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WENDY MATTHEWS CONCERT
The Basement, Thursday 16 May, 2002
The parlous state of the music industry in this country was higlighted by the performance by Wendy Matthews at the Basement last night.
Whilst our media is prepared to exploit the talents of young wannabes in an attempt to turn them into the 'next big thing' (ie a clone of the 'last big thing') Wendy Matthews packed the Basement despite a dearth of radio or tv exposure of her talent.
I must confess that whilst I like the concept of the Basement, and appreciate the eclecticism of the acts which appear there, it is not an ideal venue from a spectator's point of view. You effectively have three options:
· pay for a meal to ensure a seat - the food is not terrible but it is not great either, and there was a fair amount of confusion infecting the staff serving our table; and for what you get the food is relatively expensive. Plus our table was as far from the stage as was possible
· arrive just for the show and join the crush of the 'non-eaters'
· arrive early, secure a seat, wait for the show whilst forever guarding your seat, and run the risk that you will be pissed and broke by the time the act commences.
But enough of the bitching because this was a great night. Despite the above grievances the Basement provides a wonderful atmosphere to listen to good quality music.
The night started with a support act Jackie Bristow. Jackie played acoustic guitar and was supported by acoustic guitar and bass. She has a voice not unlike Kasey Chambers to these ears. Her material showed good songwriting skills, but by the end of her set there appeared a sense of sameness in the material. During the break a number of women patrons were heard to accuse their partners of having concentrated more on her cleavage than her songs. It is fair to say that Jackie Bristow is a very attractive young lady.
When Wendy Matthews came on stage she brought a sense of poise, elegance and charm with her. At the risk of this review being condemned as sexist, Wendy is a beautiful looking lady. Her entire performance appeared effortless - that is not to mean that she didn't put her heart and soul into it - quite the reverse, but what she did seemed natural. Nothing appeared forced, from the banter with the audience to the highest of notes it just flowed - naturally.
Her backing band was perfect for the night - acoustic guitar, cello and piano. It all melded together seamlessly.
Let no-one call this 'AOR' - it is great music performed by someone with such talent that our media seem forced to ignore her. As she said 'they won't play me because I'm not top 5; I'm not top 5 because they won't play me' or words to that effect.
If you get the chance to see her on her current tour do so.
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