The last time JD McPherson came to the UK I missed out seeing him by a whisker. After buying Signs And Signifiers on the strength of many recommendations I was gutted to find I'd just missed a gig in Leeds. So when my good friend Martin called to ask if I wanted a ticket getting for the Irish Centre gig I didn't hesitate for a second.
Unsure if there was a support band I was pleasantly surprised by the Cactus Blossoms, two brothers from Minneapolis with a country / western swing sound much akin to the Everly Brothers. Although I'd never heard them before they seemed familiar to many and went down very well with the audience.
With fresh beers in hand we staked our place centrally in the crowd to await the main event. JD McPherson and his band arrived on stage to a round of applause a proceeded to deliver a flawless set of rhythm & blues and rockabilly with generous helpings of music from debut album Signs And Signifiers along with new material from the forthcoming and much anticipated Let The Good Times Roll. Particular highlights for me were "Scratchin' Circles", "North Side Gal", a cover of The BellFuries "Your Love (Is All That I'm Missing)", "Let The Good Times Roll" and an incredible extended version of "Wolf Teeth" which underlined how well JD and upright bass player Jimmy Sutton work together.
Earlier years playing in punk bands along with influences from a wide range of music give JD's performance an outstanding edge to his upbeat songs and a depth and darkness to the slower ones that surpasses many artists today. Along with a first class band JD McPherson is sure to find wider appeal beyond the rock 'n' roll genre. Hopefully it will not be too long before a welcome return to our shores with many more dates.
FOOTNOTE
It was great to see so many people from Sheffield on the night and a few familiar faces from Chesterfield Rock 'n' Roll Club. I hope you all had a great time.
The evenings fun did not end after the encore. After some drunken attempts at coordination we ended up in The Wax Bar and continued to party until the wee hours with some fantastic company (you know who you all are). Many thanks for making it such a great night.
