Friday 3 December 2010

Friday 3rd Dec: Josh Weller at Bush Hall









It seems fitting to be writing this feature on a Friday as I regularly choose Josh Weller in my #FF on twitter because he is one of the funniest people using the network. He's so funny I often wonder if he isn't a comedian and not a musician at all. But as it turns out he is infact a brilliant musical act as I found out at Bush Hall last evening for his solo show. The last time I saw him play was a very low key affair in the small North London venue "The Flower Pot". I really wanted to see the whole spectacle of his band, so I ventured out into the artic conditions to get over to Shepherds Bush for this concert. Bush Hall is a beautiful venue and perfect setting for Josh's vaudeville timeless style. Dressed in a tweed suit, open shirt, undone bow tie, signature spectacles and wild hair he would look excellent accessorized with a one-man-band instrument ensemble. His set shifted from catchy up-tempo sing-a-long numbers such as my favourite "Cruella" through to his "Push" pop anthem. Inbetween these perky percussioned ditties sat much quieter introspective slow soulful melodies perhaps akin to one of his heroes Chet Baker. The set was rounded off with a quirky cover of Billy Bragg's "Everybody Loves You Babe" which was performed as if it had been written for him with its bitter sweet romantic humour! For a festive encore Josh was joined onstage by Paloma Faith with whom he has a rare chemistry akin to the mesmerising connection of historical duets such as Johnny Cash and June Carter. These two should have their own show - utterly fantastic - star quality in lingering glances and cheeky knowing jibes! With an audience including The Fabulous Russella, Jacquetta Wheeler and Alan McGee, Im intruiged to see the path his fan base will take................. watch this space............ and follow his tweets!

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