Highbarn Report - 16th December 2006

David sang a full hour set of 13 songs.
One Old Soul, Time, God or No God, Rocket Man, Lazy, Liza, Anticipation, Insomnia, Northern Lights, So This is Christmas, Lady Lullaby, Don’t Let Go, White Noise.

David has been honing his skills as a writer and performer over the past years, and tonight at Highbarn was to prove a golden showcase. His family and dedicated fans were here to support him along with a packed audience. Large shiny silver Christmas balls hung low and we were all seated at large round tables. Both the front two tables were his long time fans. The Highbarn is run by a dedicated David fan who was actually at the FA final. This long oak Medieval building, full of charm and beauty, is the tallest building in the county, and over 800 years old.

Wonderful magical gig.

When I arrived a low golden sun shed a rainbow over the sky, it reminded me of one of those 360 degree experiences at Disney, with blue purple hues on my left and golden oranges on my right in a magical lit sky, lined by dense black trees. The last time I was at a dark Stansted was for the Bush Hall gig two years ago now. The Sham gigs were fun, but I never felt as excited as I am about this new set.

David sang his heart out, lifted us to the very tall wooden rafters. With new backing guitarist David Mullen, providing an assured and relaxed backdrop, David was headlining, on a wide golden stage and playing a shiny black grand piano. His piano playing came over so strong on the beautiful piano and sitting side onto the audience, we can enter his world of music.

I thought of all the gigs I’ve been to over the years and how this young artist left me breathless. The combination of his engrossing uplifting voice, wonderful piano playing and lovely melodic songs is so unique.
An excellent song selection - something seasonal, something past on the album, a hit single, a song from the artist who most inspired his music, a brand new song, and the five songs for the new EP.

David sings Elton so well, the Rocket Man who first inspired his music.
Folding his legs underneath him he launched into Lennon’s Christmas song, with backing guitar.
For Lazy, David played the sexy slow jazz feel of this fan favourite. I loved hearing Lazy!!
David M was very good on the classic Time.
New song Anticipation, has good dynamics/feel. It’s a huge song, it is like a musical and I can hear the orchestra. Its very instantly catchy too after just a few hearings.
Lady L was the best I’ve heard yet, a powerfully soothing, crooning love song.
There was fun upbeat moments in the set, and powerful sad ones too.
The heartbreak emotions of God or No God and Insomnia.
The power of love in Lady L and White Noise.
God or No God, Lazy and Anticipation were the highlight songs for me. Rocket Man and Lady L were amazing too.

Piano – love the piano and guitar in Anticipation – the vocals are very dreamy too. Mmmmmmmmmmm

David connected well with the audience and I hope he was pleased with his performance.
On occasions I felt the guitar may have been just a little too loud, but maybe that’s because I wanted to hear David’s piano!
What a nice lady Kate is that runs the Highbarn, I’d love to run a venue like that here. David obviously has so many fans scattered around. I so hope the Ep gets a good response, or I’ll be ready to eat all my words yet again! I’m by no means infallible but I hope I am!?

By miles the best set yet – am I glad I travel hours to see you, you bet!! New David guitarist is very good.
I’m so glad things are happening at last – Long Time Coming certainly David!

Thank you.

PS Also for inspiring my photos and writing.