Oct 16 2008 12:00 pm, Pic: Laura Pearson
Ragz, Ian McNabb, Jeff Jepson
Korova,
21/10/08
Over recent years Mellowtone has become one of
Jeff Jepson is first up tonight, opening strongly and appeasing the patient but increasingly restless crowd with his acoustic guitar and strong vocal delivery. The alt. country
As Ragz takes to the stage accompanied for the first time by her newly recruited band, the anticipation is tangible. Opening in familiar fashion as a duo with longstanding collaborator Malcolm, she is direct, engaging and alluring; but when the rest of the band kick in the whole thing moves up a level. Baring her soul through beautifully crafted songs delivered with such a powerful and evocative voice, Ragz is always special, but tonight she is spellbindingly magnificent.
So, with the crowd left baying for more as the singer readies herself for her forthcoming tour, tonight’s special guest – Icicle Works legend Ian McNabb – clambers on to the stage clutching Ragz’ guitar in one hand, glass of wine in the other and wearing the biggest grin of the evening so far. McNabb charms the assembled movers and shakers of Liverpool as he slots a selection of covers in amongst his own back catalogue, the crowd eating out of his hands as he launches into a singalong finale of ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ to end proceedings. But it’s Ragz’ star quality that shines through and steals tonight’s show.
Craig Thompson
