Speed Caravan, Dingwalls, London - October 7th
We had heard that this band were a top-notch live outfit that rocked the kasbah on a regular basis and tonight was their Kalashnik Love album launch. So we hot-footed it down to a rain-drenched Camden and readied ourselves to be mesmorised by the lure of north African promise. Speed Caravan are a Paris-based five-piece who blend a mix of traditional north African influences with their western couterparts - rock, electronic/dance, hip-hop and whatever takes their fancy. Chief protagonist is Mehdi Haddab, a virtuoso of the classical oud, a fretless Arabic lute. His oud was amplified and appeared to be fed through many gadgets tonight. He wasn’t shy and seemed well versed with the western world’s love affair of six-string gods as he did his best impression of a tortured guitar hero at every opportunity - we kid you not…
Gladys Knight, Wembley Arena, London - October 8th
When an artist steps on stage glittering from head to toe and says: “Hey y’all! Work day’s over it’s time to party!” you know you’re in safe hands. Gladys Knight has been performing for nearly 50 years with Pips and without, so what she doesn’t know about stage-craft and singing ain’t worth knowing. Her show was a masterclass in performing, her voice majestic and her crowd patter radiated warmth - Gladys made her gig into a two-hour party and brought Wembley Arena to its knees. From her opening number of Every Beat Of My Heart, you knew we were in the presence of pop royalty…
Natalie Imbruglia, Heaven, London - October 1st
Natalie Imbruglia’s first album for four years - Come To Life - was due to hit the shops this month, but for reasons known only to her record company it’s now been pushed back to February next year. Her new material wasn’t hiding anywhere last week at Heaven though, taking front and centre stage at her gig along with a beaming Natalie and a sparkling dress that shimmered all night…
Sky Larkin, Cargo, London - September 30th
We’ve been eagerly following the progress of Sky Larkin for the past year or so, impressed with their jaunty singles and their USP of having a female singer - how terribly crazy. At Cargo this week a decent-sized crowd turned up to see the band play songs from their debut album The Golden Spike and it transpired that the band has another USP - a demented drummer who makes Animal off of the Muppets look tame…
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