Jamie Abbott // Live Review // 20.10.2011 // The Bedford
Photo by Brad Inglis (UBPics)
Rarely do I visit a gig of emerging music these days which causes goodebumps all over as happened on Thursday night. On a regular foray to The Bedford in Balham, I uncovered a nerve-tingling performance from Cheam lad Jamie Abbott as he hosted a charity gig for Childline Rocks.
Kicking off the night was talented newcomer Lauren Aqualina. At only 16 years of age, and with this only her second live performance so far, jaws dropped as she produced a set of tunes that would rival someone twice her age. Once I'm over my zealous green eyed envy, NEN should definitely feature this girl...keep your eyes peeled. Following on was another Lauren, Lauren Hogg, with a debut performance on the live circuit, another first of the night and a well delivered set with quips that kept all entertained.
But the night was owned by the host of the evening, Jamie Abbott, without a doubt! With his band in tow that included a string quartet, each song played was even more exciting than the next. Performing a mix of old material and new, an eerie silence desceneded on the room as Jamie kicked off with 'The Chase'. Joined on stage by his producer Kipper (the production house behind Sting and Clay Atkin) and the talented John Peppared, who co-wrote 'Compatible' , Jamie's sound is not far from what his biog claims. "A sound that appears born on an island in the middle of the Atlantic.." brings with it a fresh new sound that will have chinese whispers flowing in no time. The high point of the evening for me, came as Jamie stripped things back to perform 'Postcard Perfect', part of a new EP he hopes to release next year.
Show and Tell, NEN's new Radar section, launches later this month, with a dedication to uncovering the best of unsigned talent. Be sure to find a whole load more about Jamie Abbott when it does, but for now, check out this promotional video of the 5 track EP coming to a world near you next year.
