SEASICK STEVE | LIVE REVIEW
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 28 Apr
Some say a pyramid has mystical, magical properties: since Seasick Steve appeared in the one at Glastonbury some years ago, helped on his way by Jools Holland and his Later… show, there must be something in it, because his magic has spread all over this country.
Appealing to all ages judging by the enthusiastic, at-capacity audience, this magic was no doubt aided by hard work and skills learned through years of playing so many different stringed instruments. Several guitars are joined by some homemade curiosities: a Morris Minor hubcap, washboard and broom handles. Steve probably has a Research & Development shed full of rejected models and some in later stages of development.
However, his voice comes over as though filtered through a fine bourbon that has travelled the many highways of America. His song Self-Sufficient Man says he took care of himself since he was 13 years old – which I believe he did – and formed the character we all know today.
Treasures, like many of his songs, reveals the stories written in the lines of his face. Such emotions can only be shown through true life experiences, while Georgina Leach’s violin adds a haunting, atmospheric quality to this number. With Walking Man, we hear the warm and touching side of this accomplished musician; sung to a girl from the audience, I’m sure she will not forget her brief moment of fame.
After his many stories, anecdotes and the occasional slurp of wine, we come to the end but the audience demand more. The encore starts with Gentle On My Mind, proving his guitar skills and picking his way through a beautifully sung classic number: a pin-dropping few minutes. I am sure that everyone in attendance tonight will look forward to Steve’s next visit to Cardiff, with memories of a most entertaining man and the cheeky twinkle in his eye.
words RUPERT MONTGOMERY photos GARETH GRIFFITHS