King Tuts is a venue that acts as a magnet attracting some of the best artists from around the world and tonight was no exception as the "UK's Best Live Venue" played host to Sonny Marvello and Hawksley Workman. Two great musical acts that complemented one another perfectly. Whoever booked these two together should definitely be commended.
Not unfamiliar to Bluesbunny, but fresh to these eyes and ears, Sonny Marvello kicked off the evening's entertainment. "Beautiful Darling" shares a riff reminiscent of Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" but a hell of a lot less iPod commercialesque. Pop to the punch laced with some fierce funk dance numbers. "Be My Lover" is simply fantastic. With lyrics that are easy to sing to, and hard not to dance to, Sonny Marvello puts together a fine show with a delightful display of talent. Maybe they surprised the audience initially but they were into it by the end of their set. They've got style, class, and smiles. Somebody's gotta get these guys into a studio and sell some albums.
Following the local Glasgow group, Hawksley Workman had made his way all across the Atlantic to play in front of even more Canadians. Typical of popular Canadian musicians, he has established a good following at home and attracts the people from home when touring abroad. It was a nostalgic night for Hawksley who came out with only three songs written on his set list thus leaving the night open for plenty of stories and thoughts. Mr. Lonely accompanied Hawksley on stage on the keyboard where his fingers strutted their stuff to that cabaret dance "Your Beauty Must Be Rubbing Off". "A House or Maybe a Boat" reflected on Christmas time and featured Mr. Lonely absolutely going to town on his keyboard while Workman kept the rhythm going. Soon, "All the Trees Are Hers" showcased his new material off the Between the Beautifuls album.
The show continued with his dedication to old pianos purchased from buy and sell magazines; "What Would You Say To Me, Lord?" This one also featured a drum solo that came from Hawksley as he played air drums with side spitting beats into the microphone. Now, after hearing the real recording, he did an awesome job of recreating it on the spot. This song is from his new European only release Los Manlicious. Unfortunately for Brits, this album apparently isn't liked by any labels in the UK.
The night was filled with lots of chat, but it was justified as he'd be continuing his European tour to play in countries where they don't speak English so he no doubt wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. He also reflected on the presently tense times in the world today and took some time to put his "anger and rage with these political times" into just one song entitled "You and The Candles" that focuses on the same subject matter targeted by artists such as The Weakerthans (and even featured a megaphone). But, quickly back to the sex and drugs aspect of his music, my personal suggestion "Smoke Baby" was next. A song meant for a lapdance, it is soaked with all the sex, alcohol and cocaine in Montreal and that need to be up in the morning in time to catch the flight to the next gig. It threw me off for a few seconds when it turned into Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" but that was quickly replaced with a scrumptious, extended instrumental. With a song like that, it was necessary to quickly follow it up with his single "Jealous of Your Cigarette" that had given him success early in his career. Putting down his pretty Les Paul and working the harmonica in "Ice Age", Hawksley used this song as the fake good-bye for the night but anxious fans were pleased as "Paper Shoes" surfaced in his encore performance. Filled with a bit of ranting, and then imitating the various sounds that accompany an orgasm, Hawksley brought closure to the evening his own special way.
A very personal show for Workman within the relatively intimate environment of King Tut's. I was in the mood for plenty of stories that began with "This one time I…" and hopefully he's left Glasgow with a "This one time I was in Glasgow…" story he can tell at his next tour stop.