I preface this with something i learned tonight, I’ve done myself a disservice, I’ve owned Joshua Radin’s 2nd album “Simple Times” for over 2 years, and I’m lucky if I’ve even listened to it 4 times.
however, when i heard that he had a show in glasgow i had to get tickets, as i’d already missed him when he played the legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.
Tonight Glasgow’s Oran Mór plays host to Joshua radin and his band of merry men.
Opening with the beautiful “No Envy, No Fear” Standing with his guitar the crowsn is silent as he begins, the double bass kicks in, played by Jon Flowers, who tonight with the thanks of the red stage light, he looks like some sort of cross between Gargamel from the smurfs and Dick Dastardly.
In an unfounded surprise, Joshua side steps the mic and can fill the room with his voice, there is a certain charm at his ability to hold a glasgow crowd, never before have i been at a gig where you can hear a pin drop. Joshua’s voice has such warmth and depth that makes the room fall in love with him, the crowd itself is made up from people of all ages and it’s possibly one of the weirdest mix of people in one room i have ever seen. Joined on stage with the three members of The Staves as backing singers, the crowd continues to be under the spell of Joshua’s voice and the entire audience can’t get enough. Talking between songs, he tells of his inspiration, his break up with the one woman who he calls the love of his life, taking his audience on the journey with him. he talkds of how hard it was and after a beat and a shy smile he says” It’s a cathartic experience being in Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band”
playing songs from his forthcoming 3rd album, which he jokes that the uk might get it in 2 rars time and the “[he] doesn’t care, if you steal it”. These songs seem more upbeat, which Joshua atribuets to a year of depression and finally getting over it, its impossible to say that the Joshua and his band dont enjoy themselves on stage and it’s clear to see that the audience love it as well.
