Congleton Unplugged Festival 2013 - 1/2/3rd March 2013
Jim Kirkpatrick
I tried to see Jim Kirkpatrick and his electric band at last year's Jazz and Blues Festival but, as I wrote back then:
'My first gig of the weekend was going to be Jim Kirkpatrick. When I got to The White Lion, I tried to get in but I just about made it out back. It was packed. Now, I'm not unfamiliar with the concept of gigs being packed; I've been at one or two, down the years. But, really, I'm not going to go to that trouble, not at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. Last time I did that was at an Ace Frehley gig! I love the The White Lion but, out back, the way it is, only about 6 people can see anything. Maybe if the stage was higher... I stayed for the first two songs, Continental Op and, Standing On Shaky Ground. They were really good. I enjoyed his Rory Gallagher opening song and he played it very well indeed. I figure this is a man who knows his Rory. I really liked his choice of a Temptations tune next, too. A great song. I would have loved to have seen all his set but, as I said, it was packed. Then, some huge bloke came and pushed right in front of me. Not only did he block the light out, I couldn't see around him either. The guy was a damn planet. So, I walked out.'
'My first gig of the weekend was going to be Jim Kirkpatrick. When I got to The White Lion, I tried to get in but I just about made it out back. It was packed. Now, I'm not unfamiliar with the concept of gigs being packed; I've been at one or two, down the years. But, really, I'm not going to go to that trouble, not at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. Last time I did that was at an Ace Frehley gig! I love the The White Lion but, out back, the way it is, only about 6 people can see anything. Maybe if the stage was higher... I stayed for the first two songs, Continental Op and, Standing On Shaky Ground. They were really good. I enjoyed his Rory Gallagher opening song and he played it very well indeed. I figure this is a man who knows his Rory. I really liked his choice of a Temptations tune next, too. A great song. I would have loved to have seen all his set but, as I said, it was packed. Then, some huge bloke came and pushed right in front of me. Not only did he block the light out, I couldn't see around him either. The guy was a damn planet. So, I walked out.'
So, this year, in the strange, yet quite pleasant, surroundings of Illucini's Cafe/Bar, I thought I'd try again. Located in a modern shopping arcade, the acoustics are more akin to those of a swimming pool than a live music venue but, surprisingly, I have enjoyed every gig I have been to there. It has something, I will admit. I have no idea what that 'it' is, mind you. Still, I had a good view, and I was standing close enough to hear the sound before most of it got bounced around the glass and tiled surfaces.
I knew what to expect from Jim and I wasn't disappointed. The setlists at these kind of gigs have to cater to non-blues aficionados and please a much wider range of tastes, and I understand that. Often, I find, the choice of the more well-known material leaves me cold but, I found Jim's song selection very pleasing. For me, the high point of the set was his rendition of 'Out On The Western Plain', made famous by Rory Gallagher, originally recorded by Huddie Ledbetter - really, really good. I was right, this man knows his Rory - I must get him on my radio show and talk about the two records he made with Rory's band! I also enjoyed the version of Steamy Windows, and the slide guitar pieces were exceedingly tasty.
I knew what to expect from Jim and I wasn't disappointed. The setlists at these kind of gigs have to cater to non-blues aficionados and please a much wider range of tastes, and I understand that. Often, I find, the choice of the more well-known material leaves me cold but, I found Jim's song selection very pleasing. For me, the high point of the set was his rendition of 'Out On The Western Plain', made famous by Rory Gallagher, originally recorded by Huddie Ledbetter - really, really good. I was right, this man knows his Rory - I must get him on my radio show and talk about the two records he made with Rory's band! I also enjoyed the version of Steamy Windows, and the slide guitar pieces were exceedingly tasty.
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All in all, I had a great time watching Mr Kirkpatrick. He played a nice set of songs that wouldn't offend anyone but, for anyone listening carefully, there were a couple of really inspired choices for the hard core fans and the set was peppered with delightful guitar work. I can find nothing to complain about, except for all the people who cannot stay put and shut up whilst artists are performing. Why do people feel the need to constantly go to the bar/toilet and try to shout louder than the band? Can they not wait for 45 minutes for the intermission? Why not just enjoy the band?
Maybe it's me... Mark L. Potts The God of Thunder 5th March 2013 |
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