Saturday night in Newcastle. The DeClunk outing arrived early, too early to get into the Think Tank so we had a little wander. Lots of folks enjoying the warm sunshine, one or two having overdone the sauce. Girls Aloud were on somewhere in town, there seemed plenty of ladies heading to that. But not us. We were here to see Nadine Khouri and Barry Adamson. We were among a lucky few. Nadine came out, just her and her guitar. I’ve always thought that it must be rather daunting stepping out and having only about 15 people to play to. Nadine took it in her stride, sang beautifully and cranked her gravelly guitar, whilst beats were picked out from her pedals. If you have not heard her then check out the album Another Life. A few more had made it in by the end of the set. Nadine Khouri’s songs were warmly received by those that had the pleasure of hearing them. Nadine deserves to be playing to a full house. She is a lovely lady to meet. Next time Nadine is over here I suggest that you go see.
After Nadine we were treated to the songs and voice of Barry Adamson. He also wears the sharpest pressed trousers in showbiz, pulls off the cool shades look indoors, and is topped off with a classic hat, nice. Still there were no more than fifty people to witness cool jazz, big band and everything else that Barry brings to us. He knew how to handle it, informing us as soon as he came on that he had just looked up the word for intimate, and ushering the audience further forward. Barry then hit us with some songs from the latest album ‘Cut To Black’, plenty of energy that grabbed the small audience out of their shy stillness into a few wigglers and headnodders. He sat down with an acoustic to give us ‘Sundown County’ that turned into the old T. Rex number ‘Hot Love’ before returning back. By now we were in the palm of his hands. More big numbers followed and a full house would have properly partied. Barry Adamson and Nadine Khouri, get to see them anytime they are performing near you.
DeClunk 