Review: The Mastersons, The Maze, by Peter Palmer
Virginia Bell, a lady once met on a Charleston street, might never achieve the same renown as the Beatles' Eleanor Rigby, but her name drew a resonant song from Chris Masterson.
Chris is the taller half of a Brooklyn-based duo very much on the way up. They've sold all available copies of their first joint CD on the continental leg of their tour.
And touring is something they know plenty about. They visited Britain as members of alt-country ace Steve Earle's band before city promoters Cosmic American added them to a roster of notable solo acts.
Chris earned his spurs as a Houston blues guitarist. Partner Eleanor Whitmore played violin from an early age – while her peach of a voice must owe something to a mum who sings opera.
****Best Deals**** Van Insurance for 17-24 Yr Old Drivers - Contact Insure365 on 01782 898188 for a quotation, Free Legal Protection Included Valued at £25.00!
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Tuesday, June 25 2013
Effective though The Mastersons sounded individually, those pieces that were always intended for the two together shone the brightest. Succinct lyrics, exuberant delivery and first-rate musicianship make them a force to reckon with.
Enterprising British songwriter Sadie Jemmett opened the evening, ranging from a theatre song via Camden market to the powerful ballad of The Blacksmith's Girl.
Comments
by bomdia
Monday, October 29 2012, 8:56AM
“Sadly,my comment is more of a question.Nice to see reviews of shows like this,but why no sign yet of a review of yet another outstanding performance by one of the most truly professional outfits still performing on the Royal Concert Hall circuit-10cc?
In front of a relatively small crowd on Saturday night they proved yet again what a fantastic bunch of musicians they are.Even without regular drummer Paul Burgess (absent for his son's wedding ) they were flawless.Replacement Dave Cobbey fitted in seamlessly,whilst the initial 'Unplugged ' set in which Graham Gouldman brought Mick Wilson,Rick Fenn and Mike Stevens on individually to augment his own guitar and vocals was a telling reminder of just what a gifted writer Gouldman always has been.
How many performers can point to numbers like 'For Your Love',Bus Stop',Look through any window'.No Milk Today' etc etc as their own composition, written for other artistes long before persuading the Music business of their own ability as performers.
Come on,NEP,let's have a full review from one of your own staff .A 40th Anniversary Tour is unlikely by any of the current X Factor Generation!!!”