It had been pre-pandemic since Skinny Lister last played the Wedgewood Rooms. Back then Lorna Thomas and Daniel Heptinstall were expecting their first child. Her arrival put a change in priorities when planning the next tour. Dates are currently being split into manageable chunks, allowing just enough party time before going home to check on the little one.
Tom Jenkins – Wedgewood Rooms
Ahead of things getting too lively, it was the blissful sounds of Tom Jenkins. With stories focused on his beloved home, this was a narrative of an upbringing in the heart of Wales. The beautiful “When the Cold Dust Settles” focuses on the life of a coal miner, while elsewhere there are anecdotes of growing up in the Valleys.
Tom’s new album “It Comes in the Morning, it Hangs in the Evening Sky” is produced by long-time friend Todd Campbell (also of Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons). Todd was brought in to help craft the songs into a band affair, with Todd’s Dad/Motorhead legend also making a guest appearance. However, live Tom performs solo, with just his electric guitar and the occasional harmonica, making the likes of “Back Roads” sound absolutely stunning, stripped back to their original composition.
As for other name-dropping, the Wedgewood Rooms set closed with “Tom Jones“, about a Welshman who needs no introduction. Other than mentioning the fact he’s from the same village as Tom Jenkins himself. As for the song, the vocals were slightly higher than the rest of the set, almost reminiscent of the falsetto of Wild Beasts Hayden Thorpe… and that wasn’t a bad thing either.
Tom Jenkins, Live Wedgewood Rooms
Skinny Lister – Wedgewood Rooms
If every night of a Skinny Lister tour is this energetic, it’s no wonder they’ve interspersed the dates with some timeout for family life back home.
Split into 3 legs, tonight was one of many shows in which the drinks were flowing freely among the band. The tunes lend themselves to raising a glass, with a combination of thigh-slapping folk songs and sea-shanty-infused singalongs.
These included a couple of new numbers too. “Arm Wrestling in Dresden” a classic Lister song in waiting, inspired by a night out drinking while on tour in Germany.
Then there was “William Harker” featuring lead vocals from guest Party George (proud father of co-singer Lorna Thomas and her brother/accordion player Max). Think old-fashioned drinking songs made famous by the Dubliners or Clancy Brothers. During which, Party George embraces the stereotype of everyone’s favourite drunk uncle… before scurrying off back to the bar.
It was truly wonderful, on a night that was often chaotic but most definitely non-stop fun and laughter. Musically it all came together perfectly, as it did visually too. As Max was also on hand to rile up the crowd on one side of the stage, with Scott Milsom often seen holding his double bass aloof on the other.
There were the occasional slower moments, with “Bonny’s Eyes” lovingly dedicated to the lead couple’s young daughter. Yet, what we really wanted was more time for a jig and a sing-along. As such, the encore didn’t disappoint, with more songs very much based around drinking… responsibly of course.
Skinny Lister, Live Review, Wedgewood Rooms 2022
Notable shout-out too for Berries, having joined Skinny Lister as 2nd support. The 3-piece bridged the gap between solo artist Tom Jenkins and a full set-up of the headliners. Their enthusiastic garage rock/grunge and widdly guitar solos go down well among the Wedgewood Rooms.
