Music > Live Reviews
Kate Jackson
OPEN
25/09/16
It is ten years since I saw Kate Jackson's band The Long Blondes open the 2006 NME Awards Tour gig at Norwich's UEA, and then play a sold out night at Norwich Arts Centre later the same year. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then – Jackson spent four years living and working as an artist in Rome when the band split, before returning to her home town of Bury St Edmunds. Her solo album British Road Movies, co-produced with Bernard Butler, was released earlier this year, and now she is touring with new band The Wrong Moves. Tonight she brings them to Norwich to perform at Open in Bank Plain.
The evening starts with local band Painted Heathers, fronted by vocalist and guitarist Brandon Jacobs. When I saw them support Micachu and The Shapes at NAC one year ago it was their first live gig, and we were given a free three-track CD. Tonight we got a lapel badge, and the promise that an EP release is on the way. Don't be fooled by the 'arts and crafts' name – these guys rock and have strong material, although it is still Brandon's vocals and fuzzy guitar that dominate the sound. It would be nice to hear some backing vocals, or even some keyboards, just to brush a final layer of gloss onto that ericaceous base.
Young States are a four piece rock band from Norwich that tonight wear their musical influences on their t-shirt sleeves – bass player and lead vocalist Georgia sports a Biffy Clyro number whilst guitarist Amy opts for a Pvris number. I am prompted to agree that both their lineup and sound is reminiscent of late 70's rockers Girlschool - rock music has a habit of recycling itself through the decades along with the fashions. The girls have been together a couple of years now and released an EP, Down To You, which received airplay on BBC Introducing. It is the first time that I have seen them live, and I am really impressed with their tight sound and the clarity and strength of Georgia's voice.
It may be ten years but Kate Jackson still has the iconic style and poise of an NME Cool Lister, tonight in heels and black shift dress. It may also be eight years since she last played Norwich, but she is, we learn, a frequent visitor to the city and is a big fan of the pizzas at The Plasterers Arms in Cowgate. She starts her set with the slow builder that is the final track off British Road Movies – the lovely Velvet Sofa From No26, although it is half way through before the loud chatter at the back of the room has quietened. From thence forth it is basically a run through of tracks off the album, including the confessional Lie To Me. New song The Westerlies gets an airing, and a warm reception. Full credit is due to members of her band The Wrong Moves, featuring Shannon Hope (drums) and Seymour Quigley (guitar), from Bury St Edmunds band Horse Play, along with Reuben Kemp (bass) and Jasper Kemp (keyboards). Their combined efforts certainly give each number a rich extra helping of punch and passion that enrich and add to the recorded versions.
The final song of the set is the very first track off British Road Movies, the undulating driver that is The End of Reason, proving that not all road trips follow a straight course. Sometimes it may be just as rewarding to experience the journey in reverse (although I'll reserve judgement on that one until the Norwich Northern Distributor Route is completed)
A top evening of local talent, especially now that we can proudly count Ms Jackson as one of our own.