Tuesday, 25 November 2003

Arts

Gig: Juliet Turner

Tonight then, was Juliet Turner at The Borderline. And you'd not believe me if I said she wasn't wonderful to see and hear, so I won't disappoint on that matter.

As ever I had to leave just before the encore so I could guarantee my place on the last train home (such sacrifices, living in Suffolk). But for once, I didn't feel too bad about it. The reason? While Juliet was good, what really blew me away was her support act, Astrid.

(The first support, The Lovers were inoffensive and I'd like to see them again, but they need to tighten up a lot. Oh, and they need to drop the out-of-tune harmonica and find a drummer without an attitude problem - he waltzed in one minute before the band were due to go on stage, oblivious to the stress he'd heaped on the other members. I can't find the band's website, and the fact that I can't be bothered to look too hard might give you a clue as to what I think of them.)

But back to Astrid. She's Scottish (always helps!), sang beautifully and kept my attention throughout the set. I came away with her eponymous album which I'll no doubt review sometime this week on these pages. In a capsule though, melodic, harmonic, intelligent, beautiful lyrics. (Sorry, I'm gushing.)

Juliet was on fine form. She played songs from the forthcoming album Season of the Hurricane as well as cuts from her other two albums.

I was surprised to see no-one I knew at the gig. I'd tried to rustle up someone to go along with, but went down anyway certain that I'd bump into a familiar face at a gig that was sure to attract other Greenbelters. But I didn't recognise anyone. The Borderline wasn't full either, and I suspect the two are related: the gig was woefully promoted.

On the train on the way back I rounded the evening out in the company of a friend whose voice wasn't present, but whose work was. Jude's documentary on the influence of Nashville music on the UK scene was being played out on Radio 1. For once an educational accompaniment to my return trip.

Posted by pab at 01:29