Love Music Live Warrington presents – Ben Ottewell (Gomez)

Friday 14th October 2022

Another dull and dismal day weather-wise, but I’m not down as I’ve a gig tonight that’s sure to compensate for any miserable weather. We’re back at the ever-accommodating Irish Club in Warrington, which is fast becoming the go-to venue for a full variety of live music events. Tonight it’s a stripped-back acoustic session, a real delight for live music fans, as we see artists in their rawest form. It’s always a very special experience being at any acoustic performance and tonight’s is made extra special as our headliner is no other than Ben Ottewell of Gomez. It’s the perfect venue for this type of event – relaxed, up close and personal, and another sellout. Known for his impressive and captivating guitar playing, and that distinctive baritone, gravel voice, it’s no wonder it’s already really busy in here tonight. Another solo acoustic set in support is on the lineup – local and very popular singer-songwriter Vicky Williams, so one sterling event indeed!

It’s a different setup again within the Irish Club venue tonight, all seated; it’s laid out in a theatre style with rows of seats, then a more informal area towards the back half with tables and chairs. Seating isn’t allocated and it’s very informal and a lovely relaxed atmosphere.

(Vicky Williams_Credit: OrangeProjects)

Support – Vicky Williams 

In the first of our entirely acoustic sets, tonight is the talented and vibrant, Warrington-based Vicky Williams, with a full set of all original material. Vicky has a brilliant, individual and quirky style and before us, up on the stage, she looks very at home and well-suited. Wearing her customary cowboy boots, she begins to enthusiastically strum her guitar. The sound is a hybrid of folk and country, but with an indie twist, very lilting and melodic sounds, but with a sharp wit and an edgy exclamation, very listenable, and truly quite bewitching. Stories behind the songs are explained, all personal to Vicky, memories of people and places. Thanks are genuinely and regularly given between songs. Her voice is stunning, it goes from breathless and sweet to far-reaching, voluminous and loud, then high notes are reached and held with apparent ease. Personally I get real Eddi Reader meets Dolores O’Riordan vibes, which is a true compliment! Coupled with the humour and obvious talent for songwriting and brilliant guitar playing, it’s a sound we can easily and willingly lose ourselves in. It’s heartwarming and pure smile-inducing! Another feel good, brilliantly original and musically tight performance. I urge you to check out Vicky Williams, these sounds are quite addictive! You’re just left wanting more!

Setlist: Demon seed, Dawn of the dead, Calaluna, Take me anywhere, Super star, Hosepipe lasso, Babushka (cover)

(Ben Ottewell_Credit: OrangeProjects)

Headline- Ben Ottewell

So in a now fully packed out hall, to enthusiastic whooping, foot stamping, and thunderous applause, tonight’s headline, Ben Ottewell, arrives before us on stage. Once the cheering quietens down and a hush fills the venue, with no messing about it’s straight into one stunning set. Our entire venue sits, utterly spellbound, a gasp as we take in the sounds of this musical magic being created here tonight right before us, and when I say it’s spellbinding, genuinely that’s exactly how it is, with such immense stage presence, we can’t tear our eyes away from this performance. No setlist tonight, it’s ‘off the cuff’ if you like, very informal and very intimate, and a real joy to be at. The feels are a combination of blues, country, and folk with a hint of indie. The guitar is really something to listen to, very accomplished and very atmospheric. It’s multi-dimensional, there’s intense strumming, but also complex riffs and sequences, very articulate playing. Ben showcases a whole host of skills, and it’s diverting to watch as well as quite something to listen to. Chatting later, he explains how he likes to add to the sound, to give interest, of how it can be difficult to hold the full attention of a crowd during a solo acoustic set, so his aim is to create something intriguing and that fascinates. I can vouch, this self-set brief is achieved impeccably. This honest and raw performance encompasses one and all, we can literally feel the emotion being conveyed in this performance by these enchanting sounds. The vocal does take our breath away: deep, husky, full-bodied tones, smoky and rich. We’re sitting on the edge of our seats, Ben easily does hold our attention – our full attention. It’s such a lovely atmosphere, the seating area now completely full, and on top of that, a fair crowd are standing at the back. People are swaying in their seats, tapping their feet, clapping in time, and singing along.

Ben talks a little about the content and stories behind some of his solo material, inspiration coming from the place he comes from in Derbyshire, and how it was a very pagan place, of how one particular pagan practice ‘well dressing’ is the theme of ‘Shapes and Shadows’. The set as a whole is very evocative, nostalgia fuelling and particularly with the real blues sounds the feels I get are very atmospheric, often bordering on a gospel vibe. The tracks feel like a narrative,  a story being told by some preacher back in depression era America, somewhere in the dust bowl at a small gathering…stood on a soap box or similar. For me especially the guitar sounds really create images of this era, and with the expressive tones of that huge and powerful voice filled with gravel and huskiness, rasping and voluminous, it seems all the more blues filled. Quite honestly this set is very special. 

(Ben Ottewell_Credit: OrangeProjects)

Also tonight, we are treated to the performance of a new Gomez song called ‘Rose’, recorded in LA and due for release very soon. Another richly textured number with lots of interest and atmosphere. I look forward to its release and am keen to hear it with a full band, although this solo version was impressive. All in all, tonight has been epic, packed full of content and I’ve felt privileged to have been part of it. We have been taken on a musical journey, from deeper, meaningful and moving songs to upbeat, sing-alongs with clapping, nostalgia and old times to real picture painting and American-style blues. As a crowd we’re just drawn into this whole sound, it invites us in and then keeps us there with it, almost as a part of it….we’re simply glued to it! 

One excellent event, with one giant voice, amazing guitar skills and a friendly and genuine, very down-to-earth guy. Thank you Ben Ottewell, it’s been a memorable performance, you blew us away! 

Huge thanks also to the brilliant sound tech guys, Andy and Pep, not only for the sound but for your assistance before the show, and massive thanks to Jim for accommodating us and putting on such a brilliant event.

Words: Janet Harding 

Images: OrangeProjects

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