Review of Brendan Campbell and Christine Bovill at The Liquid Ship, Glasgow

Some nights are just magical and make you remember why you love music so much and what makes music so special(apologies for coming across all Wonder Years), but this was one of these nights.

Winnie, Paul and I pulled up in pop’s station wagon to the Liquid Ship(classy west end of Glasgow establishment) and wandered down stairs to a candle lit, intimate setting, perfect for 2 acts, sorry 2 artists who ended up collaborating that night, the first time they had even met, but which was very much in the spirit of the night a charity bash in aid of a Maggie’s centre- A Maggie’s Centre is a place to turn to for help with any of the problems, small or large, associated with cancer.

Under one roof you can access help with information, benefits advice, psychological support both individually and in groups, courses and stress reducing strategies. You don’t have to make an appointment, or be referred and everything we offer is free of charge.

It is there for anybody who feels the need for help, which includes those who love and look after someone with cancer, who often feel as frightened and vulnerable as those who actually have the disease. For more information go here!

Brendan Campbell- Brendan appeared from another gig he had been playing that night as a last minute favour to the organisers, due to a band pulling out on the night. He was soon on stage with the organiser putting down a pint of lager to the appreciative singer/songwriter. Folk hero are not words that get used a lot nowadays and I don’t think they are words Brendan would use to describe himself judging by his humble yet down to earth, self deprecating stage banter, but just looking at Brendan, you can tell he’s something and someone a bit different and special in the best sense of the words. And then he starts playing and starts singing, then you listen to his lyrics. He opens with ‘Venice’, with a lovely melody like a Paul Simon Graceland song with a hint of Glaswegian accent and perfectly executed guitar picking, taking your imagination to another place and time. He sings“It doesn’t matter anymore, can’t feel no pain any more” and you believe what he’s saying. Heartfelt lyrics “I am cold, make me warm, hold my hand, walk me home tonight”- simple and romantic but tell a tale and show a lot of heart. He played further tracks from his outstanding debut ‘Burgers and Murders’ including the title track, a sad song about a young boy found beneath a bridge that looks around at a lot of societies ills surrounding not just the murder but the area in which it was committed. Brendan speaks to the crowd in between songs and you know he’s talking about places he’s been and things he’s seen. His working class accent and slang go hand in hand with the intelligence and craft he has for songwriting. This is displayed in one of the many hilarious moments during the night. Brendan is handed a whisky in between songs, he asks what it is and then shakes his head in resigned knowledge that it doesn’t matter as it’s a gift he has to drink it. He knocks it back and is nearly sick on stage. It takes him about 20 seconds to compose himself with the crowd cheering and laughing, he half burps out “that’s why I don’t drink whisky”. Then on with the set (hardcore). The rest of the set is equally sublime; he plays his last single ‘Pirate Song’ which sounds immense with just man and guitar, catchy, melodic, every foot in the house tapping and every head nodding. What does he sound like? I hear you ask. A wee bit Nick Drake, a wee bit Bob Dylan a wee bit of Sting, a wee bit Paul Simon and a big bit Brendan Campbell. Absolutely amazing. Set over, drinking resumes. Just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better on comes Christine Bovill.

www.brendancampbell.co.uk

Christine Bovill, another last minute addition to the bill. Who pulls out of charity gigs? Sick, sick individuals! Anyway, it worked out for the best. I can’t imagine it being a better night even if Michael Jackson turned up duetting with Elvis and synchronised moonwalking with the King. Christine’s vocals are beautiful, delicate and soulful in emotion but strong in her delivery. She does a show of Edith Piaf songs, of whom there is some influence and she sang a couple from this repertoire, captivating the audience with her tender take on these haunting songs. Christine’s use of words and imagery are equally as prevalent in her own songs which will both break your heart and make you fall in love. Everyone in the audience seemed to stop drinking and something happened at a packed night, which I have never seen before, everyone was quiet and paid full attention. Men left their drinking buddies to sit alone closer to the front and tuned in. Woman looked on at someone who seemed to be expressing their emotions. The conversation was unanimous at the end of the night. It was a magical moment, no one wanted to miss a note. Bringing things back to earth in between songs in front of the whole crowd and only half joking, a very tactless boyfriend was heard to say to his girlfriend “How can you no dae that?” As we were all listening the whole crowd burst out in uproarious laughter, including his girlfriend. We all kind of new what he meant. Had Brendan been on second she would have had a good comeback to that, anyway the night proceeded. Pulling the crowd in deeper with lyrics of love and emotion-“So come and sing a new song, through this thunderstorm tonight. I’ll whisper all my secrets in your ear, my candle still has two good ends, lets burn it’s midnight flame and dance together till the morning light.” The change of atmosphere in the room matched every emotion, warm, sad, sensual and awe inspiring. As an encore Christine then got Brendan and a couple of percussionists up to sing some Elvis covers. Hitting harmonies with 2 distinct but amazing voices. Brendan by this point half cut, maybe from that whisky earlier on, but somehow this suited the vibe of the night, hollering into the microphone with Christine taking the lead on the vocal and driving it along, the percussionists giving the beat and rhythm. This was a night of legends. 2 last minute acts coming together to save a charity night, captivating a crowd, who very much felt a part of the whole thing. Everyone was singing and dancing along, laughing with smiles on faces and lots of money being donated. Pudsey Bear wouldn’t have looked out of place. It was a night I’ll never forget. Maybe not the wonder years but certainly a wonder night. Check Christine out.

By John McAlinden 28Aug 2009