Live In 2023: Zervas & Pepper live at Acapela Studios, Pentyrch on Friday 19th May

 

The Covid Pandemic has created so many ripples during it's impact. We probably haven't even seen the majority of them yet. For Musicians, and I've spoken to may about this, it had a rather polarising effect. For some it was an unforeseen gift of time that allowed them to write an record. For other it seems it caused a creative paralysis. For Cardiff Duo Zervas & Pepper, it proved the latter.

Which was such a shame as the duo were just building up a head of steam with the release of their fifth album, Endless Road, Restless Nomad. With tour booked, first single from it released they were all ready to go then Covid struck. It was the same for many musicians but hit the duo particularly hard.

Since that album they have only recently started to make music again. A time for reflection beckoned and possible new productions. But more of that later. Tonight we got Paul & Kath on home turf and ready to re-enter the fray of live music.

Remember, we are in Acapela Studios and the normal rules followed - a game of two halves - all be it a short first half and longer second half.

Joined by multi instrumentalist Charlie Piercey on guitar, keys and vocals the duo stepped up to the mics and gave us two stunning tunes from the last album 2019's Endless Road, Restless Nomad - first off, the single There Is Only Love with Paul on lead vocals followed by the equally gorgeous Cards with Kath taking the lead - a structure which they adopt for most shows but with the harmonies they produce they're almost both singing all of the vocals anyway.

There Is Only Love

The duo have never hidden their influences and wear them proudly on their sleeve. It's a harmonious American West Coast Sound from the glory days of singer songwriters in the late 60s early 70s including Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jackson Browne, JD Souther and especially Joni Mitchell, of which more later.

The duo started their gloriously tuneful journey back in 2007 and I must admit as soon as I heard those harmonies back in the day I was smitten, their first album Somewhere In The City was released in 2011 copies are sought after now. Their first single, Winter Forever is as rare as unicorn manure and remains my favourite Xmas Song!!  I keep telling the guys to rerelease it but to no avail!!

During the course of the evening they visit all of their recorded albums and add a couple of brand new songs and surprises too.

The beautiful Silver To Chrome from 2015's Abstract Heart comes next followed by the now essential Lookout Mountain. If ever a song explained their sound and influences it's this one. Charlie then leaves the duo alone on stage for the final two songs of a short Part 1. No strangers to playing as a duo those harmonies shone like a diamond,

Lookout Mountain

As I mentioned earlier, the duo have been looking at new projects for the next couple of years and the one they are going to tackle first is really a no brainer. From the start of their career the band have always stated Joni Mitchell as a major influence on their song writing and sound and have always played a Joni cover on most of their shows. 

So they are going to launch their No Flight Tonight Tour, playing Joni's songs - the poster is below and the eagle eyed amongst you may have spotted the Joni connection in the poster design as the song No Flight Tonight comes from Joni's album Blue and Kath is spookily like her not only in sound but look. Tickets are selling like hot cakes so get them while you can. Next Flight Tonight is the first song they play tonight as a duo and it's a triumph. I've already got my tickets for their Acapela show. Thank God.

This Flight Tonight

The last song of the first half is a poignant one.

As I write this, the Grim Reaper has been particularly brutal this year and we have lost some fabulous musicians to The Great Gig In The Sky. This week alone we have lost three brilliant musicians in the form of Francis Monkman of Curved Air & Sky, Supreme Session Bass Player John Giblin and Andy Rourke bass player of The Smiths. And another fine Canadian Songwriter left us a couple of weeks ago, The talented Gordon Lightfoot. The duo knew the man and played his song Summer Side Of Life in tribute. A beautiful version and a beautiful gesture. Not a dry eye in the house. But I would expect nothing less from these two equally beautiful people.

Summer Side Of Life

So, After a short break the rest of the band come to the stage. Andy Brown on Bass, Charlie Piercey on Guitar, Keys and vocals once more and Sam Andrews on Drums.

We kick off part 2 with the lead track from 2013 album, Life bringer - the swirling Buffalo Crow.

Buffalo Crow

The organic lead track from the 2017 album Wilderland comes next in the shape of Roses Of Jericho with it's swaying melody and shamic chanting.

