It might have been distinctly uninspiring outside The
Flapper tonight (unseasonably nippy and just a trifle moist) but deep in the
bowels of this legendary Birmingham boozer and gig venue Patrick Duff (for
newcomers yes, he was the lead singer of critically acclaimed late 90s alt rock
band Strangelove) is once again delivering the sort of set that makes you glad you’ve
got ears. If that sounds a little over dramatic just go and see him first (by the way he's supporting The Blue Aeroplanes on their June tour).
On
the surface he’s simply a gifted singer songwriter with a guitar but he sprinkles each
and every song with something truly special, from the primal howl at the climax
of opening number No Man’s Land right through to the improv mouth trumpet solo
during set closer Three Little Monkeys. Plucking songs from his solo albums
(the third’s recorded and funding is currently being raised via PledgeMusic for
a very special vinyl pressing) this evening, like all of Patrick’s sets, took
you through pretty much the full range of human emotions from the resigned collective
despair of Fucked and on to the resurrection shuffle of Dead Man Singing. It’s pure,
raw, powerful stuff sung by man who knows the highs and lows of modern life better
than most, an artist whose rich history (both person and ancestral) echoes
throughout each and every note and it is...in my humble opinion...simply magical.
After a
number of years in the wilderness (literally – he lived in some woods for a
while – and metaphorically) now really seems like something of a rebirth for
him with a new manager, Nick, clearly as passionate about Patrick's talent as...well...I am.
From a familiar name to a new one, although 28 year
old Tom Copson has clearly been winning over some impressive fans with none
other than Seasick Steve stopping by one of his busking gigs and hanging around
for 20 minutes or so before inviting him to his own gig later that day. If it’s
good enough for Seasick...
Opening with an inventive folked up version of Cameo’s
classic Word Up was a great way to start the gig and, whilst the venue may have
been less than packed out (oh the perils of a self promoted Sunday night gig on
a wet and windy May evening in Brum), it was enthusiastically received. It was
on the self penned tracks that Tom’s forte really becomes clear with an impressive
vocal range and power that’s clearly benefited hugely from his busking days.
Pick
of the set included Treehouse, a dreamy vision of a future lived with the girl
of his dreams, a VW campervan and a treehouse. I can relate to that (not sure
that my swimming pool sized enamel bath would fit in there though) and Prayers
For Benjamin. It’s on this latter track that Tom digs out the omnichord, an
obscure instrument from the 80s favoured by, amongst others Brian Eno and Nick
Rhodes (now there’s a pairing I’d like to see). It’s a really great song (even
without the omnichord), written I believe for a friend in the grip of the
debilitating illness of ME and sung tonight with the sort of passion that,
would such miracles resist, might just result in a cure.
The homage to...and
warning against...the joys and pains of the demon drink in Uncluttered Spaces
gave Tom another chance to showcase that impressive 4 octave vocal range of his
whilst giving all of us who like a pint or three a moment of reflection. With
some strong songs and a voice to match it was a really enjoyable set, capping
off an intimate evening that really deserved more of an audience.
PS: Tom’s new single, Moments, is out today on iTunes.
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