All photos Gary Foy/TBL

Robert Plant And The Band Of Joy

One Mayfair , London September 1st 2010

ROBERT PLANT & THE BAND OF JOY IN LONDON: “WELCOME TO THE CHURCH’’

Set List: Monkey, House Of Cards, Cindy I’’ll Mary You Someday, Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down, Central Two – O- Nine, Harms’ Swift Way, Angel Dance, I Bid You Goodnight.

Robert Plant and The Band Of Joy introduced themselves to a UK audience for the first time with an all inclusive eight song set list drawn mainly from their forthcoming album. This secret gig acted as a showcase launch for the Band Of Joy album in front of an audience of around 250. The location was One Mayfair, just off London’s Oxford Street near Marble Arch – a plush converted church.

Dressed in a dark shirt and blue jeans, Robert immediatly led the band into an intensive delivery of Monkey. From the off,  it was apparent how much of a democratic line up this is with Patty Griffin sharing the mournful vocal and Buddy Miller supplying subtle guitar effects.

‘’Welcome to the church…it’s time to be christened in a new way’’ was Robert’s between song patter before they launched into House Of Cards. This had Patty on acoustic guitar and a final verse that accented the drama of Robert ‘s ‘’It goes tumbling tumbling tumbling tumbling down..’’ masteful vocal.  Robert drank from a cup before the band struck up the bluesy plaintive blues lament that is Cindy I’ll Marry You Someday. This had some impressive banjo via Darrell Scott and Byron House on double bass.

From one blues spook to another. Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down increased the drama and as Robert hugged the mic  I had a brief mental flashback of the younger singer in similar style back at Knebworth  Ala Nobody’s Fault But Mine all those years ago . The moment he moved into a higher register as the song reached it’s climax was just awesome.  With no messing they were into Central Two-O-Nine with Robert on washboard igniting the action with a ‘’Get This!’’ exclaim. Lot’s of ‘’Ahh Ahh’’ refrains with Patty and he ended his washboard solo with a Bonzo like flourish behind Marco Giovino’s percussion.

‘’Here’s one from Texas and Townes Van Zandt’’ was the  intro to the bright and light Harm’s Swift Way. This was a total truimph –Robert’s beaming smile towards the close emphasised the good time warmth this unit conveys. It was also clear evidence of how much the singer is enjoying all this. As somebody near to him said to me recently ‘’It’s the happiest I’ve seen him in ten years’’

The warm good vibes extended into the irresistibly likable Angel Dance. Here Robert allowed himself a couple of time honoured ‘’Ooo yeah’s’’ and a two step dance interaction with Patty that may well have him enlisted as a future Strictly Come Dancing contestant(or not!). Robert wrapped up proceedings with a fond farewell that made reference to Houses of The Holy.  The whole band then jelled together for the now customary close I Bid You Goodnight with Robert sharing vocals with Patty, Buddy and the whole band.

‘’Thanks for coming out tonight…we’ll see you tomorrow’’ was his parting words before the strains of Harry J All Stars reggae terrace anthem The Liquidator from the PA indicated that this showcase had come to an end.

Audiences ahead can expect more of the same and a little bit of added heritage from all parts of his expansive catalogue thrown in for good measure. On the evidence of this delightful opening showcase, this particular band will be spreading a considerable amount of joy around as the autumn hue arrives.

As the singer once put it, the future is ahead…bright ahead. And it all starts shining again tonight at the London HMV Forum…

Dave Lewis. September 2nd 2010