Nick Lowe - 16 Toneladas, Valencia, 5/10/2022

  by Philamonjaro

published: 20 / 2 / 2023

intro

Philamonjaro finds power pop pioneer Nick Lowe on energetic, crowd pleasing form in front of a devoted audience in Valencia.

The first thing to be observed is that Nick Lowe performs with grace and purpose. He plays sincerely and brings fans an inspiring night of music. Lowe entertains audiences and looks like he too is enjoying it. It is as if he is more at home in the clubs and smaller venues rather than the big venues or festivals. Best in a venue where he can see his fans eyeball to eyeball. The first chords bashed out were the familiar Daa, Daah, da-da-da-da-da-da introduction of ‘So It Goes’. Lowe’s first solo single that clocks in at a radio-friendly two minutes and thirty seconds. Arguably one of his most recognized compositions and finest example of his power-pop sound it revved up the crowd. Cuts like the country two-step ‘Without Love’ and the walking-bass powered ‘Shting Shtang’ reveal the breadth of his pop sensibility. The common theme is his songwriting craftsmanship, his track stuffed full of hooks. Armed with a Gibson acoustic guitar, Lowe is backed by an incognito three-piece band wearing Mexican wrestling masks. Lowe’s touring band for the past few years, Los Straitjackets at first blush are a bit of a head-scratcher. The combination of the two works however, as they share a certain guitar-centered, vintage sound that crosses over with Lowe’s varied styles. With just enough volume for the room without overpowering his songs, they’re a tight unit. The collaboration with the band has expanded from the stage to the recording studio as three songs from the set, ‘Love Starvation’, ‘Blues On Blues’ and ‘Trombone’ are featured on Lowe's 2019 LP “Love Starvation/Trombone”. Los Straitjackets take centre stage mid-set to showcase a sample of their surf rock sound. Raw, energetic, and very tasty, an instrumental version of 1969 Shocking Blue hit single Venus is featured. Concluding with three of Lowe’s biggest hits, ‘Cruel To Be Kind’, ‘(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding’, and ‘I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock 'n' Roll)’, the set leaves the audience on a high note. ‘Peace, Love and Understanding’ is essayed at half the tempo of the original, a thoughtful, reflective rendition that brought more attention to the words. After all, these lyrics are as relevant as ever, “My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes / So where are the strong? / And who are the trusted? / And where is the harmony? /Sweet harmony”. Having recorded, written, performed and produced with so many iconic artists, you would think Lowe would be showered with widespread accolades and fame. Yet, he seems to have developed a great, yet quiet place in the music world. A world reserved for die-hard fans and an unassuming existence of songwriting, playing and recording. As far from the consumption of stardom as possible. Photos by Philamonjaro www.philamonjaro.com

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