Bedford Live Presents Jess Morgan with The Darling Mundaring and Sean Morris.
Bedford Esquires Holy Molys Lev 1 Friday 30th March 2012.
Review By Martin Stapleton.
My, how time flies! Was it really in April 2010 that JESS MORGAN held her Bedford album launch for All Swell, it deservedly garnered much critical acclaim tonight at the home of Bedford’s Acoustic scene here at Holy Molys in Bedford Esquires, Jess is back to showcase material from her brand new second album called Aye Me. This Norwich based singer – songwriter has always had an affinity with us Bedfordians, ever since she made her first appearance in the town back in the summer of 2009. This closeness is due to the sterling efforts of Mr. Jez Brown, who also promotes tonight’s gig. Thankfully for all us Jess fans, the warmer weather is fine and there is no snow tonight! (An in joke)
It was probably being introduced to the wonderful eponymous debut album of Susanne Vega back in the autumn of 1985, that first got this reviewer in to the world of the female acoustic artist. A few peaks and troughs have followed, but I really do have an enormous amount of time for this feisty hard giggin lady, Jess almost treats Bedford as a second home.
The very sad and rather poignant A Musket Of My Own, begins her set and of a similar vein is Postcards which follows, Jess is strident and confident, except when she has that awkward task of retuning her guitar, which she has to do prior to Workhouse, another heart rendering tale. Jess explains that she is an amateur genealogist and recently discovered that a member of her bloodline was placed in to Fulham workhouse in 1925. As she relays every line of the song, you can see she is quite emotionally taken aback by the words she has written. Jess Morgan is quite vivacious in her appearance, long ginger hair and a green patterned dress, but she has an admission to make. This young lady admits to being a bit scary to potential partners. Since I’ve Known You is a riposte, a veritable F***you to “Someone who mildly irritated” her!
Although she is clearly excited to bring us her new material from Aye Me, Jess acknowledges the fact that some of her fans may like to hear some of All Swell. The old songs have become her friends and you kind of sense she feels attached to them. She performs for us firstly Eels, “For Hook Line And Sinker I Am Mad About You” Later on we are presented with Talisman “Pennies Roll For They’re Made Round”.
Ms Morgan is a mighty fine lyricist, sometimes her music is dark and atmospheric, but at all times it is most strikingly beautiful and melodic. Its finely wrought self-penned tunes that tug at this reviewer’s heart. On a much lighter note, the most of all is not serious at all! The story behind Connecticut is Jess at her most amusing best! Having obtained an arts grant from Norfolk county council (she adds wry that this means that the good folks of Norwich will not be getting their bins emptied for five years!) She travels and performs around America. “This is a grubby song about a grubby town!” it oozes with a dizzying combination of despair, optimism and perspective. Stuck in a motel room watching the rain fall solidly for three days. “TV’s broke and the sheets smell like other peoples shoes”
Rarely has bad luck sounded this good! She has a healthy fanbase in Bedford which is a rare achievement for an independent artist. It’s perfectly understandable, given her expressive vocals that invest whatever she sings and all delivered with such an irresistible emotional depth. Her wondrous singing, her hugely engaging Norfolk wit and lets not forget her fiery Welsh roots. The nostalgia that is Every Day A School Day brings everything to a close. As the applause echoes around Holy Molys, her radiance totally lights up the room. There is a sporting adage that says ‘Winning is grinning’ on this performance Jess Morgan is most certainly a winner.
Support on the night comes from THE DARLING MUNDARING an acoustic duo of Christal (vocals) and Kevin (guitar) who are bolstered by the multi-instrumental talents of Matt Jarman, Edwin Ireland and Rob Collins. The dreamy ethereal vocals are enhanced by such a varied selection of instruments that in effect create almost a ‘Celestial Choir’! They produce a set of own compositions that are totally exquisite. The results, especially on Nathaniel are stunning and beautiful.
You may remember SEAN MORRIS from his time fronting Wolf Law. He may have left the rock behind, but Sean has grown in to his country troubadour trousers very snugly. Its highlighted by Never Look Back. As Sean so succinctly puts it, a song “About a girl who f***** me over!”
Review by Martin Stapleton www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk