WORDS JANET HARDING / IMAGES EDIE LEES
I’m back in Warrington’s Irish Club tonight for a sold out return visit from the magnificent Mark Chadwick, front man of folk legends, the Levellers. It’s always a great night at these acoustic events at this welcoming venue, and, if last year’s is anything to go by, tonight’s is sure to be an absolute banger! Not only is Mark doing a full set of all the well loved Levellers’ hits, but local band, The Bemonts, will be performing in support. What more could we ask for?
The Bemonts
To get things started tonight we have half of the Bemonts, performing a special acoustic set. I just love seeing a band known for epic, full band performances doing these slowed down, stripped back sets, and tonight’s is incredible. A whole other feel is conjured up here. Obviously we have that familiar Americana, soft rock sound, but it’s in its purest form. The atmosphere created is intense, brimming with emotion and is very stirring. With Glen on guitar and Dave providing vocal and guitar, it’s a very musically tight set and on top form. Great stage presence, very watchable and we are transported to some other place of dusty, orange roads and hazy, sunshine-filled days of road trips with windows wound down. Excellent set with a crowd fully embracing it, what a performance!
Mark Chadwick – headline
As a crowd we really are like a coiled spring,ready to bounce into action – shoulder to shoulder at this point, everyone drink in hand and ready for what we know will be a special experience. Mark begins his set in a flurry of high energy, bright and breezy and with real joy. It’s a feeling of loving life and having a good time, a theme which continues throughout tonight’s set. This event has drawn people from all over the UK; it’s a really inclusive, ‘everyone’s welcome’ feeling, of loyal fans embracing a great night. It feels like a real party. Vocal is bright and breezy, like a warm summer breeze, yet filled with character and a hint of playfulness. Interaction with the audience is genuine, warm, lively and humorous. Talk between songs is kept brief, meaning we get a brimming full of content set list. Songs are sung back to Mark from an enthusiastic crowd with real gusto and everyone is dancing, clapping and smiling. You can feel the love in here for this music.
The energy created here tonight, and certainly what I take away from this, is that Mark seems to bring that essence of fun and happiness and sprinkles his own brand of this everywhere he goes. It’s a real tonic let me tell you! Even if you’re not a massive fan, it’s just so infectious, we’re left uplifted and in awe, not just of his musicality and talent, but of his entire energy. Sing-along, ‘knees up’ vibes, enthusiastic strumming of glorious indie folks anthems radiate throughout. Honestly it’s been a stand out event (again). Mark had our entire venue eating from the palm of his hand and loving every second, ending on the biggest high with “What a beautiful day”. It’s almost like soul therapy! I certainly left tonight feeling a real spring in my step and a renewed feeling of positivity, the words really resonating and following me home – “I’m the king of all time, and nothing is impossible in my all powerful mind”.
FOLLOW MARK CHADWICK
THE BEMONTS
Music is my lifeblood and writing about this creative force is my passion.Im never happier than at a live gig,festival or listening to music,pen and notebook in hand.
