This was the Monday gig that worried me. I had always had a sneaking regard for Gilbert O’Sullivan’s early releases (‘Alone Again Naturally’, ‘Nothing Rhymed’ etc.) but given that they were recorded at very start of the 70s, that seemed a very long time ago and I will freely admit to knowing little of him or his material post late 1970s (at the latest)…..
Arriving on stage with just a (very good) guitarist to accompany him, his vocals and idiosyncratic piano playing were still very much present and correct. It was clear that the audience included a fair proportion of Gilbert groupies and they were rewarded with all the hits they and we remembered from the period I relate to most readily – namely ‘Clair’, a finale/encore of ‘Matrimony’ and ‘Get Down’, along with the already mentioned big singles hits. We were also treated to a smattering of new recordings, including what I thought was the very fine “Dansett Dreams And 45s”, which showed he hadn’t lost the quirky lyrical content for which he is so well known. I personally would have preferred him with a fuller band; excellent though the guitarist was, a fuller band would certainly have added to the dynamics of the show. Too little light and shade I think. Didn’t regret going though, and although he might fall into the dreaded easy listening camp, it is always worth remembering whilst his music is smooth, easy and tinged with nostalgia, its subject matter has also included murder, suicide and the psychopathic desolation of solitude. Worth a trip, better than it was expected to be but not as good as it might have been!