GIG REVIEW: Just Jack @ Islington Academy 24.01.07
- Posted on February 2, 2007 10:39 AM
- 1 comment
By Danny Stockwell
For many people (myself included), January is one of the most exciting times of the musical year. Whilst traditionally quiet in terms of gigs and releases, as it (like the rest of the world) awakens from its holiday slumber, the promise of what is to come in the forthcoming twelve months more than makes up for it. 2007 seems to harbour more than most, with a multitude of different artists being touted as this year's breakthrough act. One musician who has featured strongly in these predictions is thirty one year old, Camden native Jack Allsop AKA Just Jack. Currently riding high at number two in the singles chart, he is in the middle of an extensive UK tour at present. Recently he stopped off for three successive, weekly dates at Islington's Carling Academy and I was lucky enough to make it down to the final of date of this mini residency.
The smallest and newest of Carling's London based academies, the Islington outpost is as intimate a venue as they come. Split into two, the upstairs bar holds 250 tops and by the time JJ takes to the stage it is bearably full to capacity. Despite being 31, he could easily pass for ten years younger and has a very likeable, cheeky-chappy persona, swiftly building a rapport with the expectant crowd. Accompanied by his gifted band, he delivers eight superb tracks lifted from his critically acclaimed albums 'The Outer Marker' and the newly released 'Overtones', alongside one exclusive.
It soon becomes abundantly clear that this is an artist who is going to definitely live up to the hype. All tracks are strong and bare his unmistakeable stamp of razor sharp observations on post-chemical generation, inner city life. These are accurate, funny, poignant accounts that all contain a darker undercurrent to them. Pick of the bunch are set opener 'Life Stories', 'Goth In A Disco' and last but not least 'Starz In Their Eyes'.
The first of these pays its dues to everyday people and life that form the basis of so many artists work, whilst 'Goth...' does exactly what it says on its musical tin, retelling the story of a Goth whose 'Not there to dance, so everybody's going home in an Ambulance' (accompanied by a 'Whoop Whoop' call and response chorus). The obligatory encore of 'Starz In The Eyes' brings a rousing set to a fitting climax and hearing this live, underlines the fact that this will go on to become one of THE singles of 2007.
The night definitely gives every single punter their money's worth, with those in attendance no doubt unanimous that you are sure to be hearing an awful lot more of this guy in 2007 and beyond. Deservedly so too.
Comments (1)
paulwinpenny
just been to see jack at newcastle carling academy wed-10-2007
fantastic i,m 40- kids 9 & 12 we all enjoyed concert-
jack gives his all and seems to be enjoying himself
thanx and good luck jack -keep up the good work- 2008 can be your year.
also thanx to security at carling - my 9 year old had a brilliant view - pat on the back -12 year old in the thick of it (she is 6 foot tall )
Posted on October 12, 2007 11:05 PM
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