I seem to start most gig reviews these days by saying it was a cold, dark, wet, dreary night, and last night was no different.  On Monday 14^th May, it was still light, but wet, cold and miserable - perhaps just the night for a band from Glasgow to cheer us all up!  

First up it’s Siobhan Wilson. As Louis from Admiral Fallow explained later in the evening, there was no support booked for the gig, so he rang Siobhan who had yesterday moved from Glasgow to London and asked her if she wanted to do a gig in Cambridge tonight. Luckily for us she said yes! 

A very unique and smoky voice delivered some beautiful fragile songs. She really brought a hush over the room, much to her credit. An idea voice for jazz, Siobhan is certainly one to watch for the future. 

9.30pm, and the seven piece Admiral Fallow hit the stage. Well, five of them do, two could not fit on, and so they played behind the “splendid” merchandise table.

A wet, dreary night in Cambridge and a fair old walk across Parker’s Piece up from the station to reach the venue for tonight’s show, which is the stunningly intimate Unitarian Church.

Effort rewarded straight away with two guys known as Hollow Mountain. Piano, electric guitar from one, and ambient electronics from the other. 

Lots of turning of dials, pressing of buttons, sliding up and down of levers (I am sure there are technical terms for all that) which produced a quite delightful sound experience. Eerie, industrial and angelic soundscapes. The band’s debut ep is now available here  

Tonight it was the Simone Felice Group unplugged. The evening kicked off with the fabulous voice of Simi Stone for half a dozen songs. A cover of Neil Young’s ‘Birds’, two songs dedicated to a past friend and her father and then, a song dedicated to someone “still alive”.  A nice way to set the scene and a voice that must get some serious recognition soon. 

Having been at an intensely electric and emotionally charged gig at Bush Hall in London the previous Friday, I was expecting more of the same last night. The guy on the Merchandise desk said “oh, tonight with be a different type of show” and he was right.

Although the Junction 2 is a small venue, the stage is larger than Bush Hall and the audience is seated, as opposed to standing. The venue was two thirds full unlike London which sold out five weeks in advance and, there was the case of the missing White Gretch guitar with gold pickups. Even drummer, Aurora Bangarth was wearing glasses, which all suggested a more sedate evening.

Second Jason Isbell gig for me in 3 nights - tonight it’s the Boogaloo in Highgate, following on from a show at the Slaughtered Lamb on Sunday, and his support slots on the current Ryan Adams tour. So Jason has been a busy man.  

We got there in time for the doors opening and grabbed a table near the stage. Full marks to the Boogaloo for having decent beer on tap and charging sensible prices for it (including real ale - London Pride last night).

The intimate venue was packed, but not uncomfortably so, for Jason Isbell and his opener, James Walbourne. Walbourne provided an excellent opening set, indicating that highly accomplished, bluesy fretwork was a good way to beat his hangover.  It helped with mine… 

Jason was relaxed, but compelling, as he played an hour and a half set, mixing songs from all stages of his career.  The audience was highly appreciative and many seemed to be mouthing the words to Jason's songs.  A touching moment came at the end of the set with the dedication of the Isbell-penned Drive By Trucker’s song, ‘Danko/Manuel’ to Levon Helm. 

“Can you hear that singing?  Sounds like gold”. It sure does! 

Photo by joshua black wilkins

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