Category Archives: Music

Ben Howard and Roller Trio, Mercury Prize Concert, St Luke’s

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Ben Howard is not an artist I have ever been crazy about but I was very excited about visiting the impressive St Luke’s venue, which didn’t disappoint. Steeped in vibrant blue light, this huge building in East London has the ideal acoustics for musical performance. I didn’t know what to expect at the Barclaycard Mercury Prize concert of Ben Howard and Roller Trio but it turned out to be a very enjoyable night.

We began the evening downstairs indulging in endless salty nibbles and glasses of champagne. The ticket marked a 7pm start time, but in fact the music didn’t kick off until 8 which gave us a whole hour to polish off the wasabi peanuts, cheese straws and mixed nuts. Bellies heavy, we followed the crowd up to the stage where we managed to find a good viewing position. The room is grand, tall and spacious, ideal for loud resonating bands and hordes of people.

The Roller Trio are a purely instrumental outfit. I would describe them as experimental jazz funk although I’m not sure that’s how they would define themselves. The sound is bold and powerful, impressive for such a small group. Aside from the erratic compositions, I immediately noticed the talent of these three young men, and in particular saxophonist, James Mainwairing. They bear little relation to Ben Howard’s music but the Mercury shortlist is known for its eclecticism.

At 8.30 ish Ben Howard casually strode onto the platform, band in tow. The group seemed more mature in the flesh and strummed through the first few numbers thoughtfully. Ben soon relaxed and became rather less tame, bouncing around, head dropped and hands strumming furiously. Suddenly there was passion. The male band members seemed less bothered going through the motions of each song (let’s be honest they are all quite similar) and at times looked a little bored. The lone female was the most enthusiastic of the bunch and played with intense concentration and dedication at all times. The music produced was balanced and together with some beautiful playing of Ben’s varied melodies. The set came to an abrupt end after only four or five songs, unfortunate as they seemed to really be on the up.

If I’m honest Ben Howard still wouldn’t win my vote for the prize but after witnessing his passionate set I may put a few of his songs on my iPod. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and excitement at the Mercury Awards gig and loved being involved in the run up to this prestigious award. Congratulations to winners Alt-J who took home the prize a few nights ago.

http://www.mercuryprize.com/

 

Loserville, Garrick Theatre

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Loserville is part of a new wave of musicals riding on the back of the Glee phenomenon. These kids are united by their love of computer communications rather than a musical theatre obsession. The music is poppy but with a grungy feel.

The story is easy enough to grasp and predictable almost from the start. The school’s outcast brainiacs are in despair as they debate how they will ever be able to ‘get a girl’ hanging out in the computer room and investigating a way to make their intellectual dreams come. Michael is on the verge of making technological history, by making two computers talk to each other, transmitting messages from any two places in the world. Lucas hopes his book (hints at Star Wars) will be published. The other two just resemble mad, slightly unhinged science nerds. The mission: get the girl without compromising on intelligence.

The retro styling of the musical is brilliant: with Grease-esque name card introductions and geek-chic costumes, it is a production that looks great. It is sharp too, these kids don’t miss a step, I was particularly impressed with the spectacular unison dance work from the chorus. And Nick Winston deserves a mention for his innovative and funky choreography.

The cast are young and sprightly and, with a complete lack of generation difference, there is a definite feeling that kids rule the school. (The school principal is only heard through the tannoy.) They all seem to be having a super fun time. The core group of four boys are all brilliant; with in-tune vocals and accurate accents, they become merged entirely with their alter ego characters. Aaron Sidwell as Michael Dork and Richard Lowe as Lucas Lloyd are particularly mesmerising to watch. Eliza Hope Bennett has the right attitude as “pretty and brainy” Holly but I found her rather flat singing an annoying distraction.

The band blast out providing an essential backbeat for this energetic production, they are led by Jim Henson.

Loserville is a fun and entertaining new musical and showcases a talented and enthusiastic cast.

More information and book tickets here.

http://www.loservillethemusical.com/

Let it Be, Prince of Wales Theatre

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Let is Be is not a musical – if you are after a narrative explanation of the Beatles’ life as a band it is best to seek out BackBeat. This production is an all-music journey, two hours of the most popular and famous hits. Interestingly only since Michael Jackson died (he owned the rights to a majority of Beatles tracks) have producers been able to use this famous band’s songs in productions. They seem to now be taking full advantage.

There are two bands who share performing duties across the week. I watched Michael Gagliano as John Lennon (guitar and vocals), Ian B. Garcia as Paul McCartney (bass guitar and vocals), John Brosnan as George Harrison (guitar and vocals) and Phil Martin as Ringo Starr (drums). All four men try hard to be convincing as their Liverpudian alter-egos (cue accents and gesturing) and they all have notable talent, but this show doesn’t show that off to the full.

I find that there is little to comment on… the lack of story and acting means it is like watching a good cover band. Indeed in some ways this group of musicians appear more versatile than the original fab four. The cast have character, and the frequent costume and wig changes help… but branding Let it Be as a show doesn’t make sense. I expected more, but once I accepted the lack of drama I began to relax and enjoy the music more.

Occasionally there is a fifth, extra, plain dressed musician lurking in the background providing the orchestral vibe on a keyboard. He a) doesn’t get much credit and b) looks a bit draft when obviously everyone knows there were only four Beatles. It is not well planned and distracts the viewer from believing the band’s reincarnation.

I enjoyed the song choices, most of my favourites and the cast worked hard to encourage the audience to rise to their feet and join in the choruses. Towards the end I even began to have fun.

For Beatles fanatics this is a must see, and it is perfectly adequate as a fun musical night out, but perhaps more of a show for tourists, there is just not enough in ‘Let it Be’ to keep Londoners entertained.

Continues until 19 January, book here.