Lead track from Endless Road Restless Nomad, The Gift has Kath giving another lovely vocal performance. I must say here that I have never heard the duo in better voice. Maybe a rest has had some unexpected positive consequences.

It was now time for the first new song of the evening - White Flag Surrender. Unmistakably Z&P, the song proves they haven't lost their gift of melody and harmony. Hopefully it won't be too long before this joins more songs on the next album. Who knows what inspiration the No Flight Tonight might bring.

Another seminal musician who also left us and proved a HUGE inspiration to the duo was David Crosby and there was no way Paul & Kath would have left this go unmentioned. It was always a case of I wonder WHAT song they will play in tribute not IF they are going to play one of David's songs. The song was originally due to appear on the CSNY album Deja Vu but ultimately came out as part of a 1991 box set. It went down a storm tonight.

The Lee Shore

Another Z&P classic comes next in the shape of the ever popular live crowd pleaser, Cigar Store Indian which gives the audience a chance to join in the harmonic chanting towards the end of the track.

Cigar Store Indian

Sad Pariah keeps up the flowing momentum of the show and then it's then time for another Z&P crowd pleaser in the form of Living In A Small Town. Paul & Kath really have this show down to a fine art, Peppered, if you excuse the pun, with Paul's witticisms and Kath seemingly trying to stop him rambling it's, as Kath said, like an evening in with your friends. And some of these friends had come a long way to see this show, from all parts of England and even Edinburgh. You don't get more beautiful experiences than a Zervas & Pepper gig.  

Living In A Small Town

A special mention here to the band who have been sensational all night, excellent musicians all who unselfishly play for the music not personal advancement.

It's down to the last song now with the rocking Hotel Bible.

Hotel Bible

The guys then give us a splendid and unexpected 2 song encore. First up it's a new song from Kath, Better Days which has been their first release since Endless Road. It's a beautifully positive song and really is a song for our age,

Better Days

Now, I've seen Paul & Kath many times over the years and they always seem to sneak in Neil Young songs into the set, even if the crowd doesn't know what it is. But no issue with tonight as the band close with Neil Young's classic Out On The Weekend from Harvest. Paul said it was only the second time the band had played it. Hmm, I'll need convincing of that as the band rocked the ending.

Out On The Weekend

It was another triumphant home town (almost) gig for the band tonight and a beautiful reminder of what the duo have achieved before they set out on their Joni journey later in the year. And I'm sure I'll let you all know how that goes!!

Twitter - @zervaspepper

click for the Zervas & Pepper Official Website

Live in 2023: Peter Cox at Acapela Studios on Tuesday 16th May 2023

 

Tonight I was lucky enough to see my second major 80s vocalist within a week.

Last week I got a chance to see Mark Shaw of Then Jerico

click here for the Then Jerico review

Tonight, it was Peter Cox, vocalist of Go West.

But first we had a support act in the form of Cardiff band - The Vanities - Rhys Bradley - (Vocals/Guitar) and Adam Hill (bass/keyboards)

The boys have been around for some time now and started off as a rather 80s influenced electronic band but tonight they appear with acoustic guitars some old songs and a change of direction with the newer songs.

I'd never heard of them before but I have to say I was pretty impressed with their newer material.

They started with a song called (I think) Hollywood Hills. Animals & Red Leaves followed, then their single, London.

I've chosen old song Space Tourist and new song Private Army to show you the breadth of their sound/material.

Space Tourist

Private Army

They finished their short set with High Rising. I would like to see them in their own show, especially with the newer songs.

After a short break we have the arrival of Peter Cox and his band. Considering his 80s pedigree and lack of hair (join the club) I must say he looks as fit as a butcher's dog these days. Toned and tanned he was just the ticket for the many ladies present in tonight's audience. Tonight was the first of 2 days at Acapela so I was interested how his voice was sounding these days. I had no need to worry as he sounds fabulous. He still has that burr to his voice that made it so distinctive back in the day.

I'm sorry I can't say who his band were, that's due more to my hearing than Peter's inability because he DID introduce the band. I caught a couple of the names but it would be unfair to highlight these as they were all exemplary tonight. 

