Oh what a night.... First of all, I've had a pretty big weekend with the V Festival. I got to live out my 12 year old dreams of screaming at Simon Le Bon every time he shook his arse (which was alot of the time). This was after I got to live out my 16 year old dreams of seeing Johnny Marr play guitar (Modest Mouse) and my 17 year old dreams of seeing the Jesus & the Mary Chain. It was a trip back to the 80s for me!!! And boy was it a ride.
But moving on... Steve solo has ALWAYS been one of my favourite ways to get my Church fix. At the solo gigs, there is a level of the unknown that we just don't get with a proper Church gig (4 guys who have debated, created and rehearsed a setlist). I've been lucky enough to see SK solo a number of times... and each time there is a little gem, a song you didn't expect, a guest performer or just having the chance to see SK stripped back to the elements of voice and lyrics. There is a certain purity to it... I've always been a sucker for the acoustic guitar... and when you reduce a Church or SK song to that and a voice, it's just magic.
But what a treat... not just a setlist that mainly steered clear of the DVD content - for which I was greatful and guilty all at once (see previous comments on DVD) - but special guests who enhanced the music in the most subtle and beautiful ways.
Martin Kennedy.... 5 songs from the new collaboration were performed. By song two, I had tears of joy in my eyes.... it was like being in heaven. So different from Isidore, but it's the closest thing I can think of. Lush and beautiful and ethereal and... I don't have the words. But I am now going to count the minutes until this is released.
Travis.... SK used to pull audience members out to play songs he didn't want to play himself at gigs in the early 90s. Travis was apparently pulled from a gig in Perth and as he was in the audience he was called on to play "Almost With You". Then SK sang requests while Travis played guitar. Heaps of fun. Travis is really talented.... and I was thrilled with his selection of "Secret Corners" and "Fly" - "Reptile" was also played.
Finally, we had the drummer/percussionist with Tarmac Adam, join SK. He added just enough to give some sparkle to gems such as "Providence" and "Goliath".
In between all the guests, SK was his charming, entertaining self. He made me laugh much more than any of the shows I'd been to for the Comedy Festival. But he was comfortable. He looked at ease and happily would have kept playing longer if time had permitted. We even got a poetry reading!
All in all.... a wonderful evening. So from this mixed bag, I have to bow my head and do my penance (for any previous SK gigs that I have missed due to weather/travel/laziness) and once again spread the word throughout the land that SK is ........... Well he just is SK and in my eyes that's the best thing you can be.
---Edited code to put paragraph returns in... not sure why they've gone away----
