JACK SAVORETTI | LIVE REVIEW
The Tramshed, Cardiff, Weds 2 Mar
Wednesday night in Cardiff and all roads led to the Tramshed off Clare Street. The atmosphere was of excited anticipation, and a diversity of ages proving live music is healthy in the UK as people packed a Cardiff venue on a cold March evening.
Earl, a solo singer-songwriter from Alaska now based in London, opened proceedings. She chatted and sang, warming the stage and venue, and shared anecdotes and songs – including Good Witch, currently being played on Radio 2. This, her first UK tour, will get her noticed.
Jack Savoretti’s songs tonight had a personal passion, his vocal power and range showing his voice is exceptional, and his stage presence amenable. A dramatic intro led into Written In Scars, the title track of his current album. Cardiff was royally entertained with Jack’s brand of alt-rock/folk. Through the music we heard blues, country and roots music blended to create a Savoretti sound that is lyrically and musically stupendous; he refuses to be captured in a cul-de-sac that being linked with a specific genre can become.
Savoretti’s band added depth of tonal colour, creating an atmosphere that soaked into the structure of the venue. The crowd appeared enthralled by all four members, but in reality all eyes were on Jack as he had the audience’s rapt attention. The band created deep rhythms, stylish riffs, licks and magnificent chords. They were delighted as Fight Until The End and Breaking The Rules were sung, the atmosphere scintillating.
We were treated to Jack’s acoustic solo of Dylan’s Nobody ‘Cept You – his voice deep and melodic, filling the Tramshed from the edge of the stage up into the rafters. The crowd continued to be pleased and sang along to the numbers they love so much. The whoops of pure joy rang around the venue, the energy of live music is addictive. No, the silence didn’t last: he and the band were back for three more songs for an encore with Come Shine The Light, a closing number that will linger as an earworm for everyone at this sell-out gig.
words and photos LIZ AIKEN