Willy Mason @ The Liquid Room
You know he means every word.
Due in part to his unease with the machinations of the music industry, this American troubadour isn't quite as big as he could be. Nevertheless, this gig sold out weeks ago and the crowd swells early to catch intriguing support act Elvis Perkins. While Perkins' music has a hint of melancholy about it, his backing band, Dearland, make sure the mood never gets too low with upright double-bass, accordion and a drummer with a penchant for ambling to the front of the stage thumping a big-band bass drum combining to create a flavoursome mix of country and baroque gypsy pop.
When Willy Mason finally shuffles on-stage, at first nobody really notices. It's safe to say he's pretty unassuming for a big guy, but when he sings, his voice is loud and clear. There's a spine-tingling version of Oxygen to be enjoyed tonight, and an affecting rendition of latest single We Can Be Strong, with violinist Nina Violet pitching in with a sweet vocal on the chorus. Although sometimes seeming like he has the weight of the world on his young shoulders, when intoning on his favoured themes of personal struggle, inner demons and the State Of Things Today, you listen, because you know he means every word. [Barry Jackson]