It was a veritable feast for the rock-sockets (also known as eardrums) at PAS this week, building upon the brilliance of the Platform with scintillating performances and moments, as always, of pure, unadulterated genius. And, just in case you're wondering why I have basically just invented a word (well, I say basically, but I did actually just invent a word) in the very first sentence of this feature, I should explain that I've got bored of saying the word "eardrum". It's so literal, so anatomical. It's bland. It's the exact opposite - and please, forgive me for this crass piece of flattery - to these artists.
Despite being a local, Julia Johnson hasn't played at PAS before, so it was with eager anticipation that we waited for her to begin. Julia's first song was a wonderfully innovative surrealist semi-rap, sung with an innocent fragility as her fingers nimbly caressed the keys. From that point on, the crowd were enthralled, whooping and cheering in appreciation after every song.
The jazz-inspired tunes of Phil King were full of soulful excellence. A beautiful voice modulates smoothly over finely crafted melodies from Phil's guitar in the kind of songs that would be equally suitable with your friends around a camp fire on a summer night or snuggled up at home in the darkest depths of winter, huddling comfortably over a mug of cocoa. Jazz-inspired might be the wrong phrase, though - a multitude of genres affect Phil King's songs, with just enough to keep everybody happy.
Jamie Abbott brought his superb songwriting talent along, using his husky voice and rhythm-filled guitaristry to entertain all. "The Chase", as always, was brilliant, as was Jamie's evergreen cover of "Gangsta's Paradise". A new, as-yet-unnamed song went down well, too.
The magnificent Felix Fables returned amid a storm of smiles and happy whispers. Stripped painfully of their bassist for the night, Felix Fables nevertheless stomped out another fine performance in their merry trademark manner. It would be impossible, it seems, to leave a venue where Felix Fables had played without at least one of their songs stuck in your rock-sockets.
Dave Knight
The
Portobello Acoustic Sessions is held every Thursday night from 7:30 at The Metropolitan bar, Westbourne Park.
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The PAS Diaries: Julia Johnson, Phil King, Jamie Abbott and Felix Fables
The PAS Diaries: Johnson Jay, Dom Scheggia, Angel Anderson and Francis Rodino