Reviews
Artist:Lou Brown Band
Venue:Bournemouth Folk Club
Town:Bournemouth
Date:13/12/08
Website:http://www.myspace.com/loubrownmusic
A very dark, cold and wet thirteenth may seem like an ominous date for my first gig of the year, but as soon as I crossed the threshold into, what's rapidly becoming my musical home, Bournemouth Folk Club, the atmosphere changed to warm and welcoming.
Breaking my duck for the year was local act, The Lou Brown Band. The word on Lou is spreading and this was to be her last UK gig before embarking to the US of A for her album launch and promotional tour.
It occurred to me how unusual it was for a contemporary English roots act, not playing fiddle music to make the move across the pond these days. Whilst the various descendents of the Celtic nations have support networks that enable musicians from the homeland to tour, there is no such networks for English folk. It's hard graft to put tours together so great kudos for Lou for doing it.
There was a good turn out. Lou is held in genuine affection in these parts. She's a song writer of no mean talent, able to turn a great song out of everyday events. Her illness last year seems to have been a particular good inspiration, without becoming maudlin or depressing.
A good example was an up-tempo number about not going quietly to the grave, but rather going out with 'chardonnay, chocolate and a cheeky grin.' That's not to say she can't turn on the emotional material. A song about a friend's stillborn and how that challenges belief in divine forces, was not only thought provoking, but also a real heart string tugger.
Lou is a singer that can switch from bright and breezy to dark and emotional on the flip of a switch and because she's got real belief in her songs, it doesn't sound contrived. A good line in between song banter help set the pieces up.
Whilst the gig was billed as The Lou Brown Band, a more appropriate description would have been, The Lou Brown Session. During the course of the two forty five minute sets, Lou performed with the full band, as a trio, a duo and a solo artist. She even left the stage at one point so that various band members could showcase material they had been working on outside of the band. There is actually a law that states folk musicians and associated performers are not allowed to be in just one band, unless it's their first. :
It gave Bob Burke the chance to mention his forthcoming album and bass player, Martyn Oakland and backing vocalist Amiee Newsome Stone to step into the limelight. It also gave the gig an edge, as you really didn't know what was coming next or how Lou was going to deliver the song. It was great.
As I said earlier, Lou has a good line in banter. Before the end of her set we knew about how nervous she was at the start, close to vomiting apparently and how her b@stard of a landlord was withholding her deposit while they resolved a dispute. There was a silver lining to the row. Lou has produced a highly limited edition ep, with tracks not be included anywhere else, in order to cover the financing of the tour. An absolute bargain and highly recommended. And a massive boo hiss to the otherwise completely unreasonable capitalist abusing his power.
Lou played some great material old and new. She's a fantastic wordsmith with a good understanding of what makes a good song. She can do everything from setting poetry to music, if you get the chance check out "11:23" to out and out bluegrass rockers.
This wasn't just a good gig to kick off the year and shake out the cobwebs. This was a good gig by any standard. Roll on 2008.