Jamie T.
Performance Reviews || Thursday, 31 August, 2006
In my 30’s, being asked for ID at the door for the Jamie T gig should have been flattering.
I took it as an indication of the average age of fan that I was about to encounter once inside the venue. Not surprising, as Jamie T is himself only 19.
Looking like a “we’ve been practising in my parents garage since the age of 13” school band, there was a little air of tension as they started the set. However the enthusiastic crowd soon put Jamie and his band at ease.
Fresh faced but certainly not naïve, their style and lyrics have led to comparisons with “the Streets”. His East London accent and thoughtful muses could compare but I felt there were deeper influences and less bravado (thank goodness!). The Jam and Clash came to mind.
The band interspersed full-on punk-rock tunes with Jamie’s philosophical acoustic ballads. The latter suddenly likening him to a young Billy Bragg or older Paul Weller.
The Scottish crowd went mad for their final song but typically not content until they’ve had at least one encore. Jamie obliged, to my surprise, with an unaccompanied version of Billy Braggs “New England”. My equally mature companion and myself were in our element; the young crowd a bit bemused.
Age brings its rewards!
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