Painting By Numbers - July 07

I think I’m going to make this a regular, monthly review point, these Painting By Numbers gigs. A good friend of mine, Lorri, and her pal, Johnny, put on lovely shows once a month in and around Dundee, brining together some fantastic bands and individual players from all over our humble little island. And it gets to me every time; there is so much talent out there. Tonight served only to highlight that point, if not exemplify it. So keep an eye out on their MySpace page for upcoming shows.

Tonight took place in the quiet, unassuming basement area of Droughty Neebors, a pub along the Perth Road, just over the road from the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art; a somewhat fitting setting for an acoustic night. Three musicians, ranging in musical styles and tastes, though all equally as impressive and all of whom have left those present with a warm and fuzzy feeling for the rest of the night. To begin with, the turn out was worrying, being just a few friends and family of the organisers, a close-knit band of hipster kids, looking to support the talent present. However, hope was not lost; by the time out first act appeared upon the stage, the crowd had thickened and a good turnout was promised. So, the first act.

Mr Gavin McGinty gave us quite a show, mixing everything from traditional blues themes to political statements into his tracks, along with some clever lyrics and skillful harmonica playing. It would be an understatement to say that he had a great grasp on the genres he played, and an insult not to mention it. Gavin has an understanding of his instruments, his voice included, and the music he plays with them that would rival some of the greatest names in music. We see so many bands these days whose music leaves a lot left to be desired, who really don’t push the envelope and who are just happy with settling for one style, without even trying to break the mould. Gavin gave us more than this, he hit hard with some of his chosen tracks, such as “Prime Minister, The Scapegoat” which tells the story of Tony Blair and David Kelly, over the shenanigans of the Iraq War, and it’s build up, especially. I have to admit, I was a little taken aback. Some of the lyrics really hit home, and the overall feel of the song is sombre, to say the least. However, to say that Gavin solely depends on the depressing to convey his music would be a lie; there were some very humorous songs, such as “Cinderella” and “Hungover”, as well as my favourite, “Nethergate News.” Overall impressions are high and, because I’m such a big fan of the blues genre, I’d usually be reserved about giving too much credit to someone who attempted it, but Gavin really did a good job tonight, so kudos to him.

Second up was the ever-popular Uncle Fritz, who we’ve not seen in the acoustic scene for a while and, unfortunately, it showed a little. Fritz plays bass guitar for a local band, Alamos, who’ve really skyrocketed in recent years, with BBC Radio1 DJs Steve Lamacq, Rob Da Bank, and Vic Galloway giving “Photograph It” airtime. The video for the single also featured on the MTV2 Daytime Playlist for 5 weeks, so it’s no small statement to say that this is a band going places. But Fritz has been out of the game a while, so far as I’ve heard, and like I say, it showed in the forgetting of lyrics and chords, and the slightly strained vocals for certain higher notes, also. Then again, though, it’s not to say that he’s not talented, or hasn’t got it in him, or should quit while he’s ahead, oh no; Fritz’s guitar melodies are haunting, to say the least, beautiful renditions that are proof that he still understands the vast amount of different and original songs that he can create, and the talent he holds and respects. Still a brilliant performer, with shows peppered by the usual ironic comments and dry humour, Fritz needs little more than a bit of practice to get himself back up to the level that he once attained, not so long ago.

“The remedy to anything – charming, poetic, entertaining and he’s got a great beard… what more do you need?” – Paul J Creegan
I shake my head, reading that last comment. A good friend of mine, Paul never ceases to have something to say about anything, though his usual sarcasm and sharp, scathing wit was held back by our headliner tonight. Ben Goddard, hailing from southern England, travelled all this way to play before a small audience when he is surely capable of so much more. To put it straight, Ben has that rare ability to take emotion in it’s pure, core form and transform it into music. He is the Alchemist of the acoustic scene, with his deep, soulful singing, light and carefully selected guitar playing, laced with perfectly chosen harmonics, not so much haunting as heart warming. The guitar playing was reminiscent of Gordon Giltrap, and reminded me of summer afternoons and quieter times. It would scream of innocence, if it weren’t for the fact that ‘scream’ is the last term you’d think about. Ben displayed passion, skill and affection both for his audience, his music and appreciation for the gift he was given, a matured and humble style, without ego or expectancy. From the heart wrenching and emotional “Broken Hearts” to the reminiscence of “Old Pound Note”, there’s a story behind each of them, either written for someone or about a certain experience, and Ben has managed to lend this talent he has for writing a tale to give his songs not just expressive feeling and a developed style, but a personality as well, making his tracks, himself and his entire performance a singular experience, and one which is not to be missed.

Acoustics nights are a brilliant way to wind down a stressful period, take stock and just relax with friends. I’d advise anyone reading to go along to more, and to take something away from them, as I have done, be it a new friend, or a new favourite band or even just that warm and happy feeling afterwards. Kudos to all involved in tonight’s gig, to the guys playing, to the audience that turned up, to Droughty Neebors for hosting the venue and especially to Lorri and Johnny, for setting it up.

M_x