan, Lennon/McCartney, Brian Wilson and Benny & Bjorn of ABBA.

From their breakthrough appearance in Brighton winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, ABBA went on to conquer the world over the next 8 years before they called it a day in 1982.

 Their immaculate songwriting, soaring production and live performances seduced the world and sealed their place in history.

We will never hear the band play live again - but an industry has grown around the myriad of Tribute Bands who have kept the music Alive & Live. And the connection between them all - they just want to give the audience a good time recreating the sounds and sights of ABBA,

 ARRIVAL UK: The Hits Of ABBA are no different. But they are the awards show, they are the best in the UK. Tonight was a celebration of those fantastic songs played with and exuberance and passion that was as infectious as those hook-laden songs they played.

I missed them the last time they played the Chapel but this time I'm SO glad I caught them. This is life affirming music, music to move your body and soul. Indeed, ABBA had that Scandinavian melancholy by the bucketload but they wrapped it in some of the most glorious melodies in popular music to make it uplifting and joyous. And tonight, you saw those songs cast their spell once again as a Sold Out Acapela sang like it has never sung before. From Note One of the introduction of the first verse of Waterloo, the audience did not stop singing all night, Even in the sadder, slower songs. It really was a night that made you glad to be alive. And that is no exaggeration. 

With Mark on Keys, Joey on Guitar and Sarah & Sara Jane on vocals, supported by Kev & Steve on Bass & Drums the band played two sets tonight.  In the totally right move, they played the more reflective material first and in the second half it was a non-stop ABBA Party.

After the first verse of Waterloo, ARRIVAL then start to play the songs that defined a generation. Starting with Knowing Me, Knowing You. Swiftly moving on to the majestic Name Of The Game.

Nobody does break up songs like ABBA. Even the saddest songs are filled with a latent joyous layer that compel you to interact. And the genius of Benny & Bjorn is the skill they have to wrap up some of the toughest experiences in life in some of the most positive and melodic songs ever to be committed to vinyl. Yes, to me ABBA will always be a vinyl band.

The band use their instrumentation to the best effect as they recreate those gorgeous melodies. Behind the costumes, you can see they are seasoned musicians and have developed this show into a celebration of the music but also give the audience a small glimpse of what it must have been like to see ABBA live. Even in small venues like The Acapela it soared.

And Sara & Sarah provide the sparkle with the multilayered harmonies that ABBA laid down on those killer tracks and they play their parts with gusto and love. Both ladies can sing and their voices suit the differences of Agnetha & Frida. Throughout the evening, each of them is given a chance to shine and they do so with panache.

Money, Money, Money and S.O.S. come next and have the crowd singing along as they will do all night.

S.O.S

Two more of ABBA's slower songs come next. Firstly Fernando, where the audience are encouraged to whip out their phones and shine their lights. In the days of ABBA it would have been cigarette lighters. Quickly followed by the Nation's Favourite ABBA Song - The Winner Takes It All.

Sarah & Sara have honed their performance over the years and have Agnetha and Frida's mannerisms down to a T. And they show this throughout the night in their stage movements. Quite a challenge on the small Acapela stage but they manage it beautifully.

Angel Eyes and Chiquitita  come next. It must have been some decision on which songs to sing. The band stuck with the crowd pleasers. Some of my favourite ABBA songs are ones that weren't released as hit singles but that's probably a completely different show.

We arrived at the final song of Part One as the night just flew by. The little played Summer Night City brought the first half to a close with a standing ovation and an audience of smiley happy people who had been dancing from song two.

Summer Night City

END OF PART ONE

A quick break and costume change for the ladies and we're ready for Part Two. and Part Two is PARTY TIME!!

Opening to the Disco beat of Lay All Your Love On Me from the Supertrouper album, the band are really up for a good time as they encourage the audience to sing and dance like they never have before.

The dancing and singing continues with the next song - the now Iconic, Mamma Mia - you'll see the performance on the video below.

Mamma Mia

Take A Chance On Me and Honey Honey keep up the tempo as the Acapela now becomes a Disco for the evening. As it does on special Dance Nights throughout the year.

Supertrouper provides the next singalong moment as the Acapela audience sing their hearts out. I've never heard an Acapela audience sing like this - especially for a whole evening!

It's time again for those dancing shoes as we are treated to a spirited and choreographed performance of Voulez Vous. See the performance below.

Voulez Vous

The boys finally get a chance to shine with a double vocal of Does Your Mother Know

The second half has flown by even quicker than the first half and we're only two songs away from the end. The only way to end an ABBA Party come with the next song - the one and only Dancing Queen.

Dancing Queen

ABBA always closed their shows with the now legendary final song of their 'Mini Musical' from ABBA The Album - Thank You For The Music. Tonight was no exception as the audience sung their hearts out. Ending the night with the perfect singalong music.

There was no way on earth the band were getting out of The Chapel without an encore. The reprise of Waterloo ended a perfect evening of Music.

Music is the great healer. It has a magical power to bring people together, to inspire, to uplift, to create joy. The six musicians (and sound guys) created a perfect music evening. A Night To Remember, and this is Music that should and will be remembered, long after I have thrown off this mortal coil. And it's bands like ARRIVAL UK : The Hits Of ABBA that help keep this music alive in the true meaning of the word, 

And they're back again in December!!!!!!!!!

The official ARRIVAL UK: The Hits Of ABBA Website

Twitter - @ArrivalUK

MOVIE SPECIAL: Yesterday

As Director Danny Boyle states - it sums up the Beatles sense of humour that they would allow their spectacular history of songs to become the backbone of a film - in which the Beatles have never existed.

But this is the premise of Yesterday. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis, it's a Love Letter to the music of The Beatles and to Love itself, with a twist.

Danny says they sought an artist who was an unlikely singer songwriter to play Jack Malik and in Himesh Patel they have found their perfect Everyman. The songs you hear in the movie are sung live by Himseh - a la Les Miserables.

You know what to expect from Richard Curtis by now - and in my eyes he doesn't disappoint. I think that Danny has held back some of Richard's more sentimental leanings and Himesh's relationship with Lilly James is not over saccharined as it might have been in another Richard Curtis movie. 

I'm sure it's been designed as a feel good movie from day one and in that respect it doesn't disappoint. You'll come out humming Beatles songs for sure. 

There are many clever moments in the movie that will make you smile or even laugh out loud. Let's put it this way, The Beatles may not be the only things that don't exist. But I'll say no more.

The choice of songs will always be the bone of contention. Like all these recent big music movies, the film hinges on what songs are chosen.  And in all fairness they've chosen some beauties, and they obviously have to fit in with the story.

Expect a decent slice of Ed Sheerhan, playing himself as the biggest songwriter in the world today. And he does a decent job.

There were lots of lovely moments that made me smile. Some cut out music industry characters, some throwaway friends but it has a heart.

The Long & Winding Road

Lilly James plays the perfect English Rose in a role that didn't need very much - let's just say she's the love interest and leave it at that.

There is one lovely moment where Jack meets someone on a beach - which I won't spoil for you but I found it very moving.

There's a moment where Jack and his band (I spotted you Michele!!) play on a Hotel rooftop - most music fans will know what this refers too and they could have made a bit more from this.

Yesterday

So all in all it's a Thumbs Up. It's not Danny Boyle's or Richard Curtis' best film. But it'll do nicely as a perfect summer feelgood movie. And you can't fault the songs.

The Yesterday Trailer

As a side note - if you're interested in a film which contains Beatles music, you may not have heard of this one. Give it a go.

Across The Universe