And one more thing, it wasn't a Go West Greatest Hits Show - Peter wisely concentrated on his solo material which was a great decision as his solo material is at least a match for his Go West songs and in many cases, even better as I hope I've shown with the videos of the songs he played tonight within this review.

First up we get the opener of his latest album Seaglass. the uptempo Too Far Gone which is as good as his older Go West material. this had the audience up and waving. I also need to mention a good few fans who had travelled from over the bridge in that England to support their man in foreign lands, Seriously, he had great support from some hardcore fans tonight who sang the words of every song,

Too Far Gone

Next up we have the second track from Seaglass, We Want Magic, again another banging tune in the vein of his 80s heyday. Got to say I was well impressed with his new material.

She Wants Magic

Things We Never Did another track from Seaglass comes next. Another uptempo slice of gorgeousness.

With the current resurgence in the sounds of the 80s, it's great to hear Peter's current set of songs clearly influenced by his best known years. If you hear the new album on headphones, as I am now writing this review you can clearly hear these influences and the studio magic like the stereo panning. Nice touch for this aged blogger to enjoy.

Then, with no fanfare we are straight into the first Go West song of the evening, Call Me. Here you can see what a good decision getting two female backing vocalists was. The sound at Acapela is always good and tonight with this band it was exceptional. The crowd obviously lifted the roof on the chorus to the song.

Call Me

After that powerful set of songs it was time for the first ballad of the evening in the form of If  You Walk Away which had the ladies swooning. Peter's voice certainly suits a ballad and once again a high five to the ladies on backing vocals for doing such a great job on this track.

If You Walk Away

Peter stayed with his eponymous 1997 album for the next track, the once again uptempo Change.

In fact, the main part of the show was uptempo which always helps the audience has a good time.

Seaglass's Brave New World comes next, keeping the uplifting feel.

But variety is the spice of life as we come to the next ballad from the same album - One More Kiss.

Peter's voice held up well throughout the evening, his vocals strong and clear.

One More Kiss

We return to the new album Seaglass next for another banger, Dream Burning Down.

It's surprising how fresh the new material sounds considering it's obvious 80s sonic influences. Peter enlisted former Go West producer Gary Stevenson to produce the new album - in this case, a stroke of genius as he's taken the best of Peter and pushes it forward while retaining a familiarity in the music, especially the keyboard sounds, recreated so well tonight.

Dream Burning Down

It's about time for another Go West tune and the band obliges with a blistering We Close Our Eyes

We Close Our Eyes

To keep the energy up Peter revisits the 2013 album Damn The Brakes for opener Stilletos a right rocker of a track. With the crowd now bouncing it was time for the final track on Seaglass, another cracking tune called Confidante, which had the audience singing along to a brand new song. Always a good sign. A strong way to open a very fine album - I was going to get a signed copy on vinyl but the crowd was so large at the merch table I didn't get a chance. Always buy from the artist directly at a gig if you can Music Lovers.

Next up we have 'the encore' but nobody leaves the stage in Acapela, too much of a fuss. So it's the Big US hit, King Of Wishful Thinking of which Peter acknowledges the luck of getting onto the Pretty Woman movie soundtrack. But it's funny how luck is attracted to good people. Be proud Peter, it was a splendid achievement.

King Of Wishful Thinking

Next up was just Peter and the keyboard player playing November - the best ballad on Seaglass, You could have heard a pin drop but it was a fabulous performance and got a huge round of applause,

But there was one more excellent song left - from 1997 the excellent I Ain't Gonna Cry Again.

This prompted another standing ovation and the end of the show.

Ain't Gonna Cry Again

So the end of a fantastic evening of music. Peter Cox - with a fabulous new album - a collection of quality solo material that mist of today's wannabes would kill for and a voice tat is still strong and shines like a beacon in a multitude of anonymous vocalist out there pretending to be stars.

Peter, you've still got it. Just keep up the good work and release some more music in the future - and come back to Acapela obviously.

Twitter - @peterjohncox

Live In 2023: Then Jerico at Acapela Studios, Pentyrch on Friday12th May 2023

 

Sometimes, if you're really lucky, someone from up above shines a light on you and bestows some goodness your way. Mark Shaw is one such man, not only did he inherit a beautiful face, he also inherited a more than decent voice. From the moment he nonchalantly ambled onto stage tonight he was every inch the STAR, OK, he may be older (aren't we all) and lost the glow of youth but those cheekbones could still cut silk and that voice is as powerful as ever.

