Jonathan Wilson London, 21 Nov '11

Jonathan Wilson – Hoxton Square Bar and Restaurant (Monday 21 November 2011) 

You may never have heard of Jonathan Wilson. But a lot of the bands you listen to have heard of him. In fact many of them know him very well. His CV, if he had one, would sound like a Who’s Who of American singer-songwriters and folk musicians. He’s performed with and/or produced a huge range of musicians including J Tillman of Fleet Foxes, Roy Harper, Crosby Stills and Nash and Jackson Browne. Most recently he supported Wilco on their European tour, and he is credited with revitalising the Laurel Canyon scene along with many of his musician friends.

Which all in all makes it quite extraordinary to see him play his own album – Gentle Spirit – in a tiny room in Hoxton with barely 100 people. Someone with his credentials, you think, might be used to greater things, but there was no sign of anything but pleasure as he played a ninety minute set to a receptive audience.

Gentle Spirit has been described by Kitty Empire in the Observer as 'like getting a free reflexology treatment and a small dose of diazepam combined'. It is certainly relaxing, with repetitive lyrics, lengthy guitar solos, and a summery haze that forces you to slow down, whatever you might be doing.

Live, however, the music is far from sleepy. With an extra guitarist, a bassist, a drummer and a keyboardist joining Jonathan Wilson on the tiny stage, the sound is strong and loud. With the heat of the small room, and the unique sound of a Mellotron accompanying many tracks, I was transported to an imaginary sweaty beachside bar in early 70’s California. I could almost feel the sand between my toes as the band sauntered through tracks like ‘Can We Really Party Today’? and title track ‘Gentle Spirit’.

It was a wonderful night, only slightly tainted by what to me seemed like the stringing out of every song with over-enthusiastic guitar playing. But that was a small price to pay for such an evocative and enjoyable performance.

Jonathan Wilson will return to London on January 31^st 2012 when he plays the Scala. If you need warming up in the midst of a cold midwinter, I can think of no better way.

Louise Neilan