Robin 2, Bilston – the Homebird Returns (14 April 2010)
(Photos: Julie Williamson)
The journey to the venue was eventful. The M6 currently has road works so I was expecting some delays, but as soon as I got onto the motorway, the traffic news on the radio said that there were delays of an hour because of an accident and congestion covering the junction I needed for Bilston. Luckily my Christmas present was a more reliable Sat Nav and I arrived, taking an alternative route, still with enough time for a chat and to get in the queue for seats, as the Robin 2 (a small live music venue) has unreserved seating.
The concert started a little later than usual and the support act explained during their set that they had mistakenly taken the M6 toll rather than the normal M6 motorway, so ended up paying tolls twice, for there and back, taking a very “scenic route”. The support was ODi, a girl and guy singing, mainly their own songs, with acoustic guitars. The girl had a great voice, with a deep tone like Julia Fordham, but with the quirkiness of Tori Amos, quite like one of Brian’s previous support acts, Jenna Toro. Her partner’s voice and guitar playing complimented hers completely and I thoroughly enjoyed their set, particularly “What You Deserve” and I like their version of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire”: they describe their style as “Folkish - indie – rockish – pop”. They are also apparently one of Vodaphone/Myspaces’s Ones to Watch for this year. Their website is http://www.odimusic.co.uk/ if you’re interested in their sound. I bought their CD and listened to it on the way home :)
The break between support and Brian was quite short and soon enough Brian's roadie Vinny was announcing Brian, as the latter bounded into the stage singing acapello Cole Porter's “Night and Day”. Brian’s hair has grown a bit since his last visit to the Robin 2 and he was sporting a silver earring in his left earring, which suited. No suit jacket to remove, just a tight black top and gray suit trousers. It was just Brian and his guitars last night.
The concert started a little later than usual and the support act explained during their set that they had mistakenly taken the M6 toll rather than the normal M6 motorway, so ended up paying tolls twice, for there and back, taking a very “scenic route”. The support was ODi, a girl and guy singing, mainly their own songs, with acoustic guitars. The girl had a great voice, with a deep tone like Julia Fordham, but with the quirkiness of Tori Amos, quite like one of Brian’s previous support acts, Jenna Toro. Her partner’s voice and guitar playing complimented hers completely and I thoroughly enjoyed their set, particularly “What You Deserve” and I like their version of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire”: they describe their style as “Folkish - indie – rockish – pop”. They are also apparently one of Vodaphone/Myspaces’s Ones to Watch for this year. Their website is http://www.odimusic.co.uk/ if you’re interested in their sound. I bought their CD and listened to it on the way home :)
The break between support and Brian was quite short and soon enough Brian's roadie Vinny was announcing Brian, as the latter bounded into the stage singing acapello Cole Porter's “Night and Day”. Brian’s hair has grown a bit since his last visit to the Robin 2 and he was sporting a silver earring in his left earring, which suited. No suit jacket to remove, just a tight black top and gray suit trousers. It was just Brian and his guitars last night.
Songs: (not necessarily in order)
Night and Day
Gaye
A Better Man
Silver Hearts on Chains
Raglan Road
Margaret Barry
I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls
(Excerpts of Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it), Get Happy)
The Curragh of Kildare
Crazy Love/Tupelo Honey/Have I Told You Lately?
Gallileo
Homebird
Christopher Street
The Reason We Are Here
The Ballad of Killaloe/For the Good Times
I Hope that I Don’t Fall in Love with You
Put the Message in the Box
Get on with Your Short Life
(Encore:
Carrickfergus
You Raise Me Up)
(The much admired BK wiggle, during "The Reason We are Here")
The crowd favoured the older songs, so sadly no play of the new songs this time. But for me, Brian sang several of my favourite in the first few songs so I was a happy bunny. There was some lively banter with the crowd (Brian was on coffee buzz) and as Brian was just about to start “The Reason We Are Here”, his G-string snapped (on his guitar). He offered to throw his broken G-string into the crowd, but someone from the front got up and put their hand out and Brian decided that handing it over was probably better for health and safety. He thought someone might want it for a bracelet. But this meant a call for Vinny to change a string on his guitar and change of song to Homebird to use his other guitar as a change of set and mood. Once the restrung guitar was back, Brian played “The Reason…”. And then all too quickly it was the “last song” and then the real last song…
News from the in-between bits – the autobiography is likely to be out about Oct and Brian is working on an album of new stuff. At the signing afterwards I asked how the training was going for the marathon, and Brian said that he might be walk it rather than running. I’m always in awe of anyone making such a commitment… So a brilliant night, and Brian was on top form. To those going to Cambridge and the Jazz Café, enjoy and I hope some new dates are listed soon for those unable to get to a show this time round.
(Brian and our roving reporter, me :) )
Best wishes, Julie x
1 comment:
Excellent; another fine talent you have! XXX
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