Subject: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Big Al Whittle Date: 24 Mar 06 - 06:42 AM This fine review of Jack Hudson's recent concert was written recently for the Real Music Forum by Neil Dalton Jack Hudson Review - Vernon Arms 21.03.06 Jack Hudson is tall and rangy, with a face that looks not so much as if it has been lived in but as if the tenant left owing a month's rent. He looks like the last man in town, still chewing over whether to leave or stay, before the tumbleweeds blow through and take over. He eases himself onto a stool, preferring to sit while he plays, shifts his shoulders a few times to get comfortable, tries out a couple of chords, fingers a little run and then starts to sing and play: it's that easy, or at least he makes it seem so. Before he came on stage he had clearly been leafing through my record collection: not only does he talk about Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Ry Cooder but he seems to love all the people I thought no one but me cared much about anymore; Guy Clarke, Steve Earle - Lowell George. Dammit, he even finished his opening set with a song I last heard Tim Buckley sing. There's something special about Jack Hudson though, he may love the songs and the singers I love but he doesn't flatter them by imitation. Every song he sings is his own, every one has been worn smooth with loving use, like old leather that's been cracked and polished both at the same time. He doesn't just cover a song but strips it back to the bare wood, finds new springs and re-upholsters the whole damn thing so that what you get is the song that Jack built. He can write songs too, songs that are in every way the equal of those he loves; warm songs full of regret, sung with a sense of hope and songs of hope, sung with a sense of loss. He makes you feel like you have been invited in to his front parlour, placed in an old, comfortable arm chair, handed a glass of sour mash whiskey and asked to listen to a few songs from an old friend - just for fun, just for the hell of it. If there had been hundreds of people in the room that night he would still have made you feel the songs were just for you. Not easy that, to make things seem that easy. I think he was probably suffering from a cold but it didn't matter. He has a voice that sounds like it has had oak aged brandy poured over it and then set alight but it rings as true as an old Martin guitar. His voice has been to places other voices never get to go and a cold or a sore throat, well, they just have to take their turn because he's got songs to sing. A sore throat doesn't worry him, anyone who tackles a Tim Buckley song knows all about vocal range and how to use it best. His guitar is as wonderful as his playing. It looked and sounded like a strange cross between a Martin and a Gibson, a blond face, with rich mahogany sides and back and a little tasteful patterning around the edge: a Gibartin or a Martson, something strange, but, in fact, it turned out to be a handmade English guitar. Boy did it ring. There's nothing flashy about Jack's playing, it's lean, always adding to the song, lifting it, always acknowledging the impact of timing, the feel of space around the notes. He understands intuitively when to allow a run to evoke a sense of occasion, when to drop in a little Doc Watson or Maybelle Carter, always allowing a chord to hang around for a while to make an acquaintance become a friend. Every note sang, every chord hummed, he has an innate sense of rhythm, syncopation, always spare, always rich, partly the guitar, always the player, strings ringing like a mission bell calling the faithful. I don't add much to my record collection these days, I've got old and cranky and mean with my money and my musical time over the years. But Jack Hudson can take a walk through my record collection any time he likes - he'll even find himself there, in his rightful place, among his equals. Neil Dalton 23.03.06 |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Lancashire Lad Date: 24 Mar 06 - 12:11 PM What can I add to a review like that? Jack has been receiving such reviews for 30 years, but the rest of the world doesnt seem to notice. For God's sake people, wake up! In truth Jack is probably a little too "country" for the folk purists who seem to shout down those who argue the scene isnt ONLY for the traditional. Jack is as fine a songwriter as you will come across and has thankfully (or not) lived the words he so eloquently delivers. And as a singer, there are few voices to match him. He is a genuine interpreter (as opposed to a copyist) of the work of other writers too and the comparisons above to Guy Clarke and Steve Earle are more than justified. (I would also add Townes Van Zandt to the list). This is no mean feat for a a self efacing man from the north of England. I was so happy to read the above review. At least there are a few of us in Jack's fan club, but new members will always be welcome. Cheers LL |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Rasener Date: 24 Mar 06 - 12:23 PM Congratulations Jack |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Capo da Monty Date: 24 Mar 06 - 01:49 PM I've said it before.... A Master Craftsman. |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Dave4Guild Date: 24 Mar 06 - 03:33 PM I'm in total agreement!!! A super performer and a really nice guy. I still don't know why he's not famous - that would make James Blunt and David Gray think twice before playing/singing ever again! |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Big Al Whittle Date: 25 Mar 06 - 03:05 AM It occurred to me that as Jack doesn't get played very much on the radio - not even by his local folk music programme. And his work is unavailable in the shops, as far as I know - I bet some of you are a bit perplexed as to why we devotees make so much fuss - after all, what makes him different from every other singer with a guitar. I can assure you that it is not mere friendship - I have many friends who play the guitar and sing - this guy is unique. check out the extracts on these pages http://www.wovenwheatwhispers.co.uk/Label-Review-Jack%20Hudson.htm |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Big Al Whittle Date: 26 Mar 06 - 01:31 AM refresh |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: Strollin' Johnny Date: 30 Mar 06 - 06:13 AM Nothing I can add to that fantastic Review, other than to say that every single word is true, true, TRUE!! (and yes, I was bloody-well shouting there!). Jack is a true 20th (and now 21st) Century troubadour - he sings of things that have real meaning for the post- (and I guess pre-) WWII generation, and his voice has 'authority' stamped on it. A genuine Class Act, spurned by fools. I'm proud to perform three of Jack's great songs in my set - all from his latest CD 'Elvis is - Alive And Well'. Buy it - you won't regret it! S:0) |
Subject: RE: Review of Jack Hudson in Derby From: GUEST,Judy Smyth....Auckland...New Zealand Date: 04 Sep 21 - 10:38 PM I want to contact Jack Hudson. I knew him in the 70s when in England. fbook will find me. |
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