Glam Folk

The last time I saw Jim Moray was at Madame JoJo's, a gay disco in Soho, at the launch gig for his second album last spring. This was a much more down-home event, in a very typical folk club, in Twickenham. Last time he had a full electric band, this time it was just the lad (in sane) himself on piano, guitar and mandolin, and occasional support from a fiddle player and an accordianist. The set was all traditional songs, and this stripped down band showed up a slight lack of character and variation in his voice, but also what an excellent folk guitar player he is. Reminded me very much of Martin Carthy, using the guitar as an agressive percussion instrument, rather than to play the melody. He also seemed more relaxed and at home, but I also felt he was playing to the wrinkly, ponytailed, graying folkies, and accordingly restrained himself from any but the most subtle electronic interference.

Support came from Lisa Knapp, not someone I'd ever heard of previously, but she was excellent. Playing guitar, auto-harp and fiddle, her voice was beautifully clear and plaintive, and her choice of songs was inspired. I bought her CD afterwards, and it is probably one of the better albums of last year.