Will Varley’s wry humour shone through during this engaging performance at The Black Prince in Northampton. Varley related that he comforted his children, concerned over another of his on-tour absences, with the words from a song from his most recent album, “Don’t you worry, I’ll be home before the world ends” he offered. I’m not sure how well that went down, but Varley’s performance certainly was a hit with an enthusiastic Northampton crowd. The gig was part of Independent Venue Week and the Black Prince is definitely worth checking out. Reasonable (cheap) bar prices, a great gig room and friendly and welcoming staff.
All in black, Varley ghosted in from a side door, climbed onto the stage and without ceremony launched into his first song. His albums are richly produced with a full band, yet tonight we had the man and his Martin dreadnought. With no frills, Varley played a selection of songs from his twenty-year career. He treated us to his particular brand of protest alongside an appeal to put people before machines and systems. The troubadour from Kent has been on the road extensively over the years, and his recent tours in the UK, Europe and the US provide much source material for his songs.
Announcing songs is clearly not Varley’s style so a little post-gig detective work was necessary. The opening song appeared to be his very first single, ‘This Old Town’ from 2005, although tracking down a recording or lyrics of this proved fruitless so I may stand corrected. Halfway through the set, Varley played the Oberst like anthemic ‘We Don’t Believe You’, demonstrating his anti-establishment mien. Other songs such as ‘Endtimes’ from his latest album “Machines Will Never Learn To Make Mistakes Like Me” reinforce this message. That Billy Bragg accompanies him on this song on the record gives us a clue as to where he’s coming from. He draws from his experience on his recent US tour in ‘Different man’ and on ‘Only Louise’ Varley sings “It’s a long way back to Ithaca” followed by “what am I doing here tell me please.” The precise context and meaning may be opaque yet these songs conjure up the longing for home and loved ones synonymous with a long period on the road. ‘Seven Days’ is another evocation of being alone, far from home, on an ‘unknown stage in an unknown town’.
Towards the end of the show Varley asked the audience whether we preferred to hear a song about email or talking cats. The cats won pretty convincingly and we were treated to ‘Talking Cat Blues’ which had a distinctly Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue’ vibe. ‘Never get tired of loving you’ a lilting emotional triple time ballad was followed by ‘Send My Love to the System’ where Varley seems to be saying goodbye to a system he has no faith in, singing “maybe I realised that I just want to be free.” As the evening drew towards a close, Varley announced, “One more song and let’s get drunk” after which he closed with ‘Seize The Night’ from his 2015 album ‘Postcards from Ursa Minor.’ Some of us dutifully followed his instructions. An engaging performance from the highly talented songwriter from Kent. His songs and highly relevant messages deserve our attention.
Preceding Varley, we were treated to local artist Hana Brooks, who opened the show with her West Coast pop vibe. Brooks eschews Jacklin’s Aussie angst and the faux froth of Jenny Lewis. With her shades and shell pink Jazzmaster, she’s comfortable in her own shoes; appropriate as she hails from Northamptonshire. Ten years sober, a fine jazz voice and a hint of grit on ‘Care For Me’ hints at significant vocal chops.
