Luke Jackson had a spring in his step this evening. The extra verve for this charismatic performer likely lay at the feet of an upcoming new album. From a pitch of old and fresh songs, this Kent-based musician played to his strengths utilising the dexterity of an impressive vocal range and a commendable knack of leaving a packed room reinvigorated and content.
A sizeable crowd greeted Jackson’s return to the Kitchen Garden. His last two visits were on the brink, and in the aftermath, of the pandemic. Challenging times for touring musicians. Free of such constraints, the audience enjoyed a buoyant performance on an extended evening of entertainment.
Prior to the main set, which ran almost to an hour and half, a talented opening artist in Philippa Zawe grasped a forty minute opportunity to show why she is a burgeoning performer. Having once lived in Birmingham, the surroundings of the Kitchen were well known. Folks also remember her from the time she opened for Rhiannon Giddens at Birmingham Town Hall. Zawe also has a new album in the works, though we are only at demo stage. A redeeming feature of a fine voice helps project a bunch of deeply felt songs. Bigger things are on the horizon once word gets around about Philippa Zawe, and her material is readily available.
Two memorable Luke Jackson moments were revived this evening. First up, a mention of Amy Wadge contributing to a track on the new album. Back in 2015, an early Birmingham show was him co-headlining a gig with her at the Hare and Hounds. A year earlier at the Artrix in Bromsgrove, it was recalled him breaking a string and subsequently replacing it while playing the next song. An identical occurrence happened tonight as an enthusiastic playing of 'Eliza Holt' saw a string casualty. Never mind, an unaccompanied version of his increasingly popular 'Trouble Now' came to the rescue and hey presto, a new string.
From the existing Luke Jackson catalogue, top tunes like 'Honeycomb', 'Cherrypicker' and 'On the Road' were shared. The latter is a long established encore anthem. One inevitably luring a hearty communal singalong. A trio of new songs to catch the ear were 'Old Friends', 'Woman' and 'Beside You'. The latter probably contained the most moving story of the evening with its tribute to a late tour manager.
It would be really good to hear Luke Jackson sing in one of the great large halls. Sadly opportunities for grass roots artists are quite narrow. This would have made it extra special to catch him opening for Jools Holland at the Royal Albert Hall. He has also opened for Richard Thompson and humbly once again took on the challenge of playing 'Vincent Black Lightening 1952'.
One missing aspect of the Birmingham shows is the trio format. As good as Jackson is solo, there is an added zest when seeing the band performance at festivals. Adaptions are required to bring this to the Kitchen but plenty of outfits have risen to the challenge and delivered. Maybe a thought for the future especially on the back of this impressive turnout.
Over the last decade, Luke Jackson has been a constant fixture on a musical journey. It was always intriguing how he would evolve. Now at the ripe old age of thirty, he appears in a contented place ready to plough an independent route for a welcoming music scene. The folk and acoustic communities love his work, I always thought the Americana world would grasp him more. However, Luke Jackson has always been his own man and that is why many have followed him over the years, savouring his music and live performances. Much more is likely on the cards.
Bloom - the new album from Luke Jackson is released on November 22nd.