Last night was the very fine Sound Factory acoustic night. The evening started with the inventive multi-layered sound of Atlum Schema (otherwise known as Andy Mort), along with some friends (covering keyboard, acoustic guitar and bongos between them). As well as this 3 piece, there were some solo songs, with just a loop box to help enrich the sound. This is done with aplomb, combining human beatbox with vocal harmonies and his acoustic guitar playing. All this from a support act, set the bar pretty high for the next act.
The main act consisted of alternating songs from Cathy Burton and Dan Wheeler both singing and playing acoustic guitar. They were accompanied by Matt Weeks on keys (either Wurlitzer or Rhodes piano). All three of these musicians have a good history of working together, lending some instrumental or production work to each others albums, and this helped them to gell on stage. Their set had a variety of songs, which fitted the acoustic instruments and setting well. Despite the lack of Bass and Percussion, the songs never felt thin or lifeless. Between the songs, whilst retuning there was a little banter, although Dan Wheeler seemed more comfortable with this than his stage companion. However, both himself and Cathy Burton introduced their songs well, and it was nice to hear the root of what inspired them, and once performing the songs, there was nothing missing from their composure. Lyrically this performance was also strong, touching on elements of their Christian faith without being "preachy", instead focusing on how this faith affected and helped them, and also covering other life experiences.
All in all, the acts performing were of high quality, and I would recommend seeing any of them in concert. This can be exemplified by the fact that following on from this concert, I now own albums by all three artists.
Review of the sound factory at St. Paul's Church, Leamington Spa 15/09/2006 - words by Martin Eyles
Labels: music
