Review: AMNESTY CONCERT, OTLEY COURTHOUSE ARTS CENTRE, Sat 29th Oct 2005

As published in "The Wharfedale Observer"

Otley's comfortable Courthouse Arts Centre was the setting for three memorable musical acts when Wharfedale Amnesty International hosted a successful fundraising show on Saturday evening. There was additional interest in a couple of performances beyond what the posters offered, particularly a Punch and Judy Show scripted to draw attention to the prevalent but insufficiently exposed crimes of domestic violence.

As the evening got under way audience and organisers alike were grateful to Dave Vermond, Otley's skilful perpetrator of the humanely hilarious in song, for relaxing an initially serious-minded audience with the insightful humour he brings to such an extraordinary array of topics.

After the thought-provoking Punch and Judy interlude, it was time for man of surprises Nick Hall to take the stage with his previously unannounced piano and bass accompaniment. Making good use of the trio form, his songs worked through a number of moods, conjured up the spirit of audience participation and ended with good gritty rock.

For the rest of the evening Julie Ellison movingly and inspiringly held the audience's attention with three qualities rarely found together in a single performer. Her guitar playing is recognised wherever she goes as having a dazzling level of excellence - but let it not overshadow the fine voice and intense nature of her lyrics. Between songs she chronicled some highs and lows of her life and career, and explained how the subject matter of a recent song Angels has caused such a stir that she now doesn't include it at concerts. There may be other news of that song however, as she referred to the possibility of it being recorded in connection with charitable activities. Whether for that reason or simply because of her outstanding abilities, more is likely to be seen and heard of Julie Ellison.

Author: John Hepworth