07 February 2007 (gig)
13 February 2007
The intimacy of the upstairs room at Islington Academy is often a pleasant surprise, but I guess the ambience varies depending on whoever happens to be performing. Well, last week did not disappoint.
The Ben Taylor Band played a tender and delicate, yet highly amusing gig, thanks largely to the ease of banter from Mr Taylor himself. His cocky Southern drawl gave him an instant appeal as he delivered the impressively long set.
Taylor started up solo, his gravelly, sweet voice a breath of fresh air as he charmingly sang his 'brutally honest love song', 'Wicked Way’ ('I just want to take you out and get you drunk/So I can have my wicked way with you').
He was joined by a very cool percussionist Peter Saw, tapping away on his wooden box and a quietly lovely Meredith Sheldon on backing vocals and rhythm guitar, who really does have the voice of an angel. She kicked out on a stunning cover of Portishead’s 'Glory Box’, really making it her own.
But the important person here is Ben. With Carly Simon as your mum and James Taylor as your dad you’d have to possess the worst genetic misfortune in the world to NOT be blessed with a stunning voice. Fortunately, Ben’s luck was most definitely in.
Taylor’s songs are beautifully crafted, their simplicity and honest emotion being the thread that runs through numbers like 'Another Run Around the Sun’ and 'Love’, before 'Lady Magic’ beefed things up a bit.
Taylor’s voice is occasionally reminiscent of his father’s. He comes across laid back and of a sharp wit, and not unfamiliar with heartache.
'You Must’ve Fallen’ and 'Nothing I Can Do’ are other highlights, as was a short cap-doff to Amy Winehouse as they broke into a bar or two of 'Rehab’.
The only mar on the night really was the crowd, a large group of whom spent the entire evening rabbiting away VERY loudly. I’m all for a bit of drunken chit-chat during a more raucous gig, but when the artist himself pauses mid-set to ask: 'Would the people having the CONVERSATION at the back of the room please keep it down to a respectable hush? And would those of you not talking, please turn to those around you who are and give them the EVIL EYE,' one ought to take note. We did think for a moment Ben’s ever-so-placid manner was about to take a different turn.
