King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
5th October, 2022
Being back at the famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut for the first time in many years the venue hadn’t changed at all. It has long been a major hot spot for music of bands coming from the UK and abroad. So on a dark early October evening we stepped into the light of the bar you go through up the almost iconic stairs to the venue. There was a quiet sense as we waited for the three act show with Rick Leigh to kick off the small but vehement gig.
Second on was Joni, then the evening’s headliner Luke Sital – Singh who would conclude the musical evening. Ricks songs consisted of vocal and keyboard all of his own writing. His vocal range was impressive as he held the room in a very relaxed way; it felt a little like a 1990’s sound with modern reflections, songs about love and pain.
Joni was also a solo act just her and her guitar. There was a shared mood between their music that gave a sense of structure we could revel in. Her tones verved into the room as she stoically stood telling her tales. Appearing as a folk artist there were flashes of the 1960’s in her act, her choice of song writing, her voice and the sound of her guitar, very nice, the evening builds.
So as Luke took to the stage the crowd (who now filled the room) were ready for more softly melodic tones. His first EP called ‘Fail for you’ was brought out in 2012 which is a long time ago to critical acclaim. The last nights gig was from his new album ‘Dressing like a stranger’ music that is far from being a novice. We felt that and it was clear that most if not all of the room were staunch fans.
And I can understand why his soul was laid out in his writing in a kind of courageous way. And his skill made sounds that could only come from the soul and obviously his life’s more painful experiences. He switched between guitar and keyboard and had the crowd mesmerised just standing to listen, relate and offer supportive cheers and whoops when he in kindness joked a little during his sad tones.
I think his realisation of music after so many years playing is one that he can more and more talk about anything he likes, really drive the music into his own direction. But also my feelings are that his natural ability for music has always been present with a touch of darkness made beautiful by his personality.
The three acts were like friends sharing an evening, which was put together very well. As I have said the steps were in place from 1st to 3rd to help make a smooth transition based on hearts, skill, confidence and revelry. They cemented this at the end when they covered the very last song Tom Petty‘s ‘American Girl’. This was a dedicated evening for music lovers past and present.
Daniel Donnelly
Mumble Music 