Plan B

The rebirth of Plan B. Tonight, His album is No 1 in the midweek charts and the Classic Grand is buzzing with anticipation (Apart from John, The bar manager who is I.D`ing guys in their 30`s)

`When We Are Kings` kicked things off with an enjoyable set. Jamie King and his fine backing band (Including drummer Ben Piper) played each song with an unrelenting passion. Mostly folk-style ballads with a vocal in the vein of Thom Yorke but the songs occassionally burst into boystrous noise, especially towards the end. A band I would watch again.

Next up, Maverick Sabre who I will tip to go onto greater things. Originally from Wexford, Ireland but the only time you would know that was the inbetween song banter. The voice that sings is almost Jamaican, The voice that raps more Landaaan like. The music is intriguing. Guitars that strum along nicely like Jack Johnson and choruses that soar with the potency of Tracey Chapman. Its Beerjacket meets Mike Skinner with a dose of Jamie T. His E.P looked to be seeling well and the crowd that was filling up seemed to love it. Highlights `Lonely Side of Life` is an instant classic and `Sometimes` with its thought provoking lyrics got the crowd firmly on his side even before `When We Are Kings` members came back onstage to lend him a hand. I met him briefly at the gig where he tells me there is an E.P avaialble to buy and was informed by one of his entourage that the E.P was selling very well, Something that doesnt surprise me one bit.

Now its time for Plan B. In my opinion, This could be the biggest transformation in music history. I seen him play at Edinburgh Fringe years ago when he rocked and shocked the crowd with angst ridden underground rap music. He spat controversial rhymes with at times only his acoustic guitar for company. Not tonight though, Tonight he was a star. He had gospel backing singers, A suited and booted backing band, A luxury of equipment and even fluffy white towels. The stage was like the Amy Winehous `Valerie` video shoot. The lighting was a sight to behold. The place was jam packed with a whole new type of audience gained from the hits `She Says` and `Stay Too Long` and they lapped up up every moment as he played the new soul album pretty much from start to finish.

His vocals were magnificent and his occasional rap delivery excellent. It was epic, The sound was fantastio and anyone who had never heard of Plan B before the recent album drop would have left the night in awe of the mans talent. There is also no doubt that the L.P `The Defamation of Strickland Banks` will sell bucketloads and become many`s soundtrack for the summer of 2010.

However, Its worth noting that I wasnt the only person in the crowd who was at times baffled at what was unfolding onstage and a little disapointed that none of the older songs were played (apart from `Charmaine` which was probably the most pop sounding song of his debut `Who needs Actions when you got Words`) this was reserved for the encore but that couldnt stop you noticing of people, Quietely confused and s at the transformation from the raw and angry English Eminem to the soulful and enigmatic English Justin Timberlake.

Two things remain undoubtedly the same and that is his talent and his passion. Every song sounded like a potential hit and for every one unhappy punter is another fifty who will buy his records and go to his shows again. He is finally going to get the album sales and media coverage his skills deserve. Plan C is in operation. I wouldnt be surprised if Plan D is a return to his roots or perhaps, In a totally new direction. So his new fans could themselves be in for a surprise next time Plan B hits the road, Or they could achieve that same effect much quicker by simply downloading his first album.