Having previously seen The Jesse Janes take the roof off at The Handyman pub, I was concerned about how they would cope with their concert at The Music Room in the Phil – an altogether different affair what with paying punters and lots of fresh merchandise to be sold. However, I needn’t have worried…
FOLLOW THE JESSE JANES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
Using a repertoire based on the music of “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, they reveal their love of all things Americana – Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss, and T Bone Burnett all get name checked during the set.
Skillful musicians and vocalists in their own right, the combination of two Irish sisters (Kate and MaryRose) with three Liverpool lads (Tom, Ben, and Andy) works beautifully.
FOLLOW THE JESSE JANES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
You’re immediately struck by the sisters strong harmonising – almost as if they born into it but not forgetting the lads who also harmonise just as well. Kate and MaryRose also lay down really solid rhythms along with Andy’s rock steady bass lines.
FOLLOW THE JESSE JANES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
The set list was a wise choice, with all their talents shown to best effect through the evening. Tom Crofts showed some mean country and blues chops on several guitars (plus the occasional banjo) and sometimes he traded licks with fellow guitarist Ben Burke – a nice contrast with Ben’s more rock and roll stylings.
FOLLOW THE JESSE JANES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
MaryRose nailed down all the percussion with a nice turn on her ukulele for one song, while Kate switched seamlessly back and forth from guitar to mandolin! Highlights for me were almost too many to mention, but they include the acapella section, where each harmony just slid into place, blending perfectly – MaryRose’s lung busting note at the end of Blue Bayou – Tom’s solo blues number, respecting Skip James’s original – Ben’s take on “You Are My Sunshine”, which brought us all together singing as one, a good choice in these troubled times – the three rocking encores which had us all on our feet….
FOLLOW THE JESSE JANES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
All in all, an evening well spent being entertained by experienced musicians who can collectively charm the birds out of the trees, and if tonight’s outing is anything to go by, The Jesse Janes’ future looks rosy indeed!
