Friday 24/10/03 Adam Masterson, Thea Gilmore @ Liverpool Academy.

Adam Masterson at just 22 years old is probably the most promising singer songwriter around today. Hailing from West London, Masterson is fast proving himself to be a major artist on the burgeoning acoustic scene and if this set was anything to go by, then his debut album ‘One Tale Too Many’, released in July of this year, comes with a high recommendation as 'one to dig out'. From the moment he walked onto the stage, you knew you were in good company.  Accompanied by Dom Santos on bass, Masterson gave what could only be described as a superb intimate performance, which was both engaging to watch and had the audience in rapt silence throughout.

Citing Van Morrison and Neil Young as his influences, Masterson possesses a rough yet soothing voice, which compliments his mature songwriting style. With songs evoking Bruce Springsteen in his more downbeat mood (Ghost of Tom Joad/Nebraska) there was also an outing for new single ‘Same Sad Story’ released through BMG on 10th November.  An enjoyable experience without any songs that particularly stood out, it was his approach and overall consistency that left a lasting impression.  http://www.adammasterson.com    

Thea Gilmore maintains a cult following. She’s known for being very much her own woman when it comes to her work and is particularly anti-industry.  Who can blame her!  Backed by a full group, she performed her new single ‘Mainstream’ (an anti industry rant per chance?), one of many tracks culled from her latest album ‘Avalanche’ (Hungry Dog Records).  Despite the vocals that didn’t always come across particularly well and bass that they'd seemingly neglected to switch on until the last song, this was a set that was generally well received and well attended with a requested two encores for good measure.

Photos by Helen Wilkie