A bit of a buzz around this show as it sold out well in advance. I knew Nizlopi had a loyal & enthusiastic bunch of fans so that wasn't a surprise. We decided to work from the main stage which is unusual for Acoustica (but we needed the bass capabilities of the big speakers) I was concerned that the intimacy would suffer, as that is one of the main priorities of our Acoustica nights. I needn't have worried though - we were treated to a fabulous introduction from George Hardwick, an extremely powerful rap-like poem that set the scene & opened my eyes & ears. Jimmy Davis (abley assited by Henry) proceeded to tell it like it is. His full-on rap delivery freaked me out a bit during soundcheck I must say - but it was such a relevant, heartfelt & thought provoking performance, I had to conceed that it was a perfect opener for the night.
Nizlopi made their way to the middle of the audience & started their set. Acousticaly, the silence was amazing. John & Luke have a real warmth & charisma which makes you listen intently to what they have to say ... either when they're playing unplugged in the middle of the crowd, or when they take to the stage & let rip. Musically they are outstanding, original & challenging - real alternatives because they take chances, yet at the same time, seem to know exactly what they're doing. John's pumping double-basslines & unstoppable beatbox alongside Luke's funky acoustic guitar rythmns & soaring vocals ... the boys moved effortlessly between singalong dance-like-craziness to the most intimate subtlety; Nizlopi had the audience right there with them. It felt to me like a very special evening of inspirational energy, on the edge chaotic at times ... but all the more thrilling for it. A night that was over too soon. Hopefully they will come & play for us again.
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Nizlopi
Nizlopi graced our hallowed stage on Friday 12th (Yes, those of the ’05 Xmas hit The JCB song, which they didn’t play - move on people!) The VERY intimate ‘Acoustica’ gig was sold out. The 160 (mainly!) seated audience in the theatre were treated to something pretty different from a regular evening’s events. Not only was the set up different (the main stage in use), but the whole vibe of the night was something new…
£20 says rapping/rhyming/MC-ing wasn’t on the crowd’s agenda for the night, yet was dabbled with not only by the headliners, but in full on appreciation for the genre, by their tour support, in the shape of Jimmy Davis, a diminutive Brummie rapper.
With enthusiasm, sincerity and a healthy dose of humour, Davis’s distinct regional accent verbalised meaty issues through politics to peace. The beats were funky and the rhymes were clear, and you cannot argue his hearts not in the right place, even if it wasn’t everyone’s cup of Rosie Lee…
The second half of the night bought on stage who everyone had been waiting for. It’s amazing what can be done with an 8ft double bass and a 6 string. The bare footed Luke Concannon appeared to enjoy his time in Gloucester as much as the throngs of fans around him. Lyrically revealing himself to be something of a guitar wielding humanitarian/eco warrior, Concannon’s vocals are stunning - expressive and heartfelt, somewhat reminiscent of Counting Crow’s Adam Duritz, circa ‘August and Everything After’. Beautiful both in the mournful and the uplifting, the melodic nature of the new and (soon to released) songs were at once catchy and emotive. Partnered by John Parker, tapping and slapping ‘Nanny’ his magnificent 19th century double bass, whilst simultaneously being the most unlikely candidate of human beat boxing ever, gave unique and inspired percussion on a stage without drums. Impressive stuff. I didn’t know I was a fan of Folk/Hip Hop but apparently I am.
Whether playing amongst the audience, on stage inches away from the front row or encouraging a minor stage invasion with guest ‘singers’ from the crowd- Nizlopi made the gig a fully interactive experience, presented with natural grace and ease. Whole heartedly encouraged to groove along and get in the mix, Acoustica delivered something different, by a duo that quite clearly meant business.
The audience was somewhat divided. The majority thoroughly enjoyed the night and many initial sceptics were won over, however a minority were left unimpressed at being out of their ‘comfort zone’ and exposed to something different. Whereas regulars may be used to a somewhat subdued affair, it was lively (even a crowd surfer, hilarious!) with acts with boundless energy and I find it hard to argue with a band who so obviously enjoy what they do and truly want you be part of the show. Love spreads…
New album “Make It Happen” comes out spring 2008.
Check out www.nizlopi.com www.myspace.com/littlejimmydavis for more info.
Words by Kate K. Blower
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