Music / Review
Review: Steve Harley Acoustic Band, St George’s Bristol – ‘His performances carry genuine soul and sincerity’
A two-year wait was ended in style with the respected Steve Harley and his Acoustic Band. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect so I did some research and spun through a few of his most popular tracks on Spotify. I knew some of the most famous tracks but was curious about what else the man and his band could produce in such a setting as St George’s and was particularly drawn to the sonic potential of Steve’s voice, Viola, Double Bass, Steel and Nylon Guitars in this most respected space.
The first three tracks drew the audience in to deep territory, they were quite intimate and heartfelt acoustic ballads, very tender and honest lyrics about life and love, delivered with a love-worn soul. You could see that Steve meant and felt these words, here was a real-life modern day bard weaving words and rhythms into an enchanting brew. I was hooked already.
Steve took the time to chat to the audience and give some background about the songs, before we were treated to some material from his new album Uncovered which is a collection of ‘interpretations’ of songs that he admires from contemporaries; Bowie in Beckenham; Dylan throughout his early teens; Cat Stevens/Yusuf and Paul McCartney, both massive early influences.
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Some other tracks included a cover of a Crispin Hunt/ Longpigs, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and a cover of a track that he wrote at the age of 22. Steve joked with the audience that probably many of them were 15 or 16 when he wrote that song to which someone shouted, “I had a big crush on you”, he took it well.
Later highlights included a Latino-tinged affair, an energetic gypsy-folk track reminiscent of Fairground Attraction and a touching song written about his son called Journeys End. Continuing to Coast of Amalfi, a new cover of Mr Soft and a cover of a Rod Stewart track.
Steve took the time to chat to the audience and give some background to the songs. Credit: Rich Green
All the way through the show so far, the band had provided glimpses of their virtuoso abilities with Viola providing some splashes of colour via leading lines and accentuation to verses. Between tracks we heard a funny story from an audience member that she had kissed Steve Harley 40 years ago at a former Bristol venue, Locarno! This drew a huge laugh from the audience.
The final part of the show was introduced with a long, winding track delving into harder strummed, undulating rhythms taking us on a journey into a dreamland. The penultimate song was something which showed off the raw talent and experience of this most accomplished band, we were treated to another rhythmic journey with each band member taking it in turn to produce skilled solo performances.
The finale gave many of the crowd what they desired which was a rousing performance of Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel’s Make me Smile. He must have played this song a great number of times in his life but it was played with such a passion, it was if he had just written it.
At the end I experienced the longest encore I have seen at a gig and I understood why Steve Harley is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest ever song writers and performers, a true master of the craft. His performances carry genuine soul and sincerity, with melody, energy and realism. Having been performing for an astonishing 45 years, Steve Harley and his band are on an extensive tour and I highly recommend you catch them.
Main photo: Rich Green
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