Troubadour James Vincent McMorrow thrilled fans on Sunday with an animated and remarkable solo folk performance at Leeds’ newest music venue and bar ‘The Call Lane Social’. Despite the unbearable heat of the tiny upstairs room, decked out in a Hawaiian feel with bamboo and lights everywhere, it was a truly outstanding set. The artist, now touring here to rise his profile in the UK, has already had a number one success in his native Ireland with his debut album ‘Early in the Morning’ with The Dubliner describing it as ‘one of the first truly great albums of the decade’. To add to this impressive start, McMorrow will be touring America and performing at SXSW festival in March. For such an established folk artist, it was an incredibly intimate gig.
Support came from London based accomplished piano player and singer-songwriter Rob Bravery, who began the evening’s proceedings with an impressive solo set. He seemed to be influenced by a range of artists, from Tom Yorke to Joanna Newsom and Elliot Smith. An intense cover of ‘Department of Eagles’ was a particular highlight.
McMorrow walked out on stage to a silent eagerly awaiting audience, and began playing without saying a word. The audience would remain captivated with the artist from then on, seeming to hang on his every word and the set was to be whimsical, lethargic yet engaging as the artist played his ghostly acoustic songs. The album ‘Early in the Morning’ was recorded in a solitary house by the sea, and we certainly gained a feeling of the environment where the tracks were written. We must immediately avoid comparisons to Bon Iver, there is something particularly original about McMorrow’s sound seeming to have a layered affect, even within a solo performance; maybe a one man ‘Fleet Foxes’ is a more revealing label.
Playing his full set list, including the echoing ‘This Old Machine’ with its chanting and distinctive lyrics, as well as an epic unplugged version of ‘If I Had a Boat’, with its heroic singing and expounding guitar, seemed to leave the audience with an expression of awe. The diversity within the tone and sound of the tracks was impressive, as was the changes in the pace that took the audience by surprise. A Cover of Sun Kills Moon’s ‘Like the River’ was also to the audiences’ taste. It was interesting to see this slimmed down version of McMorrow’s music; as he suggested his live band performances, which he will be bringing on tour later this year, were not the same as these intimate solo gigs where he could connect with the audience. Playing solo seemed his natural disposition.
This is the second solo folk gig I’ve been to recently, the first being Benjamin Francis Leftwich, and there seems similarities between these whimsical solo acoustic artists; coy on stage and confident while singing, providing the audience with stories and witticisms. McMorrow’s telling of his experiences with Morrissey and Akon particularly pleased the supporting audience.
A great set from the successful and well established artist. His album ‘Early In the Morning’ is available to buy and download now.
James Vincent McMorrow – If I Had A Boat by partisanpr
James Vincent Mcmorrow – This Old Dark Machine by partisanpr
