| Friday, July 20, 2001 |
music you want to get stuck in your head...
Kennedy at the Star & Garter, Brook Road, Montpelier
Thursday 19th July 2001
With a lick of paint, some brighter lightbulbs and a newfound adherence to licencing law, the Star & Garter opened its doors again over Carnival weekend, ‘with help from all its friends’ as the posters have it. In celebratory mood, the Star has announced a programme of DJs and live events, and the first of these last was Kennedy’s set last night.
The first and last time I’d seen Kennedy before, he was playing a solo set at the Severn Revels festival last summer, so I was surprised how much of the music came across as familiar on hearing it again. Surprised and glad, because – I’ve been humming bits all day today and no complaints here. Unfortunately I don’t know any titles though, so before I start telling you how great the one that goes “…” is, better move on.
Suffice to say that these are tunes and turns of phrase that you will want to have to hand when you need them: when things matter, when you’re delighted or despondent or dumbfounded… (…music that makes you want to wax lyrical yourself, in fact!).
It turns out that the solo set last year was unusual, and that Kennedy (guitar and vocals) is normally joined by another guitarist and a percussionist, both of whom were great last night. Together the group’s dynamic seems casual but tight, the sound polished but personable.
In one of the best promotional catchphrases around, the Star’s new flyer announces “Friendly atmosphere. Good vibes. Good behaviour. Free snacks.”. Add to this Kennedy’s people- pleasing performance and you have one happy place to be.
As far as I know Kennedy’s next outing will be at the Trinity sometime in September, along with Morningstar, I’m presuming as a Greatness of the Magnificence event. Will keep you posted, or if you know anything, email us at the usual address.
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