Music / Reviews
Review: Katy J Pearson, SWX – ‘Powerful, beautiful, loud and proud’
Katy J Pearson is huge in Bristol. There she is on a 20-foot-tall screen, staring back at me as I ascend the stairs into SWX. She is back home as part of her UK tour to celebrate her epic third album Someday, Soon. The room is packed with friends, family and fans filled with enormous pride, all here to celebrate her music.
KJP has Vancouver singer-songwriter Dana Gavanski opening proceedings, who pops up behind her piano as if by magic, with little introduction. She proceeds to hit us with her incredible voice. The songs are stripped back and delightful, instantly giving rise to feelings similar to other stunning artists past and present like Joan Baez and Bess Atwell.
The set is smilingly introduced as “Phase One” which is full of piano-led ballads that are minimalist musically with maximum emotion. Business of the Attitudes glides, soothes, and cuts deep. Dana makes the incredible appear simple and is clearly a hugely talented artist.
is needed now More than ever
“Phase 2” is electrified. Dana picks up her guitar, playing to an upbeat synth backing for Song For Rachel, then hits us with a cover of King Crimson’s classic I Talk to the Wind – a song that suits her style in every way and to the untrained ear could have been her own.
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KJP first takes the stage solo to dimmed light and hushed voices, opening with album title track Someday. She lets her voice fill the room and the crowd gathers in admiration.
Her band then joins onstage as Katy beams: “This is a very special evening for me!” She recalls applying for a job working in SWX, and is now here headlining her own show.
My last KJP live experience was a small, stripped-back affair across the road at Rough Trade. Here the songs sound beefed up, the basslines pronouncing the whole thing a much more rocking affair.
“WE LOVE YOU KATY!!!” is screamed on several occasions, individuals struggling to hide their excitement.
Bristol has adopted Katy as one of its own; originally from Cirencester, she made many trips to play the city’s grassroots venues when launching her music career as a teenager
Beautiful Soul took me back to the harbourside, years ago when I fell in love with Katy’s music for the first time. The set spans all three of her albums, dipping heavily into her extensive back catalogue and, in this city, she must have memories of playing some of these songs for the first time.
Lyrically raw and vulnerable It’s Mine Now slows things down with Katy’s distinctive vocals so powerful and beautiful, loud and proud. She takes every note in her stride to deliver a performance that wows the crowd.
Talk Over Town has a tremendously triumphant trumpet solo and turns into a dance song halfway through, as does Save Me with the room becoming a mass of swaying smiles, warmth and affection. Take Back The Radio is cheered before it’s even really begun, with fans dancing all around.
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When Katy returns to the stage after a brief interlude, she brings her brother Bob with her. The pair perform Return to rapturous applause. There is time for Freddie to slay one more trumpet solo on the upbeat pop epic that is Tonight. The perfect way to end a great night celebrating one of Bristol’s greatest artists.
All images: Matt Barnes
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