Went to see Matt Johnson and his crack band last night, his voice deep and smooth as always.
First part of the show was as Matt described it, the sit and listen section, where they played through all of Ensoulment. Nothing against the album but clearly released with no intended chart friendly singles and as my brother said many of the songs do tend to sound alike. Clearly, an album Matt hoped people would just sit and listen to. Some live variations from the originals, was enjoyable to hear live.
Second part was the get up and dance singalong section, where they played almost all of the well known singles and hits which of course was the highlight of the show. Only song really missing was "Beat(en) Generation" which is my favorite The The song. Band delivered some rather lively versions of some songs, the drummer really kicking the band into high gear. Really can't go wrong when they opened the second set with "Infected" and "Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)".
His band is James Eller who has been with him since Mind Bomb, equally adapt and regular and fretless bass, those bass lines all so good. DC Collard who was added as the keyboardist for the "Mind Bomb" tour and was just having a blast playing the piano solo at the end of "Uncertain Smile". That solo which I may have known this before was originally played by Jools Holland, which totally fits his style of playing.
On lead guitar was sideman to the stars Barrie Caogan aka Little Barrie, who was able at times to add in the higher range background vocals that feature in many of the songs. Matt's regular touring drummer Earl Harvin was apparently unable to do this time out, so they brought in Chris Whitten as his replacement. Who is best know for playing on "World Shut Your Mouth", "The Whole Of The Moon" and yes Edie Brickell's "What I Am". Also, spent some time with a dude called Paul McCartney... yes wikipedia is my friend...
Totally worth it for the Retrospective set alone... Also, and yes likely due to the age of the crowd, but for the most part people abided by Matt's wishes to keep the phones put away.
