As has become customary Kwalaparla opened up proceedings & to be perfectly honest I can't remember too much about how it all went as I was just really excited that we were off again on another musical journey. I think I did a lot of excited jabbering between 2 or 3 songs & all seemed to be off to a good start..
Once the opening Ritual was over it was time to introduce the nights guest artists Daniel J Logan and Pete Wilson. Daniel & Pete have been session musicians on many recordings with Dan being an integral part of Thea Gilmore's band for a few years. I had seen Dan & Pete perform a few times but always cover songs so I was really interested to see & hear their own material. I had to wait for the original material as they opened with a great version of Britney Spears 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' (now there's a song I never thought I'd hear at the Shop Sessions). It was great to see them make an instant connection with the audience and everyone was on their side by the end of that first song. From there Dan & Pete ran through 6 or 7 original songs starting with a song called 'Barcelona' penned by Dan. I really enjoyed hearing their original tunes and the stories behind them. The standout tune that I still can't get out of my head over a week later is Neanderthal man, a song about the Misogynistic attitudes Pete's wife encountered at work daily. Listening back to the nights music is helping me remember that a lot of the tunes made me want to dance and bounce about the groove & rhythms really encourage you to nod, tap & stomp along. So it was a great start to the 2015 Shop Sessions & I thoroughly recommend you go and see Daniel J Logan and Pete Wilson live if you see them listed you'll have a great night.
Daniel J Logan & Peter Wilson 'Neanderthal Man'
To say we were excited about this first Shop Session of 2015 would be quite an understatement & not just because of the long wait from the last one of 2014. In June 2014 we went to watch a 19yr old acoustic artist called Luke Jackson play a gig for Rick Stuarts Roots & Fusion radio show in Stockport and we were quite simply blown away! Luke went straight to the top of our must have artists for the sessions and when October 2014 came around & it was time to start booking artists, Nikki Luke's booking agent, was the first person we contacted. It was all agreed all we had to do now was wait impatiently....
As Luke took up position at the front of the Shop it was easy to recognise that that's his natural habitat whether in front of 50 or 5000 people instantly take notice. Starting with a wonderful A Capella intro to Fathers Footsteps the audience was captivated. Luke's voice and Atkin guitar filled the room with a wonderfully bluesy, soulful sound.
Charlotte's Choice
Luke Jackson 'Sister'
Seeing and hearing Luke unplugged in this small acoustic space really highlighted the subtleties of his sound from the technically proficient guitar runs to the perfect pronunciation as he delivers the lyrics. It all came back to me how after seeing Luke for the first time I was impressed by the clear and vivid story telling of his songs that demand you listen. I love the range of Luke's songs as well, from the Riffy driving sound of 'Sister' to the gentle, sorrowful tone of 'Out Of Time' amazing range for one man and his guitar.
Luke Jackson 'Out Of Time'
It's a rare gift Luke Jackson has, if you close your eyes and just listen you'd think he'd lived a thousand life times with songs that could be from 100 years ago or yesterday timeless and full of feeling and infused with heartfelt emotion. We really hope that Luke reaps the rewards of his talent & hard work, we can't think of many more deserving a top artist & top fella as well....
Well what a start to 2015 absolutely brilliant big thanks to Luke Jackson, Daniel J Logan & Peter Wilson. You should really get out and see these people live and where possible buy the music like Luke Jackson's wonderful album 'Fumes & Faith'
For everything Luke Jackson go to
To find out what's happening with Dan & Pete checkout Dan's facebook page
And to find out what's coming up at The Shop Sessions
