The 11th gig on our A to Z musical adventure was ……
Having left Glasgow early on Monday morning, we arrived in Germany’s second city Hamburg, via Brussels, to kick off the first European leg of our A to Z Musical Tour. Musically, Hamburg was made famous when a group of unknown young lads from Liverpool honed their musicianship in the famous Reeperbahn clubs of the city. So young in fact that George Harrison was deported for being underage!
We came to see John J Presley, a singer/songwriter I hadn’t came across before we started to organise this trip. In the interests of research (as you do!), I bought two of his albums earlier this year, the latest of which Chaos & Calypso I’ve discussed here. Like the debut album As The Night Draws in from 2019, there are some classy tunes that are well worth a listen to.
And so to the gig.
After a stunning support act by Zoon Phonanta (see below), John stepped on to the stage with his band of two females – keyboard player/backing vocals and drummer. (Hoping if they read this, they can supply their names!.) Without both, the songs would have had much less energy and meaning.
Having listened to the likely playlist on repeat for the past few days, we were fairly knowledgeable about the tracks themselves. Like any gig though, it’s how the album tracks translate to a live setting that’s critical. How easy is it to hit all the notes when singing? Any flourishes to the instruments, in this case in particular. the guitar solos by John.
We needn’t have worried. With the low ceilinged venue, the songs matched the intimacy of the evening, and the band ran through their set with quality playing throughout.
John’s own website describes himself as follows:
John J Presley is a guitarist, bassist and pedal steel player now based in Brighton. He writes and produces sweeping, rich and compelling records that balance a dazzling display between the darkness and the beautiful.
Although a relatively short set, there’s no doubt the audience were taken on a journey from the dark side to the beautiful and all left wanting a little but more.
Certainly an artist I’ll be closely following in the coming years and hope the next time we see him it will be a little bit closer to home.
Zoon Phonata
It was a real bonus to be in time for the support act. In fact we were so early we were met at the door by one of the two Welshmen who make up the band along with a fellow Dutch musician. Based in Berlin. Playing in Hamburg. What’s not to like about the international dimension of music?
This three piece band comprise the Welsh doorman on bass, drummer / keyboards and second keyboards / musical soundscapes.
Another fairly short, but tight set, there were clear references to Neu! and Mogwai amongst others. Captivating from the first to the last chord sequences, I’m hoping this will not be the last time we see them.
Album review
My own personal thoughts on the album can be found here.
What came first, booking the gig, or listening to the album.
In truth, one song, Sinnerman, swung it for me at the time.
About the venue
Date: 13 March 2024
Nochtspeicher, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 69a, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
Nochtwache
In the vaults of the Nochtspeicher you will find yet another venue: the Nochtwache. Despite its location in the heart of vibrant St Pauli, the inside of the vaulted cellar is a world of its own, with live music and parties. Little wonder that the Nochtwache is currently ranked as one of Hamburg’s most popular clubs. Just like the Nochtspeicher, the Nochtwache stands out for its rich choice of different styles. Highly recommended for lovers of authentic music who also like to enjoy a rewarding drink while there – for the bar provides an excellent drinks menu.
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