Generally speaking DBTR does not pay much heed to the nostalgia trend that has ripped through the live music scene like wildfire over recent times. However, there is a mystique and enduring respect attached to the work of Leonard Cohen that manages to engage even the most apprehensive amongst us.
In February I had seen Jack Francis open for Ferris and Sylvester at Independent, Sunderland. I was impressed, then I listened to his album Early Retirement and that first impression went up a level. He’s excellent live and the album comes highly recommended. It’s a mix of folk, alt country and soul - as Jack says ‘Its about dedicating yourself to something you really believe in, only to find it’s causing you irreversible harm.'
Damien Dempsey has described his gigs as ‘A spiritual gathering, a medicinal ceremonial sing-song that is a safe space for emotion and tears and joy, a joyous celebration of what truly matters in life’. Could Dempsey, [as he does in Ireland] inspire and lift up the Geordie public ? It seemed a big ask, but what followed was 90 minutes of pure soulful joy, an inspirational blend of poetry, music and teaching
DownByTheRiver 