The PAS Diaries: Lee MacDougall, Andy Mitchell and Murray James

14th May 2009

May 16, 2009, 08:49 AM

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It was an intimate night at PAS this week, with friendliness and banter bandied about like confetti sprinkled with laughter. Only three artists performed this week, however, due to the standard "bloody musicians" let down. The three that did come are all known to PAS from previous performances - a rare occurrence in terms of its totality.

Looking, and sounding, like a stretched Rod Stewart, Lee MacDougall, AKA Lee "Loved Up" MacDougall, AKA Shouty MacDougall, returned to PAS for the first time since Westfest, a time which we will probably remember most for his alteration to his song Joanna to accommodate one of the PAS team ("Jocasta/Tuna pasta" became the lyric, for no other reason than it was an easy rhyme). Whether it's a feat of brilliant songwriting or the product of reverie-destroying loudness - you can be fairly certain it's the former - Lee's songs stick in the mind, the simple, catchy choruses and solid riffs combining in sonorous earnest, with a kind of indie-acoustic feel.

The rocking-hoarse vocals of Andy Mitchell again resounded around the PAS lounge, accompanied only by his booming guitar. The stubble-faced and spiky-haired minstrel is set to become the Yardbird's new frontman, so he reliably informs us, due to a mix-up between him and another Andy Mitchell who was supposed to be asked to audition. Nonetheless, he deserves the part.

And then there was Murray James, the youthful lad with a croaky, bluesy voice. Murray's songs are showcases for his vocal talents, rising lightly and dropping darkly back above crafty riffs, but don't let the dichotomous contrast between his appearance and voice distract you from appreciating his mature and well-written songs. Particularly after half an hour's notice and a few pints in his system, the boy done good.

Dave Knight

The Portobello Acoustic Sessions is held every Thursday night from 7:30 at The Metropolitan bar, Westbourne Park.

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