What is it with the clocks going back? It is more than a bit unsettling to find out that your watch no longer tells the correct time. In these times of stress and confusion, a man needs comfort and that comfort can usually be found in beer and live music. Hence another visit to the Free Candy Sessions in the warm and welcoming basement of the Liquid Ship. Tonight's musical entertainment took the form of the Last National Band, John Alexander and Killer Comanche.
Now the Last National Band are smooth. They practically slip on to the stage. Being without their drummer tonight, they are only three of them but that does not stop them for making with those classy harmonies for which they are becoming known. Their influences (The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash) are only too obvious and they run through their set with practised ease. "Sweet December Sun" worked for the Bluesbunny and besides their own material, they threw in a tasteful cover of "Evangeline". John Neary's vocals are convincing and lift the songs right up. Very tasteful.
Next up is John Alexander. He might be a solo act but he plays big. His voice fills the room and he is clearly a class act. It seems we are lucky to have his company tonight as a certain well known airline had managed to separate him from his favourite guitar. However, here he is and the delicate and airy "24 Seven" establishes his folk credentials and, of the rest of his set; "Sarah" was our favourite. Perhaps it is a side effect of seeing so many static singer songwriters sitting on their stools that we have to remark that Mr Alexander was really quite animated. Perhaps he was even enjoying himself. His songs are sweet, warm and comforting and he never put a foot wrong and is therefore well worth checking out should the opportunity present itself.
Rounding things off this evening is Killer Comanche. Last time we saw this guy he was called something else - Hooligan. It turns out that he is from Lanarkshire and no doubt has to change his identity every now and them. It would be the custom. That unique voice has not changed though. You can spot it a mile off which is a very good thing in this time of musical clones in which we live. Interestingly, his song writing shows a sort of darkness that seems at odds with his buoyant performance. Of his songs, "Bigger than Your Old Man" and "Dear John" stand out from the rest. There is poetry and no small amount of style in there without a doubt. Lanarkshire needs its own Jack Kerouac (and some jobs would be nice too in case any of our exalted political hierarchy are reading this as they are free loading through life).
With the Bluesbunny beer allowance consumed, the call of the chicken pakora was overwhelming. So out into the rather damp streets we went to answer it. Feed me, feed me!