I'd been looking forward to this gig since it was announced as I didn't get a chance to see him live back in 1987 when he really hit it big. but just to hear Sugar Box live - for me one of THE best songs of the 80s - would be enough. But he gave SO much more.

Mark brought a friend for the evening - Ollie Brum played a guitar with a multiple of looped pedals and effects which gave layers to the songs throughout the evening. Acoustic at Acapela is always the perfect choice.

Mark has only released one album following the 2 first Then Jerico albums - and album called Almost back in 1991 and chose his opening song from this album - Love So Bright. It's a splendid album and I really have no idea why it didn't give him the solo career her deserved at that point. The God of Music moves in mysterious ways.

Love So Bright

Throught the night, Mark concentrated on songs from the first two Then Jerico albums and Always. I won't state which album they are from, if you're a fan you'll know, if not just go look it up!

What Does It Take managed to retain it's power with Ollie and his box of tricks and especially Mark's voice which was now warming up nicely. The album track had Belinda Carlisle singing on it, tonight we had the Acapela Audience instead.

What Does It Take

It's hard to imagine, you may have be had to be there back in the day but especially on second album, The Big Area, ANY of those tracks would have made a great single and the quality of the songs on that album in particular sound fabulous tonight. Stripped of their production sheen gives another aspect to these songs which most people haven't heard before, unless they've seen this acoustic show.

Tracks in Part 1 of the show such as Song For The Broken Hearted, A Quiet Place and Helpless really showed the quality those two early albums had. Surely Cherry Red must see some value in doing a decent rerelease as they've done with the Haircut100 album Pelican West - get on it guys!

To the comment of 'now for some decent song writing' Mark embraced his inner Camp and gave a stunning performance of Bowie's Jean Genie which is NOTHING like the original, Thank God. Mick Ronson's riffs would sound shite om an acoustic, trust me.

It's then time for another track from Mark's solo album, Always - so we are treated to Tidal Wave

Tidal Wave

Part 1 closes with the uptempo Reelin'

What the public don't see is the sense of humour Mark has throughout the evening which is the total opposite of his cool Rock Star image but allowed the audience to take him to their heart for the evening and beyond no doubt.

Reelin'

After a short break it was time for Part 2 as Mark came on fully dressed once more and this time donning some shades and gave us a beautiful performance of Let Her Fall

Let Her Fall

In 1998, Mark brought back Then Jerico for one album - Orgasmophobia. Perhaps not the best title but he did perform one song from it tonight - Some People.

Some People

We then turn to some of the better known songs. First up Muscle Drop and then Where You Lie

As I said at the beginning, the next song is one of my All Time Favourites - the gorgeous Sugar Box.

Tonight he had the added help on vocals from Bari Goddard who is an artist, photographer and vocalist of the band Knives. It's a special song and brought back so many happy memories for this aged blogger

Sugar Box

The Motive keeps the audience at boiling point and I must say the Acapela audience was in fine voice tonight.

The song that Mark thought most of the audience were waiting for ended the show - the fabulous Big Area.

Big Area

So there was no way on earth that the boys were going to get out without an encore.

Darkest Hour gave way to Mark's favourite song - Bari was brought back onstage and they launched into an energetic version of The Rolling Stones classic - Sympathy For The Devil complete with the audience Whoo Whooing it right to the very end.

I thought Mark's first visit to The Chapel was a triumph. As my legs have now given up on me and my domestic circumstances mean I cannot leave South Wales for gigs, I may never see Mark again.

I hope he takes the same path as one of my biggest musical heroes, Nick Heyward and continue to work on new material. He definitely still has the voice. Let's hope that this new activity in the Then Jerico or Mark Shaw camp prompts him in that direction again. And hopefully he will play Acapela again. And this time I will shake his hand and thank him, if only for Sugar Box.

All photos copyright ©️ Nick Baker 2023

Twitter - @THENJERICO

Click to enter Then Jerico Official website