Gig Reviews

Alex Roberts (album launch), Donna Fullman

It’s been a number of months since I last paid a visit to the Bournemouth Folk Club; I’m not too sure why because it's a five minute walk from where I live and the quality of music constantly on offer is ridiculously high. No exception tonight either, as we’re celebrating the launch of 'By The Ley', the new album from Alex Roberts. Entering the Centre Stage I'm greeted by the silence of eighty people. One voice is singing though, that of Donna Fullman, herself playing three days before the launch of her new ep 'Happiness + Victory'.

The four or five songs I heard made quite an impression on me. The formula of the band was quite basic, a three-piece with vocals, guitar and simple drums. Occasionally other instruments would appear, but throughout the sound was as unassuming as Donna's vocals, never over-stretching, never over-complicating. Vocally, and once or twice musically I could hear Natalie Merchant or Isobel Campbell and (in the odd uptempo moment) Belle and Sebastian, though it was the lack of ostentation that made them hugely watchable rather than any apparent attempt to fit into a musical pigeonhole. Donna didn’t appear to be trying too hard when she sung, but there was a soulfulness and innocence to her voice, as well as a lyrical and melodic charm that was quite captivating.

Alex Roberts quite simply exudes warm vibes, throwing them out like gifts from a man who has travelled and learned, spreading his love. His music is simply an extension of his persona, it is Alex Roberts, gentle, mellow, yet clearly full of depth, deep with thought and aware that there is a life time of learning still to be done. His sultry, faintly husky voice has spirituality at its core, but again that is Alex, speak to him and you will hear the same qualities.

Tonight he played an extended set of songs from his new album, his last album 'Giant Killer Session', accompanied by Catherine Burke, as well as playing the odd Tom Waits cover and telling Leonard Cohen stories. To continue the compliments his guitar playing, whether it be slide, picked or strummed was, as always, impeccable. A mix of folk and blues with a DM laden stomp-box, this was troubadour storytelling in the style of (if I could chose just one) John Martyn. After that glut of praise there must be some balance. Not because no performance can be perfect, but after comparing him to John Martyn it is safe to say Alex has not yet come close to matching Martyn’s finest moments. Yes, some of these songs were heard for the first time, and to make instant judgements on their merits would be unfair. But, as usual whilst watching Alex perform, it was almost as if his vibe and persona were captivating me, sometimes as much as his songs.

I fully intend to treat myself to a repeat performance on 14 October, when Alex plays at The Opera House in Boscombe. A gig rescheduled from Mr Kyps, he’ll be supporting the Martin Harley Band and Jackie Leven playing in-the-round, a wonderfully intimate setting perfect for these three acts.

Tony Foster