How do I even describe to you how fun last night was for me? I was invited to go and listen to Alex Clare. His name may not be all that familiar to you, but I bet you have heard the song that catapulted his career…..
Don’t get stuck on just this song. I know, I know, it is a great song, but after hearing him play and sing songs from his new album, I totally respect this guy’s soulful voice. The show was presented by Skype as part of their ‘Ones To Watch ,#SkypeSix’ tour in which Alex is one of the Skype six (click to check out all of the shows). In fact, Skype and Live Nation, invited me to the gig, I am so thankful. He was pretty incredible.
How does someone sing for hours at that intensity? It baffles my mind. Perhaps, it was the crowd that supported him throughout his set. Every lyric was mouthed or sung by the intent audience and their heads were bopping in unison with the drum beats and supporting band members. His songs are an intriguing combination of expressive, heartfelt lyrical struggle and the crazy pop of a dance tune. Somehow it works beautifully and I found that to be especially true, listening to the live show.
He began his set with a favorite of mine, “Never Let You Go”. When I first heard it, I thought of an intense relationship and a couple. But, after doing some research, I understand him to be a new father, and his new album, Three Hearts, touches on some of the emotion that he must be feeling at this amazing time in his life. There is great passion that comes with the love of a child, and a little fear too. What does the future hold? How can I provide? I believe this song touches on this. As he sang, “Three Hearts”, the title track from his new album, fans held up paper cut-outs in the shape of hearts for the entirety of this beautiful song. Alex was visibly pleased and expressed his joy when he exclaimed something to the effect, ‘props in the crowd is a first.’
The song I have come to appreciate the most is “War Rages On”. It is a must hear, and the video is pretty cool too.
Alex is from the UK and is talented. He has surrounded himself with incredible talent too. Working with producers, Diplo & Switch (responsible for the Jamaican dancehall project Major Lazer and M.I.A.’s Paper Plane – among many others), he has perfected his unique sound. Touring with a bass player, a drummer, and a piano/synth player, he has definitely pushed his soulful, jazzy sound to the outer limits.
This is a fun show, and one that shouldn’t be missed, if it comes near you.
Dec. 17th-Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA
09:00 PM
Dec. 20th-House of Blues Cleveland Cleveland, OH
08:00 PM
Dec. 21st-The Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ
07:00 PM
Dec. 22nd-Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA
07:00 PM
Dec. 23rd-Irving Plaza New York, NY
08:00 PM
He is such a personable guy. I give him huge props for his talent, but he is also engaging and interested in his listeners. He showed that throughout his performance on stage, and even had a quality meet and greet afterward (me included). Some excited fans took this picture of me after I took theirs. Alex stayed until the last fan had a chat or picture with him. He posed crazily for most….quite the prankster it seems, but was genuinely sweet for mine. Just don’t judge me for the bad phone picks and the goofy look on my face. I really wanted to chat more than pose for an awkward photo.
