| Author | Message | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 871 Registered: 10-2002 |
It's been a long time coming, but Level 42 finally returned to Scotland last night. I went up to Perth with Mike Pisanek (6 string Europa) to see them. Another Alembic player - Ian Petch was missing as he couldn't change his shifts. Shame. Support for the band came in the form of Kenny Thomas who had a few top twenty hits in the early 90's and recently resurfaced in the TV show 'Hit me baby one more time'. I have to say he wasn't my cup of tea; the guy has a superb singing voice but I felt he'd be more at home entertaining on a cruise ship. (a google search brings up quite a few links to shows at Butlins, a popular british holiday camp). Their sound wasn't brilliant, the bass in particular being very muddy. I don't know who the player was but he was playing a Hohner Jack through an Ampeg combo. When Level 42 hit the stage, the audience went wild. Mark was playing a special edition 'retroglide' status Kingbass (named after the new album) which was finished in mock checkerplate with ice blue front LEDS, into two Ashdown MK500 heads powering a pair of beautifully painted Ashdown 4x10 cabs. The rest of the lineup included original keyboards player Mike Lindup, Mark's brother Nathan on Guitar, the superb Gary Husband on drums, Sean freeman on sax and Lyndon Connah on percussion. As you'd expect, the bass was very high in the mix and sounded just like you'd expect Mark king to sound. Guitar was a little too quiet (can't believe I said that!) and the percussion was very low. However, the overall sound quality was superb. This is a new concert hall and they've obviously put alot of effort into the acoustics. The set kicked off with a number from the new album (I've been listening to it for about 4 weeks and I think it's superb) then they launched into an evening of greatest hits with another two of the new numbers slotted in. The whole performance was very dynamic. Nathan and Sean in particular looked like they were having a brilliant time together. Mark's playing never ceases to amaze me. Naturally his slapping is fantastic as that's what he's famous for, but his fingerstyle technique is just as awe inspiring. Add in the fact that he's often singing some pretty complex lyrics and you can't help but feel a little inadequate ;-) The show lasted about an hour and a half with Mark switching to a dark finished kingbass with red LEDS for the encore by which time almost the entire audience were on their feet dancing and clapping along. A superb night as I'm sure Mike will agree, shame I'm gigging tonight otherwise I'd probably try to make the Glasgow show. The day was rounded of nicely when I managed to score tickets to see the Flecktones in January. All it needs now is for Stanley and james Taylor to visit the UK and my hero worshipping will be complete. Graeme | ||
| 88persuader
Advanced Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 225 Registered: 5-2004 |
I'd LOVE to see Level 42, I didn't know they had a new disk out ... thanks for the Info. If you haven't seen the Flecktones yet you're in for a treat! Victor is truly gifted ... the whole band was perfect when i saw them a few years ago. I met "Future man" before the show. It was summer at Hampton Beach and he was standing outside watching a cover show band before their gig with the crowd. Nobody even knew who he was! He was a nice guy! Anyway i'll be sure to look for the new Level 42 disk and You'll be sure to be blown away by the Flecktones! Enjoy! | ||
| rob_steen
New Username: rob_steen Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2002 |
There are rumours that Level 42 will be doing a small tour of America and Canada in the new year. I know there are rumours of this every tour but it may still happen. I caught them in Dublin a few weeks back and it was great fun, but there were problems with the sound. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 840 Registered: 2-2006 |
I hope they come close to the Dallas area. |
