Nick Lowe - Old Town School, Chicago, 10/10/2010

  by Lisa Torem

published: 5 / 11 / 2010

intro

Lisa Torem enjoys a set of classic, but heartfelt pop from singer-songwriter Nick Lowe at the Old Town Scool in Chicago

Watching a performer for the first time is very much like falling hopelessly in love, except that you’re experiencing this heady feeling with a room full of strangers. Yes, it’s odd, but once that sense of voyeurism trickles away, the glow still remains. The cozy listening room at Chicago’s Old Town School definitely had that packed feel. There was a thickness in the air of anticipation once smokey-voiced support act Geraint Watkins played his last few songs. Lowe has been performing solo for a decade now, and touring once more with a complete band might be a gamble. Watkins would rejoin Nick Lowe in a while. The singer/songwriter/pianist was not just the warm-up act, and an excellent one at that, but he was the formidable Oz behind Nick Lowe’s magic curtain on stage. With Robert Trehorn on drums, Johnny Scott on guitar and Matt Radford on stand-up bass, the tour de force was extraordinaire. Lowe started his music career back in 1967 forming Kippington Lodge with chum Brinsley Schwarz. Soon Brinsley’s name became the moniker for the band. It was at this time that the songwriter penned, (‘What’s so Funny) ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding’ and ‘Cruel to be Kind’ which became signature songs. A mutually beneficial alliance was formed with Elvis Costello. Nick Lowe produced five of the artist’s albums and ‘Peace, Love and Understanding’ became, for Costello, a major hit. The song also was included on the soundtrack to the American movie, 'The Bodyguard', which sold 15 million copies. Lowe also showed his versatility when playing with John Hiatt, Ry Cooder and Jim Keltner in the Little Village project. Because of his “diamond in the rough” style, the term “The Basher” became a nick name when Lowe became a Stiff Records label producer. His first EP ‘Bowi’ was a witty response to Bowie’s LP ‘Low.’ In addition, Lowe produced The Damned’s ‘New Rose’ which was acclaimed as the first English punk single. The curious thing about Lowe is that at various stages of his career he has become the pub-rock purveyor or the new wave maverick. You’ll probably hear him referred to as a pop icon, too. It is a little mystifying, but if you think of the man as a songwriter foremost, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit. On this packed, enchanted evening, Lowe walked on stage with the utmost of confidence, greeting audience members on the main floor and on the balcony with equal zest. His first number, ‘Stoplight Roses’ was a good, acoustic choice. Just a man and a lived-in guitar strumming gently – and the lyrics were simple, but meaningful. It would take a bit of time before the humour would kick in. ‘What’s Shakin’ on the Hill’ quickened the pulse. ‘What Lack of Love Has Done’ allowed this performer a bit of a musical monologue; a reason to reminisce. What Nick Lowe does is sprinkle little sprouts around his works. He’s the Johnny Appleseed of Great Britain. But, like a legend, he doesn’t wish to receive a major nod of recognition, and doesn’t slam the bounty in your face, it’s much more subtle. His wistful glances, vocal inflection and misty eyes add as much to his repertoire as the lyrics. Many say that he is unappreciated, but he is essentially understated. ‘Ragin’ Eyes’ was a great way for the band to join in. The players were so up for the chance. It’s always interesting to watch a band come alive individually and collectively. Johnny Scott seemed to be head over heels in love with the rockabilly chords that sprang from his fingers. Matt Radford had a cool, come-hither persona which gradually melted away after the first few choices. ‘Lately I’ve Let Things Slide’ is another classic Lowe ballad. “The front door’s wide open,” Lowe confesses. He details other ways in which he’s become careless and almost callous. It’s a human discovery and his pleasing voice provides skillful narration. ‘Has She Got a Friend?’ is painfully amusing. Lowe reluctantly bides time with one lady, only to nurse the feeling that a better one awaits. That trifle taboo makes it memorable. ‘I Trained Her to Love Me’ is a stretch. Lowe isn’t that believeable playing the arrogant male, even though the lyrics are tongue and cheek. “I stumble through the rubble,” laments Lowe on ‘I Live on a Battlefield.’ The most explicit of the bunch, this one got the audience gazing intently at his every move But, it was the infectious, ‘Cruel to be Kind’ that was positively irresistible. Lowe’s Top 40 single put him on the U.S. map. It’s not a song which requires analysis. But, it got the heads bopping and the audience tapping the soles of their shoes. ‘I Knew the Bride’ was a rock and roll extravaganza. Watkins had a field day on the keys; bringing every chord to a sizzling apex. Radford let all hell break loose, as he thumped hard against those heavy strings. The ironic, ‘(What’s so Funny) ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding’ brought back many memories to some ladies sitting across from me, who sang along shamelessly. Lowe, clearly enjoying all the attention, responded with some well-placed winks and shy smiles. After an extended round of applause, and a standing ovation, Lowe returned with Watkins to sing several acoustic numbers. ‘Only a Rose’ was performed as a simple, heartfelt duet. Like all great love affairs, this one had to end. If I see Nick Lowe perform again, I’ll be the one mouthing the words and giving nods of recognition. It will never be the first time, again, but I certainly hope it won’t be the last.

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