Sat 3rd February 2007
“Everybody just smile and keep clapping,” said an animated Paddy Glasgow as he introduced last week’s Mid-Ulster Mail gig of the week – Jack L at the Cellar Bar. Oh how I had been looking forward to this night after the first show was cancelled due to illness and I suspect many others were a little excited too.
The intimate Draperstown venue was a surprise location for the Dublin troubadour who has been known to pack out venues across the land such as the Olympia in Dublin as well as some of London’s finer establishments. The 100 strong appreciative crowd reflected that, queuing in anticipation for what was sure to be a great night’s entertainment which never failed to impress.
First support act on the night was Derry singer/songwriter Paddy Nash, who as well as having a fellow full-time singer and various instrument player in the form of Diane, was also joined on stage by local musicians Liam, Angela and Celine who played piano, violin and guitar/harmonica both respectively and brilliantly. A short set was met with positive reactions on the night given the fact that the crowd were still streaming in and had not yet settled but was nonetheless performed with the vigour and stamina of a man who was clearly eager to impress.
A mixture of songs ranging from issues such as the state of Northern Ireland’s politics (Brave) to the personal and touching story of a past friend (Martin) and the obligatory love song (Another Love Song), were all executed admirably.
The stage was then vacated for yet another singer/songwriter this time in Belfast performer Paddy McKeown, who while sticking to some of the conventional aspects of song writing and playing obviously added his own unique twist to the proceedings. Although previously known as Paddy McKeown, a recent band meeting with his fellow musicians must have gone against him and the six piece group (just three on the night) are now known as Catoan.
Violin and guitars were also the main features of this performance and although some sound and guitar problems were evident early on, the experimental brand of music was in truth not entirely well received but was played with the gusto of a band that would not go down without a fight. Again a short set was in line and a mixture of passionate solo acoustic performances were inter-cut by the more experimental and tentative pieces as heard in Femme Fatale and the energetic Leo
Finally after making us wait for two months Jack L kept his word and was ready to make up for lost time as he bounded softly onto stage in the Cellar Bar, looking almost out of place in the petite surroundings but ecstatic “to be playing in a smoky bar again.”
Combining songs from Universe, Metropolis Blue and most recent release Broken Songs Mr Lukeman provided not only a rendition of his most beloved songs, but grabbed the audience by the scruff of the neck with his amazing vocal abilities and understanding of what makes his fans tick.
At one point in the evening he went for a wee wander and proceeded to take the audience back “to a time when speakers and amplifiers didn’t exist” circulating amongst the admiring congregation in darkness with a miniature accordion style instrument all the while belting out the lyrics. Even when on stage it was hard for the audience not to be caught up in the theatrical element of the performance which moved between solo acoustic renditions, to being joined on stage by fellow performer Andy and even to audience participation in Wicked Way which had the crowd begging for more.
And more they got. A 15+ song set had elements of country music, as heard in a rendition of the Johnny Cash song Folsom Prison Blues and even an exclusive cover version of the number one chart hit Crazy as performed by Gnarls Barkley which showcased Jack’s talents to the max and would put up a strong fight with the original.
It was this and similar solo versions that had the most impact and allowed Jack to use his voice to its full potential which far exceeded expectations. Hitting the high notes came as naturally as the lyrics with which they were entangled.
Ending the second encore and the night was Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah, a trademark ending to a perfect night and we can only hope that when he said “I’ll see you all real soon”, that he meant it.
The Mid Ulster Mails Niall Kerr Reviews some past gigs @ The Cellar
Tags: Jack L, Mid Ulster Mail, Niall Kerr, Paddy McKeown, Paddy Nash
