My First time seeing David solo -

*When I saw the keyboards brought centre stage I thought that's a good sign. I am so glad went .
I had no idea what to expect seeing David solo, and It blew me away

The Bedford, London 9th October 2006

'David is strong solo & affectionate new song Liza : White noise, Lady Lullaby, Liza, Insomnia, God or No God

‘he delivered a strong and fun performance. The songs sounded the best so far and his piano playing so wonderful I can’t connect this to the subdued guy I heard perform with the band two years ago here. Blew my mind. So worth it.’

I take the subway, and the high speed train, and I wonder, why am I going so far to hear this young guy sing a few songs? His voice stirs many emotions, and his songs…… are intimate, and touch and move in a deep way. But I am, and so far I’ve taken this trip before and I wondered why? The rain was lashing on the train windows - why do I get so excited to see him perform live.

The Bedford is a fun venue, and I’ve been here twice before. Tony Moore runs it to encourage new artists – and asks the audience to listen. It’s a very friendly, dark place, with all chairs focused on the stage which is back lit with starry night curtains. . My first visit in 2004 David performed with his band The Sham and John Kielty. The two years since then David’s been working on his Album and as a songwriter for Universal. My second visit in July 2006, David performed his new songs with a nervous energy, unlike anything I have heard from him before.

We were thrilled to find our table right at the front. Rietta Austen from New Zealand had a strong band and enjoyed herself on stage. After waiting very impatiently for Miss Mary to finish their overly long set, a 5 piece band where the girl wailed through each boring song, David’s keys were brought to the centre front of the stage, and he came on with no break which was good.
 
David explained he was feeling rough but very happy.... after being at Hampden to see Scotland beat France on Saturday. I was keen to see David perform solo, and in contrast to the nerves in July I was thrilled to see him so at ease on stage.

He is varying the set and started with the feel good White Noise, then the romantic Lady Lullaby, the new affectionate song Liza, the moving Insomnia and finished with the powerful God or No God. He’s written a touching song for long-time friend Liza – who has eyes of intrigue and deep, deep secrets – ‘Liza dry your eyes, You were made for better things.’ With a jazz rock rhythm it bounces along and David’s enthusiasm for his friend is evident.

David’s feet tap rhythmically. Every time David announces his last song, I am wishing the set wasn’t so short. I particularly enjoyed God or No God. And yes David was a bit rough and on the edge a bit. He nearly might have forgotten words again, or missed a few notes, but he delivered a strong and fun performance. David's vocals were expressive and richer in tone. He came over very strongly, and connected well with the audience. The songs sounded the best so far and his piano playing so wonderful I can’t connect this to the subdued guy I heard perform with the band two years ago here. Blew my mind. So worth it.

As the train speeds back to Glasgow and the misty green hills, I know I’ll be doing this again. David keeps me excited with new fun-filled songs and awesome performances, this being the best I’ve heard from him.
After the Sham set at the Bedford in February 2004 I found it hard to write a report. The Sham were great at Guildford and Aberdeen, but I was never this excited, I am still buzzing days after seeing David solo. I could so clearly hear that magic that first made me a David fan three years ago. I had a good seat near the front and got some good clips, I have never seen David perform so strongly.

Next time I’d like to hear a full set and see David have the 40 minute slot. Tony Moore please take note!
Perhaps also David will have flyers and the EP – well I can wish can’t I? How long are we to wait for a proper recording??
I am wishing David will release in 2007, as 7 is my lucky number!
They say patience is virtue – then we David fans must be very virtuous.

PSS
** The first Bedford had lots of soul, the Johnstone gig was fun, the Cobden lovely singing, The Troubadour I really enjoyed .
But this Bedford last week was in the zone, not only that it was about David's musical voice, the one I bought into three years ago ,and the one I want to hear again. **