ShareJamie Lawson Performing at Rock City on Monday 18th January 2016
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Last night a packed Rock City crowd saw why Ed Sheeran chose Jamie Lawson as the first signing to his Gingerbread Man record label, and why this is an artist that is finally getting noticed after plugging away for years in bars across England and Ireland.
Accompanied by a keyboard player, bassist and drummer, he frequently reverted back to what he is most comfortable with, just him and an acoustic guitar.
He opened with The Only Conclusion, a track from his self-titled second album, this being the first of a string of catchy and often achingly beautiful songs which allowed Lawson to hit his stride confidently and quickly. Following with But Love Me and the very beautiful Touch Of Your Hand from his debut album, The Pull Of The Moon, it was hard to see why it has taken him so long to get that step up the ladder.
An audience of diverse ages hung on his every word as new tracks Someone For Everyone and In Our Own Worlds showcased lyrics that are at times heart on sleeve confessional whilst at times buoyant expressions of love. New single Cold In Ohio was giving an outing, as was the hopeful and upbeat Someone For Everyone. But it was his breakthrough song, Wasn’t Expecting That which stunned this audience into silence as its accelerating momentum from first encounter, through marriage and family to sudden bereavement occurs with a swiftness that is disarmingly emotional.
Finishing with Ahead Of Myself, we were reminded of just how good Jamie Lawson is. He delivered a set devoid of attitude and pretentiousness, but with plenty of emotion and honesty, and with a voice that soared, broke and creaked in all the right moments.
If you get the chance to see Jamie Lawson live, then take it. He won’t be in such intimate surroundings for long.
