Music / americana
Review: Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack & Andy Fairweather Low, O2 Academy
River Town doesn’t just welcome one artist on stage tonight, but three: Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack and Andy Fairweather Low. The three long-time pals reunite to celebrate their shared love for Americana and to perform some of their most famous songs with a twist of raw acoustic orchestration.
Originally planned to take place in Colston Hall, a technical problem with the ceiling means the gig is moved to the neighbouring O2 Academy. A flock of mature fans head towards what some people would call a “place for youngsters,” but against all odds, the O2 ends up being a fitting venue for this event. The evening starts softly with Worry Dolls, an enchanting duo made up of Zoe Nicol and Rosie Jones. The blabbering from the bar decreases as the set progresses, and we’re guided by harmonies to a faraway world.
Time for Nick Lowe et al to enter the stage. The place gets a bit more crowded, but there’s still room. Nick Lowe jokes that “there are a few dropouts, but we can do without them!” The set is a delightful blend of the trio’s respective solo successes and previous bands hits. Each member takes the lead in turn but they always join together in splendid harmonies that display an undisputable connection between them.
is needed now More than ever
Paul Carrack, who has featured in many bands such as Ace, Mike and the Mechanics and Roxy Music, takes the lead to perform his famous cover of Jackie DeShannon’s When You Walk in the Room and his hit How Long. Although he is at the centre of the trio tonight, what makes Carrack shine is his touching discretion. Andy Fairweather Low, on the contrary, spends the night cracking successful jokes. He points out with self-depreciation that he has never seen a crowd so big at any of his shows. Perhaps it is the reason that his songs are particularly covered tonight, however his talent as a composer of catchy beautiful songs and as a terrific guitar player is probably the most legitimate reason. In any case, his songs win the prize for the most audience participation, especially on Bend Me Shape Me, Wide Eyed and Legless and Amen Corner’s If Paradise is Half as Nice. Nick Lowe’s delicate music is also celebrated with their performance of the popular Cruel to be Kind and the encore (What’s so Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.
We witness tonight a celebration of forty years of acclaimed music but also how it can bring people together, all wrapped up in a Americana bow. What makes the evening so special is the interesting encounter of pop-rock hits with the country resonance of naked guitars and exposed voices, all reinforced by the musicians’ solid friendship and therefore, their sturdy musical harmony.
Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack & Andy Fairweather Low, O2 Academy, Sunday, July 16
Read more: Interview: Yola Carter
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