JAMES WALSH | LIVE PREVIEW
Who remembers Starsailor? Whilst they may often be lumped in with the glut of forgettable British piano rock bands which were clogging the airwaves in the mid-00s, they always managed to keep their heads above the beige gruel of Athletes and Embraces thanks to frontman James Walsh’s instantly recognizable, warm and melodic voice. During the band’s ongoing hiatus which began in 2009, Walsh has certainly kept himself busy, working with artists ranging from Suzanne Vega and Diana Vickers to Norway’s Tromsø Chamber Orchestra, and writing songs for the likes of Christina Perri.
Walsh has said in interviews that he’s enjoying the freedom that comes with being a solo artist, where it is just him, a guitar and a laptop on stage. He is now embracing influences, such as Randy Newman and Rufus Wainwright, which the rest of Starsailor didn’t warm to, and his frequent collaborations with more youthful pop stars has led to a rejuvenation in his songwriting. It’s clear when listening to his recent EP Time Is Nigh that he’s flourished as an artist in the alone time he’s spent away from his band, and catching him at Clwb Ifor Bach when he visits Cardiff as part of his UK tour next Tuesday will be a great chance to see the seasoned singer-songwriter in his prime and exactly where he wants to be.
words STEPHEN SPRINGATE
James Walsh, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Tues 10 Dec. Tickets: £10. Info: 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net