On Friday and Saturday I went to my 26th and 27th gigs of the year - Smoke Fairies in the hipster haven that is Haggerston showcasing their "Wild Winter" album which is ten years old this year; and then Sharon Shannon, her Big Band and assorted guests brewing up one hell of a hooley at the Shepherd's Bush Empire with a mix of Shane MacGowan songs and some instrumental sets. I enjoyed them both very much.
I have no more gigs lined up until January so I am now in a position to share my annual Gigs of the Year list, whether you want it or not. With the usual caveat about the list being different if I were to do this again next week - the Sharon Shannon show might well creep in to the Top 10 with more time to reflect - in date order they were:
Luiz Bruno & The Adult Children @ Shacklewell Arms
Salif Keita @ Barbican Hall
Peter Case & Sid Griffin @ What's Cookin'
Grupo Pilon @ Peckham Audio
Nana Benz Du Togo @ Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
Lola Kirke @ 100 Club
Nusantara Beat @ Shacklewell Arms
Sahra Halgan @ Greenleaf Baptist Church
Ron Sexsmith @ London Palladium
Dur-Dur Band @ Barbican Hall
I like to take a few photos at gigs when the opportunity arises. Most of them are pretty terrible but every now and then something half decent emerges by accident. In an attempt to ratchet up the self-indulgence even further here a few of them from this year.
In order of appearance: Dur-Dur Band; Les Deuxluxes @ Botanique, Brussels; Nana Benz Du Togo; Sid Griffin & Peter Case; Madou Diabaté, accompanying Salif Keita; Cecile McLorin Salvant @ Bozar, Brussels.
A fine list, and some great photos. I've never taken a gig photo that didn't come out as a blurry mess.
ReplyDeleteThat description fits 99.9% of the ones I take too
DeleteCompliments of the season to the hardest working blogger in the business!
ReplyDeleteSorry I've been so absent on these pages lately but wishing you a good one too, Ernie, with puddings of figgy lashings and chaps of good gear (or something like that - I've been on the chocolate liqueurs).
ReplyDeleteSad to see another fine mind lost to the demon liqueurs. It will be the brandy butter next I expect.
DeleteHappy Christmas Ernie, have a good one
ReplyDeleteThere’s nothing about this blog that I don’t love, but I especially enjoy your gig reviews, as much for the venues you get to as the artists performing within. That’s an impressive run as well and many that I’m sorry to have missed in my neck of the woods this year.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best for the coming Christmas and New Year. Looking forward to further 27 Leggies exploits in 2025!
Seeing that Squirrel Flower vid reminds me that it was only but a few months ago that I was excitedly anticipating seeing them play Yes in Manc (18th July if you must know) and since seeing them, if truth be told, I've rarely thought of them. I'm sure this says more about me than them but it's only right sometimes to acknowledge one's premature infatuation with a band/artist that hasn't survived closer listening. I can provide other examples over a 50 year period if required!
ReplyDelete