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| Photo not taken at gig |
The evolution of the second phase of Sandi Thom’s
professional recording career is taking good shape on the evidence of this
blistering show at the Robin 2 club in Bilston. Having witnessed her six years
before opening for the Dixie Chicks on their last visit to these shores, she
was then riding very much on the phenomena of being the face of the Internet
music revolution and all the trappings that accompanied those indulgent days.
However just over half a decade later and the pop/folk sound has been shelved,
being replaced by the influences of blues/rock, with guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa
becoming a central figure, both career wise and on a personal basis.
Having been on the positive side to the reaction of Sandi’s
chart topping hit ‘I Wish I Was A Punk
Rocker…’, it has to be confessed that her career slipped off the radar in
the intervening years. However the re-surfacing of her presence via the
Americana music media brought Sandi back into the spotlight of an audience that
was ready to embrace her new sound. This culminated in an impressive current
release, FLESH AND BLOOD, which is fast becoming a personal 2012 favourite by
blending a raw blues edge with a more rounded guitar-led Americana sound to a
selection of high quality songs.
This new album is the title of the tour currently bringing
Sandi back to the UK from her now Californian base and despite recently upgrading
her US nationality status; she seems destined to keep Britain, and especially
her native Scotland as an important market for her new brand of music. With a
more acquired sound than her pop/folk origins, the venues selected on this tour,
such as the Robin 2, will be realistic options for her to reach her audience.
The reasonable sized gathering for a Wednesday night seized the chance to listen
to a live airing of the new record and accompanied by her impressive band, Sandi
thoroughly entertained those present in her 90 minute set.
A couple of tracks from the new album kicked off the set
with ‘Help Me’ and ‘I Owe You Zero’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ also appeared midway
through the slot. However the two stand-out songs from FLESH AND BLOOD, featured
on the set list were performed towards the end of the evening. The title track,
currently being subjected to extra promotional release, closed the main slot
with the highly emotional Buffy Saint-Marie song ‘Big Ones Get Away’ providing the perfect antidote to the majority
of rock- infused fast paced blues inspired numbers.
Sandi does not hesitate to dip into her past and now plays a
revamped ‘I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker…’
complete with sax and enhanced guitar. She also makes reference to her time
spent in Tooting by dedicating the track ‘The Human
Jukebox’,from her debut album, to a wonderful character in a pub who managed
to combine excessive alcohol with immense vocal talent. The album which
heralded Sandi’s change of direction MERCHANTS AND THIEVES was also represented
by a couple of numbers including ‘Heart
of Stone’ and the barnstorming ‘Runaway
Train’, that ensured the evening ended on a musical high.
For this tour, Sandi has assembled a talented band headed by
excellent session guitarist Steve Down, who definitely wears his guitar heart
on his sleeve. Bassist John Bird and percussionist Craig Connet provide the
essential rhythm section while the versatile Mike Flame effortlessly switches between
keyboard and sax. Lindsey Cleary supports Sandi with backing vocals while the
main lady herself contributes acoustic guitar, harmonica and a voice finding
its true home in singing the blues.
Blues guitarist and vocalist Lisa Mills, of Deep South
origin and residence but with strong West Midlands links, was afforded a
lengthy opening slot with the highly experienced and acclaimed Ian Jennings
supporting her on double bass. They were fully appreciated by the knowledgeable
crowd and were an ideal warm up before the rejuvenated Sandi Thom showed the
Midlands concert goers that her musical evolution is progressing very nicely
indeed.
Sandi Thom - Flesh and Blood