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Review: Phosphor -escent @ Jazz Café, May 28th.
Posted by: Tilly
“Tell me where you’ve been, I’ll tell you where I’ve been, It will be ok”…opens Matthew Houck (a.k.a Mr Phosphorescent) in a sleepy and delicate voice which resonates over the silent, expecting audience. This song: ‘A Picture Of Our Torn Up Praise’- the perfect beginning. Who would have known that the drummer was playing with only one hand due to a beer-related injury…
Houck captivates you instantly, creating calm anticipation with his almost majestic presence. He sings with a voice that I have found utterly mesmerising since the day I discovered ‘Pride’ in amongst my brothers CD collection – drawing you in, making you feel like you’re the only one there, telling stories of broken dreams and drunkenness.
His own material stands out so much that they really could have left out the Willie Nelson covers from Phosphorescent’s latest album ‘To Willie’, a tribute to the great man. ‘Wolves’ in particular is a highlight of the Phosphorescent evening – beautiful melodies and perfect harmonies falling over the smiling crowd – woozy, almost haunting.
There’s still time before Phosphorescent float off back to America – see MySpace for remaining British dates – it’ll be worth it.
Tilly Kneale
For Fans Of: Bonnie Prince Billy, Horse Feathers, Willie Nelson.
mp3: Phosphorescent – Wolves
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