Review: Adam Peter Smith, Ed James, Catbone, Winterhouse – Jam Café – 11 September 2014

Sometimes at this time of year, you need some chilled out gigs to go to. Whether it’s just to escape from the unreasonable cold or to be in an alternate environment to relax in. Jam proved to be my chill zone on Thursday night, so I decided to document my experience for your eyes to gaze upon should you so wish.

WINTERHOUSE gently nudged me into the evening with a laid back performance of some beautiful folk songs, featuring vocal harmonies which had gentle, prodding solemnity which was very moving. I loved the use of the glock as more of a harmony instrument, rather than using it just for pretty twinkles. It was a great use of the sound, and gelled well with the nature of the music. The songs are arranged very well, with all the instruments being balanced, and the songs had a subtle intensity at times, whilst still being relaxed and also kind of romantic. I loved it.

CATBONE hit the stage feet first, creating stomping rock and roll, with upbeat songs which I can see hitting the crowd here and there, making them bust out some moves. The stripped back acoustic set featured two guitars creating a thick sound, but they use pedals to build up and intersperse their songs with heavy rock sounds and also bluesiness which mixes up the set. I enjoyed feeling the grooves, but I felt they were capable of going places they didn’t with the songs. I’ll have to catch a full band gig at some point. I thought they were a great following act though, and perfect to liven the mood for ED JAMES.

Now this guy, ED JAMES, had his own following which rocked up to the gig, and got so involved in the performance, that they distracted him. He has a really great voice, with some expressive tones and it sounded really good (apart from the technical difficulties experienced half way through the set, but I’ll let that slide). And his band were tight, playing pop/rock infused songs with some crisp and lovely sounding electric guitar work. As I said though, this little crowd of people singing back to him and hugging each other proved to be a little distracting, and Ed did falter a few times due to laughter. They had a great sound though, and I’d like to hear him again.

Now, headlining the evening was ADAM PETER SMITH, who brought along his band to support his gorgeous songwriting. He opens gently, and sweetly which is a great contrast from Ed James’ set. Frazer Lowrie’s backing vocals complemented Adam’s gorgeously, it was touching. Everyone seemed locked into the passion behind the songs, and the performance is emotive and absorbing. The pieces are beautifully written and arranged, and Adam delivered them with unaffronting confidence, charm and buckets of emotion. His guitar work was beautiful as ever, and they all deliver a great performance. Album title track ‘Fulcrum’ was a firm audience favourite, and I expect that was because it’s just a gorgeous song. I enjoyed the whole gig, with the varied genres coming through the different acts, all different but all providing me with a laid back, lovely evening. With the Autumnal weather coming in and beginning to bite everyone’s ass, where else would you rather be than warming yourself in a bar with great local music (and the cider isn’t to shabby either)? I’m looking forward to more gigs like that one.

Review by Cassia Helme