Danny Wilson proudly proclaims his band as ‘champions of the
world’, while others hail them as the best live act on the UK circuit. The
merits of both claims have great substance and plenty of evidence is on display
each time they take to the stage. The belief Danny has in his band is undeniable
and he fully understands the value of combination and co-operation. Closely
observing, then immersing yourself into the work of this genre defying band is a
riveting experience, although the true pleasure is leaving the scrutiny to one
side and riding the euphoric wave of good time vibes radiating from the band in
full flow.
This tour by Danny and the Champions of the World
encompasses the past, the present and the future. While technically the tour is
supporting the new record, LIVE CHAMPS, this particular release is celebrating
the past or to be more accurate, one magical night at the Jazz Café. So the set
list for this Birmingham gig contained many old favourites and a substantial
collection from last year’s much loved studio release STAY TRUE. The country
soul path that Danny led the band down on this record was a refreshing sound
and similar soulful vibes adorned the two tracks that he previewed for the next
record. These two were perhaps a little more up tempo, possibly proving
comparable to the sound of US acclaimed band St. Paul and the Broken Bones. The
un-naming of these songs preserves a touch of mystique about the new record with
Danny himself still unsure of the ultimate direction, although one certainty is
that they’ll make you dance.
Fresh from their successful worldwide support slot opening for
Tori Amos, south coast based alt-folk duo Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou have
re-united with Danny to show those arriving early at the gig what an
exceptional duo they are. It was a pity that these pair of ex-champs had a
prior commitment that prevented them joining in the fun at the end but an impromptu
sentimental moment saw Danny invited on stage to sing them a song to
commemorate their wedding anniversary. The two guitar-single mic format suits
their unique vocals and the performance harked back to an excellent set they
played at the 2013 Maverick Festival. Spinning visions of the 60s New York folk
revival sound, Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou deliver their songs with fine exquisiteness
and aligned harmony, tantalising you to want a little bit more than their
thirty minute opening set.
The country soul sound that has defined the current momentum
of the champs centres round the pedal steel of Henry Senior Jr and Free Jazz
Geoff’s luxurious sax contributions. Sparkling lead guitar segments by Paul
Lush ladles each song with finesse while the rhythmic engine room of bassist
Chris Clarke and drummer Steve Brookes keeps the tight sound intact. Danny George
Wilson, to give him his full and solo status name, skilfully orchestrates a
live performance which often sees three or four minute studio tracks turned
into ten minute concert extravaganzas, liberally sprinkled with individual band
member interludes.
An enthusiastic, committed and appreciative Saturday night
Birmingham turnout bought into Danny’s mutual ethos from early in the gig,
which eventually spawned into a set exceeding two hours. In a venue that hosts
a decent sound system within a soulless corporate shell, few would leave
without an affirmative acknowledgement that Danny and the Champions of the
World perfectly execute the ultimate intimate interactive show. Any issues
surrounding the Second City’s viable reception of Americana music are best
debated elsewhere and true live music will always survive the situation.
For a more comprehensive documentation of the set list, it
is suggested that you invest in LIVE CHAMPS but needless to say ‘(Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket’
is the ideal show opener, ‘Henry the Van’
oozes with alternative sentimentality and ‘These
Days’ removes the static element from every member of the audience. Those
with an ear for good taste understand and fully appreciate what Danny and the
Champions of the World stand for. Intelligent acclaim is aplenty for Danny
Wilson and commercial justice, with a prevailing wind, is within his grasp.
