WORDS BY JANET HARDING
Another Friday night acoustic set from an iconic British musician at Warrington’s Irish Club is tonight’s outing. These events are genuinely very special gig and have become well known and eagerly anticipated locally, although many fans travel from across the UK to attend these intimate and stripped back events, each one having its own feel, atmosphere and identity, tonight’s being no exception – Ian Prowse of Amsterdam and Pele, one musical treat indeed. Well known for bringing a real good time as well as being stand out musically; it’s one I’ve been eager to get to.
Support – Simon Howard
From Southport, but now London based, Simon Howard is first up tonight, joined by violinist Aninka Rosa, and this is one opener and a half. Right from the start it’s a powerful performance. Vocal is very strong, a fullness and far reaching notes; acoustic guitar strumming is enthusiastic and the rich tones of the violin really add another layer, a sadness almost, to the already emotive feels of this set. Haunting, full of feeling, it’s a very moving set and people are transfixed by Simon and Aninka. The stage presence is nothing short of immense and interaction is very low key but genuine and very well received.
A gentle feel is present throughout but also there’s a real force behind this exquisite sound. Brilliantly written original songs with a stunning vocal and compelling performance. Simon will be headlining some shows in London next, dates are: 26th October –The Moustache Bar, London; 24th November- the Macbeth, London
Set list
1/ Youths ground
2/ No evidence
3/ Life of today
4/ Loves on the run
5/ Higher
6/ Not like Superman
7/ Cancellation
8/ Trojan horse
Ian Prowse and Friends – Headline
Ian Prowse – lead vocal/acoustic guitar
Jimmy Boy Breckon – piano
Laura MacMillan – fiddle/backing vocals
Another full throttle, power house of a performance coming right at us from the very beginning! Totally different feels now, a real “Mersey sound”– strummy guitar, melodic, fast paced piano and a folk feel provided by the upbeat fiddle. The mixture of male vocal with female backing works excellently together creating a real voluminous sound. Ian’s vocal is light, then becomes full; it’s joyous and spirited and very characterful. It feels sunny and celebratory and the good times are rolling.
A real sing along in a friendly, ‘everybody’s welcome’ style, almost like some pub in times gone by round a roaring fire. It’s high vibrational and impossible not to smile and get carried away on the crest of this wave of happiness. Everyone’s singing along, clapping in time, feet are tapping and it’s thoroughly immersive; the sounds simply wrap themselves around us; it’s such a party feeling atmosphere that’s being created here. Between songs Ian chats about song themes, talks about old times and tells stories; a very intimate feeling gig, even though tonight’s venue is full. A brimming set with encore and extra songs thrown in for good measure, this has been the musical gift that keeps giving; a total joy and excellent experience tonight. Songs have ranged from moving to inspiring to downright ‘shindig’ in style.
After the set Ian is on hand for photos to chat to fans and sign merchandise, adding a real personal edge to this show, which has been wonderful! The Amsterdam ‘Fireworks’ tour finishes in December this year with a final show on December 9th where Ian will perform with Amsterdam in a special, near enough, homecoming gig at the 02 Academy in Liverpool with a 12 piece band. Going by tonight’s performance it’s one not to be missed, I highly recommend it; this stuff is so good for the soul!
Set list
1/ Taking on the world
2/ Oh Lord
3/ Policemen
4/ Holy Holy River
5/ The glorious day
6/ Dessie
7/ Here I lie
8/ Fireworks
9/ In the beginning
10/ Name and number
11/ Home
12/ I did it for love
13/ Raid the palace
14/ Born to run (cover)
15/ Merseyside
FOLLOW IAN PROWSE
FOLLOW SIMON HOWARD
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
