Sofar Secret Gig #4
Sofar Sounds (Songs from a Room) is a relatively new concept in guerilla gigging. The first Sofar gig was in London back in 2009. Now, over 100 Sofar gigs take place each month in over 200 cities worldwide. The location is announced the day before the gig and the lineup is not revealed until moments before the event starts, with many of the events taking place in Sofar members’ living rooms. So, if you ever wanted to experience a gig in the comfort of your own home, you can, thanks to Georgie and the various Alexes behind Sofar Norwich.
Outline's very own Lizz is hosting tonight's festivities. It is bring your own drinks – the email also advises to bring your own cups! – but our lovely hostess has laid on snacks and a killer selection of cheeses from Norwich Market’s own Cheese(wo)man.
Jay Ducker kicks things off in some style. His voice that has something of both Michael Stipe and Kurt Cobain's more melodic moments about it, mixed with a touch of the Moody Blues' Justin Hayward. The guitar playing is elegant, with a little Jon Gomm-style percussion thrown in towards the end of the set.
Jess Morgan has been described in these very pages as “one of the country's finest young folk singers, with a sprightly voice that is instantly recognisable”. I’ll not disagree with that assessment. This is folk with a touch of country that is heartfelt and, at times, touches on the sublime. That voice reminds me a little of Margo Price and Jenny Lewis whilst there's a touch of Neil Young in both the harmonica and song writing but Jess has an identity of her own.
Self-confessed gritty souly hippy boy Martin Luke Brown's music is some distance from my usual listening experience. If I am absolutely honest, based on what I have read of MLB, I probably wouldn’t go to see him but more fool me. This may be some way from my usual tastes but I am won over by the combination of a voice that goes from a trembling, folkie falsetto to a proper soul belter, some superb piano and classy songs. From what he says, Martin has been burnt by some bad experiences with a major label but it is good that he hasn’t given up. This is a performer that should be able to trouble the upper reaches of the charts on his own terms. Watch a recording of some of Luke's set here.
In different ways, each of tonight’s performers is a proper entertainer and puts in an excellent set. The between song chat is entertaining and engaging. The audience may be small but is enthusiastic and the atmosphere is wholly relaxed. I can’t think of any other gig where cheese has figured so highly in the conversation or where I have ended the night with a grape in my shoe. You know what? I could get used to gigs like this.
So, big thanks to Jay, Jess and Martin for performing, to Georgie and the Alexes for bring Sofar to Norwich, Duncan for doing the door and Lizz for letting is invade her house for the night (and laying on that cheese).
Follow Sofar Sounds Norwich on Facebook for more video footage and to applt to attend future gigs.
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