Magical Musician
I’ve seen Richard Dawson live five times. Each occasion has been special it its own way. The venue for this performance, the Face Bar in Reading, was one I hadn’t been to before but I thought it was a fantastic find, a lovely intimate place that allowed us to experience Richard’s amazing guitar playing up close and personal. It created a sense of access that reminded me of the golden era of indie. I loved the run of Nico tracks played before he took to the stage. I thought they set the scene perfectly for what was to come. I was already in tears during Museum, his second track. That wasn’t a huge surprise tbh - It frequently overwhelms me. The balance between old and new material was spot on. “My dreams died like dolphins in a net” from a new track called Gondola was beautiful. He finished with some bravura guitar playing. In my view Richard Dawson is one of the best musicians in England right now. He gives his absolute all each time he performs to the point of almost draining himself. Highly recommended.
Posted anonymously on 28/08/2024
Richard Dawson (solo), The Face Bar, Reading - 27th August 2024
Genius
Richard Dawson was absolutely brilliant in Reading tonight. The word 'genius' is much abused and over-used, but...my goodness, sometimes it's deserved. His songs never go to the chord, the note OR the word OR scansion that your ears expect. Never! That's some trick.
He can make you laugh with a wry observation in one half of a line, then rip your heart into shreds with the second half. Deep poetry about the bus to lidl, or an under-12s football match, or allotments. Genius.
His guitar playing is the most physical, folk-jazz, metal, deranged, discordant and melodic mash-up I've ever seen one human achieve in the flesh. I'm in awe.
And all from the most chilled, self-deprecating and funny man, resemblng an AI-photo mash-up of Timothy Spall, David Brent and Brian Blessed. I am glad I made the drive.
Lovely to hear Ben Marwood's tender and funny songs again too.
Posted by Dan on 28/08/2024
Richard Dawson (solo), The Face Bar, Reading - 27th August 2024
