Live Review: Ben Ottewell
The last time I had seen Ben Ottewell (Gomez) play live, it had been an acoustic gig for an altogether different reason. Gomez having been forced to take shelter under a gazebo and perform an unexpectedly stripped back set, due to a rather wet and windy Victorious Festival in 2018.
Now, 2 years later and Ben Ottewell finds himself in another unusual situation in Southsea. After all, with Covid-19 putting socialising into a whirlpool of disarray and the Government having recently tossed 2 fingers at the entertainment industry, during 2020 we’ve started to appreciate live music just that little bit more.
Tom Bryan
As well as touring artists, the tragic situation of Coronavirus has also had a significant knock-on effect to the local music scene too. As such, this evening Tom Bryan was performing his first show since March, in front of a sold-out (yet socially distanced) South Parade Pier.
Coincidentally, as Mr Teeth Reviews, I’ve previously passed a reference to Tom Bryan bearing resemblance to this evening’s headliner. Although, possibly more between Tom’s previous band Shoot the Duke and Gomez, rather than either acts solo offerings.
With the likes of “Heavy Weather” Tom showed the more soulful side to songwriting. It’s a great tune, introducing the audience to his use of loops and live samples. As for the rest of the performance, while in an understandably reflective mood, Tom’s innovative style made him a well-deserved choice for the event.
Ben Ottewell
With the government enforced early curfew looming, a quick turnaround allowed Ben Ottewell a decent length set. One in which a number of solo offerings would sit among carefully selected Gomez numbers.
Having kicked things off with “Rattlebag”, two popular Gomez favourites soon followed. As both “78 Stone Wobble” and “Rhythm & Blue Alibi” were given the acoustic treatment. Although alone on stage, Ben Ottewell’s vocals and guitar playing speak volumes. I’ve always considered him to bring out the more bluesy side to the group, which in return suits that of a stripped-back affair.
However, Gomez never really tried proclaimed to be blues or any other genre for that matter, just recorded as they felt was befitting of their talents. As such, the experimentation of those 90’s albums in particular (“Bring it On” and “Liquid Skin”) have a timeless appeal.
As for some of Ben’s own tunes, fans of Nick Drake and Richard Thompson should check out the likes of “Blackbird”. Which itself was also sounding particular beautiful this evening.
With the set coming to a close and the moonlight reflecting in the sea behind him, it was time for “the Mexica one” (aka “Tijuana Lady” again, by Gomez). After which, there was a blinding run through “Whippin’ Piccadilly” and pretty much all the classics had been covered, in what had been a truly wonderful evening.
As for socially distanced gigs in general, they may not be the answer forever, but all the time Beats & Swing are involved I’m more than happy to attend. Check out upcoming Beats & Swing shows here.
Stay safe people – love music, love life and love each other.
Peace. X
