Love Music Live Warrington Presents John Bramwell 

With

Special Guest – Harriet Bradshaw

At Warrington Irish Club 

Sunday 5th February 2023 

Warrington’s own Irish Club is fast becoming the go-to venue for live music, whether it be the UK’s best tribute bands, local musicians and bands, or these very special and intimate acoustic tours of legendary and iconic artists.  It’s a brilliant opportunity to indulge in live music and, luckily for me, right on my doorstep. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the town centre and close to Central Station, ample parking is available and the drinks are very reasonably priced. What’s not to love? As for tonight’s headline, well it sold out so fast that a second wave of tickets had to be released – no surprise as tonight we have the one and only John Bramwell of the legendary indie alt band, I am Kloot. 

Laid out completely to seating for tonight’s event in theatre style, chairs in rows, it’s already busy as the doors open. There’s an air of anticipation as people chat and share a mutual admiration for this iconic singer/songwriter and for what’s about to begin.

(Harriet Bradshaw_Credit: Chris Rose Photography)

Special guest: Harriet Bradshaw

In a very personal and sincere introduction, before Harriet arrives on stage, John Bramwell himself describes his good friend as “The most talented person I’ve ever met”. Coming from such a musical great, this is huge praise indeed. Picking up her acoustic guitar, the set begins. It’s instantly breathtaking. The vocal is exquisitely sweet, high, clear and very concise. I’m reminded of Julie Andrews; words are pronounced carefully with a fullness, a richness and astounding clarity. Guitar playing is gentle, soft lullaby- feeling, lilting, very calming, soothing, yet the vocal is up and down the scale, soaring, reaching the peaks then effortlessly descending again. 

Harriet is very watchable and completely at ease performing, alternating between guitar and keys, melodic piano sounds adding yet another dimension to the sounds. The venue has fallen completely silent, carried away in the gentle and meandering musical stream that this truly stunning performance has created. Descriptive of landscapes, inspiring and thought-provoking, of how our songstress would love to paint the scenes of Tynemouth, North Shields and North Yorkshire, but can’t paint, so she uses words as her medium in song, painting her pictures in lyrics. The song does conjure up images and tells us of these well-loved places, and with the sound transports us there. 

Harriet has been warm, genuine and quite captivating, on top of that tremendous talent. The artwork for her debut album is equally stunning (very pre-Raphaelite in style). I’ve been completely fascinated by this mesmerising and magical performance; the way Harriet controls her notes, alternating seamlessly between high notes and the lower end of the scale is very special. An inspiring and beautiful set. I’m in awe.

(John Bramell_Credit: Chris Rose Photography)

Headliner: John Bramwell

(…Musical escapades, full moon visions and the wisdom of naked dogs …is what you get at a John Bramwell gig)

Returning the compliment, Harriet now introduces tonight’s headline, “The one and only John Bramwell.” Then, with a beaming (and rather mischievous) smile, we are greeted with…”Well, that was somewhat underwhelming, shall we try that again?”  Laughter and rapturous applause ensue. Seemingly now content with the crowd’s reaction, John thanks us and explains that he doesn’t normally perform during a full moon (which tonight it is) as it affects him, he becomes weird, but hey ho… And on we go!

Sitting on a bar stool, centre stage, our iconic headliner launches into his opening song, expertly strumming his guitar. The sound of that well-known, rich and powerful, throaty and gnarly vocal fills the venue. It’s just so distinctive, textured, and intriguing. I get real country feels. His presence completely fills this venue, which is now completely hushed, and all eyes are fixed intently on the stage in front of us. There is a real honesty and openness to this performance, it’s real, it’s laid bare,

John is jovial between songs and chats at length about life, memories, themes and inspirations. I myself cannot shift my eyes away from this performance, I’m fascinated. The sounds being created are so moving, rousing and inspiring, It’s really something to behold and all feels quite spiritual, more so with all the talk of full moon energy, and visions of seeing his beloved dog ‘naked’, although he assures us throughout the set that he hasn’t ever shaved him.

John introduces Dave Fiddler on stage to accompany him in a combination of bass and acoustic guitar and Harriet also comes back to join proceedings, this time playing the cello. With the addition of more instruments, the sound becomes even more special. This sound has become immense. The harmonies created between the three vocals are spectacular and the chemistry between these three is obvious – we can easily see what great friends they are. It makes for great watching and obviously has a huge effect on the music being created. John explains that “Everything is a mystery and there is magic in everything”. This rings true for tonight …magic is being conjured musically.

(John Bramell_Credit: Chris Rose Photography)

Tracks from John’s new album are performed (which is out in September of this year), I am Kloot favourites are sung and tracks from John’s remarkable solo work. It’s been a full and comprehensive set. The atmosphere and feels have been wonderful tonight, supercharged with inspiration, creativity, wonderful music, humour and wonderful friendship. The crowd have been attentive, and reactive and has seemed genuinely taken with this enigmatic-seeming, yet down-to-earth musician. Delightfully eccentric, lovably so…like a musical Catweazle.  What a likeable guy, giggling as he observes how ‘weird’ he s been tonight. 

It’s been magical and insightful (I now know it’s in fact from John’s dog that much of the inspiration comes!) Thank you, John Bramwell, for your extra special brand of music, your stunning voice and the extra sprinkling tonight of moon magic… I really need to go home right now and shave my dog, cover him in oil of Ulay and send him into a hotel lobby…if you were here tonight you’ll know! (Needless to say, no dogs were actually shaved or covered in moisturising products).

 Huge thanks to John, Harriet and Dave.

Review by Janet Harding 

Photography by Chris Rose Photography

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