--- and this is the second - a tour-de-force by Chris Wood
Chris Wood - ***** - Glasgow Art Club
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| Chris Wood - stepping up to the mark |
It is a common
misconception that the tradition of ‘folk music’ that addresses contemporary
social issues doesn’t come from the South East of England, but must derive from
the gritty urban north. Chris Wood blew that myth apart in this concert, and
staked a strong claim to be- not just ‘an Estuary Soul’ singer, but ‘The Soul
of the Estuary”.
Appearing on his own
for a nearly two-hour concert he held a packed audience (nb to the organisers –
he could fill a bigger venue!) entranced. Partly, it is the sharpness of the
songwriting. His songs can take you straight into contemporary working class
life - None the Wiser; So Much to Defend,
minor league football – It’s only a
Friendly, or they can pass stinging comment on politics as in Spitfire.
But if that were not
enough, he operates on other levels. Hollow
Point, telling the story of the killing of Charles de Menezes is guaranteed
to freeze the blood, and his (admittedly risky) re – writing of the tune to Jerusalem has the result of bringing out
Blake’s original call to arms.
Chris Wood’s triumph
lies in his ability to both recognise unsung talent – his selection of the
underrated and sadly-missed Ronnie Lane’s The
Poacher to round-off the first half was a piece of magic – and his ability
to write beautiful, simple lyrics that draw complex comments on contemporary
society with humour and a sharp eye.
It can be difficult
for an English folky to come up to Scotland and get an audience. If this concert
is to go by, Chris Wood has broken through that barrier. Let’s hope he’ll be
back soon.
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