GIG REVIEW – PETE MOLINARI
GIG REVIEW – PETE MOLINARI
Our London Guitar Academy reviewer, Paul Wood, was back in Nottingham this week to see Pete Molinari play an early show on Saturday evening at the Maze.
PETE MOLINARI – gig review
The gig was part of a small series of UK dates in September to promote his latest (4th) album – Theosophy, before flying to the States for a series of dates there..
The show was promoted by Cosmic American Music .
With a three piece band behind him, and a couple of Rickenbackers to choose from, Pete Molinari kicked off the show with his last single – “Hang My Head In Shame”.
The new album and single add a harder/rockier edge to the Molinari folk/blues sound. Here’s the official video for “Hang Your Head In Shame”:
Vocals come with the characteristic Molinari sound – a highly distinctive folk/blues instrument in its own right. It’s always a contrast when you hear the between song chat with the audience and the on stage banter between Pete and the band in his chirpy Kent accent.
The set list is mainly focussed on the Theosophy album (almost all of the album’s tracks get played tonight) – with songs such as “I Got It All” continuing the rocked up format whereas “Dear Marie” was closer to the folkier/60s sound of his earlier albums.
Here’s a live clip of “Dear Marie” from St Pancras Chapel last year
and here’s “What I Am I Am” from the CRTYRD Sessions:
Molinari has a good on stage presence – he doesn’t move much but exudes an undoubted coolness both in terms of dress and on stage charismas that holds your attention throughout the set – the band are good on stage foils and beef up the instrumental sound of the songs as well as providing backing harmonies.
Here’s the very 60s sounding “You Will Be Mine” from the official album launch gig at Ronnie Scotts:
A few old favourites were also included in the set, including the Dylanesque “Sweet Louise” – here’s the promo video from 2008:
There was a good crowd in The Maze and the set was well received – although the time constraints of the early show format meant there was insufficient time for an encore. Pete came out post-gig to chat to fans and it’s clear he is building up a good following with each album to date.
Try and catch Pete when he returns to the UK and give the new album “Theosophy” a listen.
PETE MOLINARI
SUPPORT ACT
Jess and the Bandits were the support band for the show. Jess is a US born UK based country flavoured singer with a strong voice and stage presence.
Check out their new single “My Name Is Trouble” on their official video:
