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Michael Chapman

Venue: Acoustic Village - The Grand
Town: Clitheroe
Date: 14th April
Website: http://www.michaelchapman.co.uk/

Tonight sees the tenth Acoustic Village night at The Grand in Clitheroe; a venue that is increasing in popularity and in its dedication and commitment to live music. The crowd is entertained by two fantastic local acts that provide a warm welcome to one man.

9:25pm and the less than imposing figure of Michael Chapman walks on stage armed with a couple of guitars and an amplifier. Humble and comedic in his opening few words he precedes on an old electric jazz style Gibson guitar. What is evident straight away is an understanding of melody and harmony that comes only with years of playing and dedication to music. Chapman opens with 'Trains'; a tune with its essence rooted popular music and culture but executed in a way to please folk, pop and rock fans alike. Some of the chord sequences we hear throughout the night are reminiscent of bands such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan (to name but three) but have an unmistakable Chapman twist in there.

Simply undeniable is Chapman's feel for the blues, both musically and lyrically. His voice rasps of events passed with soulfulness and genuineness that helps silence the audience, thus creating an atmosphere that perfectly suits the music. The rasp of his voice also suggests years of not only singing but of abuse, possibly a reason why tonight's setlist consists of a great deal of instrumental work. Also worthy of note is how the stage looks; Chapman's relatively small equipment rig demonstrates the ability to put on a fantastic show without the need for different amps, guitars, keyboards etc; something which is refreshing within today's live music scene. The lighting is modest too and works fantastically well with the music, helping create this quiet, compelling atmosphere.

Throughout the evening, Chapman demonstrates not only fantastic melody and harmony on guitar but a technical prowess that impresses and pleases the audience. Towards the end of the set, he entertains the crowd with a story of how one of his songs was the inspiration for 'Stairway To Heaven' before launching into a superb rendition of 'Kodak Ghosts'. Chapman closes the night with 'La Madrugada', a song that includes some of his trademark fingerpicking and slide guitar styles and, like so many of his songs, embraces inspiration from all around the world. When songs that well written are executed to such an impressive and entertaining degree, it's hardly any wonder Michael Chapman is not only amongst musical legends, but is an inspiration to them too.

Richard Blenkinsop