Info for this JW Francis gig described it as an ‘intimate stripped back album launch’ for the his album, Dream House. Whilst Phase One – part very welcoming bar, part well-stocked record shop – is indeed an intimate venue, which suits his music well, such is his warmth and connection with the audience, it certainly doesn’t feel like anything’s missing.
In between playing guitar and singing to backing tracks, he chats to us as if he’s known us for years; indeed, there are clearly several people in the audience for whom this genuinely is the case. No surprise there – I’ve only seen him play once, and am already planning to catch his next gig. And the one after that.
But back to this one. Having recently been completely won over when reviewing Dream House, I was, amongst other things, looking forward to seeing what effect he uses on Casino to switch his voice into a bass / baritone register. Nope – that’s his voice.
Other tracks further confirm how well the recorded versions capture not just his performances, but the spirit in which he plays, and we bask in his warmth, his generosity, and his musical and lyrical sensibilities.
Just for good measure, he through in one cover – his take on a Bob Dylan classic I won’t name just in case he brings it out next time. Suffice to say, he makes it his own, whilst completely honouring the original.
There was a small dog in the audience that payed complete attention to every track, barking its approval when each ended. I can report, it did a lot of barking.
JW Francis & band will be playing at Jimmy’s in Liverpool on Friday 5th May 2023. Get tickets while you can.
Photo Credit: Eva Pentel
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