THE SHED = punk, hardcore metal, sweaty leaping moshers helicoptering there way to a LARGE hangover doesn't it?
Not this Friday night it didnt.
It was the first 'Answers On a Postcard' night of 2010, AOP is a periodic night with an eclectic and often esoteric music policy, this was my first visit to the night and I think I'm going to enjoy them a lot, coz to get kind of Arnie about it .... 'ill be back' and so should you.
So why am i raving?
Well Sally Hossack of Free Control, Mike Sole (Gadjos and others) and Boppa (Jack of Hearts) played a set that simply took me gently somewhere else for an hour then softly brought me back down to earth. Its the first time I've seen sally perform away from the outstanding Free Control and i was blown away. The set started with Sally playing some wistful and heartfelt solo songs, filled with melody and originality. Her voice and presentation stopping me 'mid sup' when she began the first song. Sally was then joined by Mike Sole. Now I've seen quite a few amazing musicians in my time and Mr Sole could hold his head high on ANY stage Ive seen. The ability to improvise and STILL stay listenable and add something to the song, is a talent that isn't learnt your born with it and Mike has it in bucketfuls.
The pairing kept reminding me of a sound and style that I couldn't quite recall. Then it dawned on me (and i don't mention this lightly as personally i dislike comparing acts, but this is one of my all time favorite duo's) Sally's voice has the same haunting and fragile quality as Beth Gibbons work with Rustin Man. With Mike adding something that takes their music into a beautiful place from a different time.
As the set went on more friends joined them and the music gracefully moved up a notch and grooves started appearing, Boppa (Jack of Hearts Band) joined them with some 'Django' guitar then a sax player (sorry i didn't catch your name) turning the whole set onto a swing tip. The set was ended with a stomping version of 'I'm King of the Swingers' yes, from jungle book and believe me it worked, and worked well.
OK OK ill stop gushing now, but really if you didn't come along YOU MISSED A TREAT. If you see them billed again don't hesitate to drop all plans and go see ... They really are that good.
The 'Answers on a Postcard' night has a facebook group and I suggest you join it and keep up to date with their events as I for one am loving what they are doing.
see you at the next gig.
Markus
