I am not sure if it is the quality of live performances that keeps improving or, as punters we just continue to find more to intrigue us from the concert stage in our old age? Even as I approach forty years of gigging in November, I can still find artists and bands to see live that, I have not seen in concert before. A case in point is Bill Callahan and at the Royal Festival Hall on Friday with, his accompanying three piece band.
Bill standing, with the rest of the band seated, guitarist Matt Kinsey on one side, and bassist Jamie Zuverza and drummer Adam Jones on the other played for over two hours with the 47-year-old musician and his band turning in an absolutely sublime show.
Dipping into Smog land as well as his solo back catalogue along with songs from his latest LP 'Dream River' the set lasts for fourteen songs, including a Ray Charles and Percy Mayfield cover. The whole set is performed with an aching beauty that at times leaves the audience breathless.
A small touch of interplay with the crowd was just about right, showing the recluive Bill to be in an affable mood. His baritone vocals were solid, crisp and clear. His guitar also did much of the rhythm talking particularly when interplaying with the SG of Matt Kinsey.
It is very rare to see Bill play live and perhaps with the universal praise he is garnering on this tour, his live shows may become more regular occurrences. Let's just hope accolades as the "next Leonard Cohen" in tone and, Lou Reed in his phrasing do not put him off because Bill needs no comparisons, he is a unique talent.
Pete
Bill's very own Set List;
The Sing
Javelin Unlanding
Jim Cain
Spring
Drover
Dress Sexy at My Funeral
A Song for You (Ray Charles cover)
Ride My Arrow
One Fine Morning
America!
Please Send Me Someone to Love (Percy Mayfield cover)
Too Many Birds
Seagull
Winter Road