Morning Star Live Review

NEW Roots is without doubt one of the best event promotions in London.

Shining a light on some of the most talented musicians around, it creates spaces where artists get the respect they, and their music, deserve.

The Harrison’s intimate atmosphere is perfect for singer-songwriter Ady Johnson from Colchester.

He’s a superb live performer and his finely crafted, off-kilter style meshes the mod pop tones of Ray Davies and the Small Faces through Tom Waits and Neil Young to create a distinctly unique soulful jazz pop.

His band — Toby Bull on sax, trumpet, bass and backing vocals, “Tuba Tom” Briers on sousaphone and Pete Flood on drums and percussion — are excellent.

With songs drawn from the excellent Tell the Worry Dolls album — Pink Flamingos and Jewelly Box are outstanding — new single New Year’s Day and the Thank You for the Good Things EP, they finish with a skiffle-ridde, brass-fuelled stomp through Whale Song that is a perfect end to a glorious set.

James McKean and Blueberry Moon seriously whet the appetite for a release later this year that can only build on his impressive previous work with A-Train.

Again the backing band’s superb musicianship and guitar work complement McKean’s dark, soulful voice and make his melancholic Americana songs stand out.

Elly O’Keeffe is a revelation.

Down to earth and engaging as she chats to the audience, she mesmerises as she wields her voice like a musical instrument, telling tales with a range of emotions and passion that stun.

These are not traditional verse, chorus, verse songs but stories that she sings with a real intensity while playing guitar to great effect.

She’s a talent that could go far and is definitely one to watch in 2016.

Review by Bob Oram