If the name of Sam Baker was mere hearsay to some Glaswegians beforehand, tonight's showing will have had the impact of a red-hot cattle prod to the arse. Showing his fondness for the city, Sam Baker had his show at the Classic Grand recorded as part of a documentary. Let's just hope this Bluesbunny - suffering from an unwelcome cold - hasn't been captured for all eternity with his finger in his nose…
Without so much as a support act, Sam Baker took to the stage behind a board that illuminated his name. Kicking off with a new song called "Look Away", Baker soon mesmerised a loving audience. Lou Reed came to mind both in terms of lyrical potency and vocal delivery. The aforementioned qualities played an important part in Baker's appeal to the audience. After having been seriously hurt by a train bomb in Peru in 1986, Baker has been on a trail of rehabilitation learning to talk and play guitar again and while Baker will therefore never be more than diligent on guitar, the gentle simplicity of his playing allowed him to exploit the full worth of his weathered voice. In a live capacity, the effect on an audience is incredible.
Baker's songs have a tendency to be plainly named (as with "Iron", "Truale", and "Boxes") but they have content of great lyrical wealth that is portrayed in living colour by his gravelly voice. "Broken Fingers", for example, was a harrowing autobiographical tale that once again utilised Baker's impressive story-telling abilities.
Perhaps because a film crew were recording the night's events people were on their best behaviour but that didn't stop them from goading on Sam who reacted surprisingly well to the famously impenetrable Glaswegian brogue. Just a shame about his jokes…
Tomfoolery aside, Sam Baker is a musician who has been through a lot in his life and has come back stronger than ever. Far above your average singer-songwriter, Sam Baker is a true folk icon. Adjusting to suit no mould, he is his own man and is in a league of his own.