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Liam Bailey and duck companion - Photo via Facebook
Having released his album over in the States last year, we’ve been feeling a bit left out over here in Blighty. With the promise of its release sometime in spring, it’s been a while since Liam Bailey has graced a Nottingham stage, but all was forgiven when it was his home town – along with Notting Hill - that he chose to visit on a two-date stint.
Easing us in to the evening was Joy Mumford, her gentle, soulful tunes, strong voice and warm persona demonstrated why she was picked to open the Splendour stage last year. A laid back start to the proceedings, the Red Room steadily filled up throughout her set.
Coming on to the stage brandishing a wooden duck he’d picked up from Watford Gap service station, Liam Bailey had everyone in the palm of his hand from the word go. He apologised that he’d nearly not made it because of a spot of laryngitis – putting it down to Forest beating Derby a few days earlier – but that he dare not let Nottingham down.
Starting the set with Breaking and So, Down Cold - both from his upcoming album - he was visibly struggling with his throat. He pushed on through, joking with the crowd between songs, and to be fair to him, although he wasn’t on top form, he didn’t miss many of the notes. The set was a good mix of new and old tracks, all demonstrating his ability to blend soul, blues, reggae and rock, the crowd immediately jumped in to sing along to When Will They Learn.
Obviously loving being back on home turf, he gave a shout out to Xylophone Man and promised that the album would be out soon. Ending the night on the stomping track Villain, the room, which had had an energetic atmosphere all night, stepped up a gear - a pleasant surprise for a bitterly cold Wednesday night in January.
A true performer, if you get the chance to catch him live, do it. Part way through the set one person cried out, “I think I love him!” You and the rest of us, duck.
Liam Bailey played at Rescue Rooms on Wednesday 21 January 2015.
Liam Bailey on Facebook
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