Tom Hingley + Bowfinger + Ben Swidenbank + This Empire - 3rd October
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
Tonight, Esquires bids a welcome to Tom Hingley, one of the pioneeers of the unforgettable Madchester scene from the late eighties and early nineties. Although The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays may garner a bigger media spotlight (even now, twenty years later), for me, Inspiral Carpets were true equals. The signature organ skills of Clint Boon are renowned. But what of the vocalist whose delivery made them such a seminal band? Since they all went their separate ways, Tom has been busily carving out an acoustic career. His last Esquires visit in November 2000 coincided with the release of "Keep Britain Untidy". This time around it sees Tom discussing the world in 2009 through the album "Thames Valley Delta Blues". Although the official release date is not until 12th October, Tom has copies to sell at the end of the evening.
Tom Hingley walks on stage to be greeted by a good sized crowd. The evening has, once again, run slightly late, so travelling arrangements have to be taken into consideration. In fact Tom does not leave the stage until exactly midnight. His first few songs are the ones we grew up with. "Saturn 5" is followed by "Dragging Me Down". The latter is, for one night only, totally localised! Tom grins as he sings "Want you to take me to Bedford"! To loud cheers, Tom milks his plaudits and smiles. He takes a breather to tell us that he is feeling slightly tender tonight. Apparently our esteemed visitor had been celebrating the night before for the 40th birthday of fellow Lancastrian Damon Gough aka Badly Drawn Boy. Tom feels a touch hungover, but he freely admits that, although partying hard it's "not bad for a 44 year old!". To him, we are his "pop children" as he brings us more memories with "Joe" and "Directing Traffic".
A change of gear occurs as Tom utilises his banjo. He is beginning to bring us up to date with his present direction. "This is how it feels to be lonely" is the dying embers from Tom's past. As I watch him close up, I wonder what it is about the 'Madchester water' as he also possesses that trademark wide eyed stare which seem to be common to musicians from that area! Taking time out, he dedicates "Don't want to be a fighter anymore" to his father, who at the present is not well. It's the pick from the new album. It's good to report that he sold a good number at the end of the evening. As I bought a copy, shook his hand and thanked him for an enjoyable set, I was struck by how he conducted himself tonight. A true professional and someone who has left his mark on popular music. Thank you and long may you flourish Tom Hingley.
Support opens with This Empire, a quartet whose indie-rock set is unfortunately punctuated by a series of technical problems. Disregarding these setbacks, the quartet retain their composure to produce a set highlighted by "30 seconds too late". It's their catchiest song by far. Their stage presence could have been a little better, but it was their debut here. A little low on charisma, but high on proficiency.
Ben Swidenbank is, it seems, the local fans favourite. Whoops of delight circulate around his acoustic set. On first viewing, it's not the greatest voice, but he is very confident. Covers dominate. His version of "Enter sandman" via "Teen spirit" before exploding into "Whole lotta Rosie" is interestingly conceived.
Bowfinger arrive with a few words to say. This could be their last gig in their present guise. They might very soon be heading in a different direction. Not happy at the moment with their current lot, they are thinking of moving into a more covers oriented band. It's too try and raise their profile. Good luck to them in that pursuit, but I want to remember Bowfinger as a lively upbeat band who brought us catchy singalong songs such as "All systems go", "Action girl" and especially "Everything is easy". If this is the end of a chapter, may I say thanks to Ed, Iain, Dave and Barry for constantly brightening up my Esquires evenings.