I thought the last OST was a bit special but this one probably even topped that with three very different but superb and fascinating sets, starting with Shane O’Linski, an artist unlike any other. Highly prolific I’m not sure I’ve often heard the same song played live twice and his set tonight consisted entirely of new material. His clever and witty, obervational lyrics and unique style of guitar playing was quite compelling.
Shane O’Linski
(c) shashamane 2015
One of his fellow curators at Jurnets, Andrew Taylor (Chad played here a fortnight ago) was playing his first live set for two and a half years. I well remember the last one, at The Birdcage which led me to buy all his works. His playing with his wonderful, soft voice led the whole audience into his world before he closed the set with a cover and his own interpretation of Norwegian Wood. After so long without playing a gig there are two in a week and Andrew can be heard again at The Plasterers for BFR with Don’t Lose Heart, and Lee Gordon on Tuesday 18th August.
Andrew Taylor
(c) shashamane 2015
Joseph Sanger is something of a musical legend around these parts too, now living in Japan this was a rare opportunity to hear him play live, tonight joined by Paul Weston on percussion. His articulate and expressive songwriting and delivery is superb with a nice variety of mood and themes. I enjoyed the upbeat songs immensely but the most moving of all were the more sombre songs, I Don’t Want to Grow Old, and especially the Tsunami Song, a very affecting piece with outstanding lyrics about the 2011 earthquake in his adopted home of Japan, set to a slow arrangement of Oh My Darling, Clementine, a song he has never performed before and in his own words “probably never will be again”. I was following the lyrics in the same way I followed those of Robert Chaney (my highlight of Red Rooster) when I first heard The Cyclist, it moved me like Mary by Milly Hirst did when I first heard that on its live debut. Tonight Joe drew the most prolonged and sincere applause I think I have heard at a gig of this size. Honestly, it was verging on a standing ovation. The place was also as full as I have seen it, deservedly so for a special moment in time never likely to be repeated, though I’m sure all present will relive in memory for a long time to come. A superb and magical gig.
Joseph Sanger with Paul Weston
(c) shashamane 2015
Joseph Sanger – What can you say about Joe..? Fantastic musician, songwriter and musical experimenter currently residing in Japan – expect some Banjo and Uke lead songs from Joe’s recent One Month Albums. Joe will also be joined on Percussion by Paul Weston
Andrew Taylor – A rare live performance from Andrew Taylor this evening who will be performing a bunch of brand new and nearly new songs! Not to be missed!
Shane O’Linski – Who knows what songs Shane will be doing at this gig, it’s been a while since he’s performed at O/S/T and he’s probably written a few hundred songs since the last time so it will be great to see what he’s been up to…
Many thanks to Joseph Sanger, Paul Weston, Andrew Taylor, Shane O’Linski, and Iain Lowery.
words and photos (c) richard shashamane 2015
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Norwich: Music City, UK 