John Luckett shares this review of Jaz Delorean’s recent gig at Strings Bar and Venue in Newport. Our thanks to Claydon Connor for use of his photos. Ed
Have you ever been to a gig and wondered afterwards – how on earth are these people not famous? Jaz is one of these artists – sitting alone on stage with just a keyboard, giving that air of vulnerability but actually being totally in control of what he is doing.
Normally the flamboyant, energetic, charismatic front-man for Tankus The Henge – whether it be a raucous, exuberant Tankus gig or Jaz’s intimate solo performance, both are equally life-affirming events, and in our bonkers world, it is really all about “….spreading a little love”.
Heartwarming and uplifting
Set in the intimate, seated surroundings of Strings in Newport, it may have been cold waiting outside but the atmosphere in the club and the performance was something to warm and uplift the heart.
Jaz shared with us his love of New Orleans jazz and blues, his hero – Louis Armstrong, together with stories and anecdotes about influence for some of Tankus’s songs.
An eclectic set
An eclectic set that contained music going back 100 years, to Rogers and Hammerstein, and contemporary versions of Tankus songs, his stage presence captivated the audience, and in the quieter numbers you could have heard a pin drop!
He just makes it look so easy, a consummate performer, and a keyboard virtuoso.
“All we wanted to do was spread a little love”
Highlights were covers of Tankus songs like “Weather”, “Glitterlung” and the wonderful story behind “Staying On The Side Of The Dirt”; and “God Oil Money”, whose lyrics got Tankus a social media ban at a critical time as they launched their latest “Luna Park” album.
With lyrics like “Folks point at their neighbours – saying you don’t belong – ask the same old questions – where are you really from? – nothing like that matters to me and my friends – Love’s where we start – Love’s where we end”, apparently this was too much for some at the time of the US Presidential Election!
Jaz explained it wasn’t an attempt to be political “…all we wanted to do was spread a little love”.
Who let the dogs out?
An unexpected joy of the gig was at the interval – when Jaz let his dogs loose! Apparently, they love life on the road and it makes a change for them as they live with him on a house-boat. Both dogs going around the audience and getting lots of fuss in the process.
One of the funnier moments was when Jaz shared the story of the dogs providing “book-ends” for his previous tour. Those who were there will understand, but is, perhaps, a story for another day!
A joy and privilege to see
All being well, Jaz will be back again, and let us hope that Tankus come back to the Island too. It is a joy and privilege to be able to see artists like Jaz (and Tankus The Henge) play – the last couple of years have highlighted the positive effects music and the arts have on positive mental health for our nation, yet remain low priority for funding in education.
Supporting acts like Jaz, and independent venues like Strings is vital to our culture and our well-being.
Keep on spreading the love!
Find out more
Stay up to date with the latest news from Tankus the Henge or Jaz Delorean by visiting their social media pages.
Image: © Claydon Connor
