Music

Jamie T at Exeter Phoenix (review)

27th August 2009

It's a strange and beautiful feeling to witness a musical legend in the making. Any one of us could reel off names of legendary status – Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain – all of whom died prematurely, coincidentally.

These days such stars seem so distant and detached from real life that it is easy to forget that at one point they were regular people who just happened to be talented musicians, with a core of something really special.

It may sound ridiculous, but I saw a similar quality when watching Jamie T at the Exeter Phoenix.

The 23-year-old from Wimbledon has the whole package; excellent lyrical ability, originality, accessibility, sincerity, vulnerability, the air of being the underdog, the resonance of a tortured soul but not whiny, and something about him that makes you feel it could all go tragically wrong.

Back on the circuit with a new album, Jamie returned to Exeter for the third time in the next venue size up, having previously played in the Cavern (which promoted this show) and the Lemon Grove, indicating a steady rise of popularity, which is sure to grow with the impending release of his sophomore long player contribution, Kings and Queens.

Jamie started the show with the poignant and mournful new song St Christopher before inviting his long-serving band, lovingly called The Pacemakers, to the stage.

As they moved through the set in a charmingly disorganised way with a mix of old favourites and previously unheard songs, it became clear that Jamie’s songwriting has matured somewhat, particularly melodically, but still retaining the underclass hero vibe of the first album, perhaps with less of the boyish recklessness.

His stage demeanour has also progressed, now with the confidence to come out from behind the shield of his guitar and engage the audience as a singer but still seemingly surprised by the enthusiastic audience reaction.

To finish his eagerly awaited, if not heavily demanded, encore Jamie played his latest single Sticks and Stones, to which everyone already knows the words, solidifying it as an instant anthem.

Skirting the periphery of pop success Jamie T has come a long way and with such raw talent can only be destined for greatness.

JAKE BUTLER

Don't miss a thing - subscribe to What's On South West via RSS

ADD TO: