February 29th: Fantastic February? - West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic

Fantastic February was a pre-written headline for this final West Bromwich Albion reflection of the month, though the question mark was added after the team lost one-nil at home to relegation threatened Wigan on the last day of a month extended by one day courtesy of its four-year leap cycle. The word 'leap' only applied to the day and not any league table movements as Albion still head the table, although the lead had been cut to one point from Leeds and six points to Fulham in the all-important third placed position. 

After a successful points haul of sixteen from the month's previous six games, it stalled at this figure as Wigan replicated their recent resurgent form by producing a sterling performance good enough to stifle Albion's attacking potency, and significantly clinical to take the main chance they were offered in the second half. All in all it was a fair result and one maybe reflecting the glut of games teams have to play in a clogged up EFL championship campaign.

This was probably a game too far in February for Albion as both the midfield and strike-force spluttered into only a shadow of their pristine previous performances. The defence was mainly resolute, but keeping a clean sheet was ultimately beyond them. 

The result of this game will likely be large chunks of the first team taking a week off playing duties, leaving a bunch of second string players appearing in the midweek cup match at home to Newcastle. A sad but realistic indictment of the FA Cup in these modern times. 

Of course set backs are going to be prevalent in even the most successful of championship campaigns. So the fact that this was only Albion's fifth defeat of the season with just ten games left is a testimony to how well they played as a whole. Social media reaction to this defeat was philosophical in the main with much credit given to Wigan's set up and execution. Although this was pitched with the warning that this cannot be a common occurrence over the last ten games otherwise the chances of getting caught by Fulham in particular would increase, especially with the two meeting in the third from last game of the season. 

No player mentions in this post game reflection, also probably an indictment on the afternoon. League action now moves into the major month of March with the first home game set to be covered being the local derby with Birmingham on the 14th. In the meantime, it's time to put on our FA Cup hats and rosettes and welcome the Geordies from Newcastle to The Hawthorns on Tuesday night. Will it be 1974 all over again. Check in on Wednesday to find out. Fantastic February? yes, despite today. Marvellous March? that would all but seal it. 

February 28th: Off Piste: Wasteland: Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome

Wasteland is a dance production presented by the Gary Clarke Company, and scheduled in its UK wide tour were two dates in the Patrick Studio - a performing theatre housed within the prestigious Birmingham Hippodrome. Just prior to the second performance commencing on the Friday night, the audience were greeted by the aforementioned organiser and choreographer to explain the circumstances behind the previous evening's cancellation. The bottom line was that the show had to go on and adjustments were made to go ahead this evening with a plea to be kind and sensitive to the performers. What followed over the next hour and a half was a marvellous performance from the assembled cast, primarily featuring though not exclusive to five dancers, and the challenge to any causal observer of what could have been different to the original planned piece. 

This production is rooted in the resistance people politics of the eighties and nineties focussing on the effects of the pits closing in Yorkshire and how the next generation seemed to hotfoot it into further controversy with the rave culture that spread across the region as the decades bound together. A huge slice of multi-media is incorporated into the performance with video clips used, in addition to the fleeting presence of twin brass players and the vocal content of four more cast members. This helped set the scene for the blistering movement performance of a solo dancer representing an afflicted miner losing his job in the mid-eighties and four younger performers, including the miner's son, encapsulating the next generation and their response to a dearth of opportunities. This culminated with the exposure of the Criminal Justice Bill in the mid-nineties and the reenactment of the new found 'enemy-within'. The politics of this show were quite explicit, just as the energetic way that Clarke choreographed his troupe to project the story in a totally high octane manner.

The core of the ninety minutes was housed within an extensive segment of rave music, perhaps a little off-piste for someone who viewed this musical phenomenon at that time of existing in some alternative universe. While it was essential in telling the story through movement and expression it still sent signals of a genre probably best left to the likes of others, with its in-your-face presence and sound. 

The rousing reception greeting those on stage at the end was full justification of the hard work, endeavour and certain amount of speculation required to make the adjustments successful. Making the effort to sample this exciting production from wherever you exist on the dance appreciation spectrum had its ample reward. Even if rave music was not and never will be your cup of tea, there was still something enriching to take home from Wasteland. Off-piste in small doses can energise artistic experience, though the nature of the term denotes that maybe some exposures are best kept to a minimum. 

February 25th: We're on Our Way: West Bromwich Albion v Preston North End

The chant 'we're on our way' reverberated around the vociferous areas of The Hawthorns as Albion extended their lead at the top of the EFL Championship following a two-nil victory over Preston North End. This took their February points haul to sixteen, a very healthy accumulation at a time of the year where key promotion drives tend to kick on. The overwhelming view on this latest win was that all areas of the team are functioning well and the signs are getting stronger that the Premier League is on the horizon. There may well have been a routine nature to the game, which Albion dominated from start to finish, though helped in the latter stages when a straight red card reduced the visitors to ten men. In reality, Preston produced a very tame effort, even with a full eleven, for a team lying in sixth place with a firm eye on challenging for a play-off place. 

The football served in the first half was as slick as the greasy surface watered by wintery downpours with sublime elements especially found in the midfield play. Matheus Pereira pulled the strings as the Brazilian has done all season, and he continues to gel with rejuvenated fellow loanee Filip Krovinovic. Jake Livermore, christened 'Captain Fantastico' by the supporters crowned another domineering and strong impactful performance with a rare goal, while Rekeem Harper showed glimpses of what made him a highly rated young player only twelve months ago when deputising for the suspended Romaine Sawyers. 

Up front there were once again vital contributions from Callum Robinson and Hal Robson-Kanu, with the former setting up the latter for the opening goal following a pinpoint accurate pass. The defence was just as effective in their own way with another clean sheet, the fourth of what is turning out to be a 'fantastic' February. While Kyle Bartley has been a revelation at centre half all season, you get the impression manager Slaven Billic is finally blooding his preferred central defensive pairing with Ahmed Hegazi showing his true mettle at this level alongside the ever consistent Semi Ajayi. The biggest plusses in the defence have been the ever improving performances of Connor Townsend and Dara O'Shea. Townsend has not looked back since scoring the winner in the cup at West Ham and you can even hear the whisper, is Kieran Gibbs going to get back in when fit. A few have queried replacing Darnell Furlong at right back with O'Shea, but this shrewd move by the manager is reaping dividends from the strong defensive and assured displays given by the young Irishman. 

In fact on another successful evening, the only player who didn't shine was goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, by virtue that Preston failed to trouble him with hardly a memorable shot over the ninety minutes. It was that comfortable a win. 

'We're on our way' may not be the most original chant to emanate from the singing sections, but you can't deny its accuracy. Wigan Athletic next up at home on Saturday followed by the fifth round FA Cup clash with Newcastle in a week's time. Busy days at The Hawthorns but hugely satisfying ones at the moment. 

February 22nd: Journey or Destination: Bristol City v West Bromwich Albion

The phrase 'journey or destination' is one used many times in my writing and has fascinated me for a long time. This concept has no clearer definition now than the feeling among West Bromwich Albion fans as they watch their team make an increasingly likely pursuit of a return to the Premier League. This pursuit took a major step towards realisation after a three-nil win at Bristol City on Saturday that left Albion nine points clear of third placed Fulham with only twelve games of the season remaining. This was a third successive triumph on the road and an impressive points haul of thirteen out of fifteen since emerging from a slight mid-winter slump at the start of February. So with a rosy outlook beaming from the club and its positive (at the moment) fanbase why should such a concept as 'journey or destination' shine a light.

An overwhelming sense of joy and exhilaration was abound in the away section of Ashton Gate on Saturday with three thousand travelling fans lapping up every minute of a promotion drive that not only delivers winning football, but one matching expectation and attacking ideal. Indeed a long distance from some of the more conservative fare served up when trying to remain in the Premier League during our most recent eight year tenure up there. This pattern has largely been in place since relegation in 2018, moving Albion from underdog status in the top flight to one of serious challengers in the Championship. For many fans this is a total release, and an excitement that many feel can only occur for a club of our size in the second tier. Thus lies the conundrum, is the journey of promotion far greater than the prize of reclaiming a place in the top league and rubbing shoulders once again with the elite of English football.

On one hand this is an absurd notion. You should always strive to at least compete with the best. Also the revenues accrued from being in the Premier League ensure a certain calibre of player is recruited along with enhancing the financial stability of the club. There is also the matter of parachute payments upon the eventual relegation to bolster any subsequent promotion challenge. Since first gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2002, Albion have been relegated four times. On two of those occasions they came straight back up and a third they endured only two seasons before promotion, although the unsuccessful attempt only occurred through a play off final loss at Wembley in 2007. While no-one connected to the club is going to preach complacency, the signs are looking good at this point of time to make the return in two seasons. 

To counter this argument, the second tier of English football has been kind to Albion over the last twenty years. Since Gary Megson revitalised the club in 200, they have never finished below sixth in the seven seasons spent in it, and in 2008 claimed only the second league title in the club's history by winning the Championship. Each of these seasons have created an incredible sense of excitement and arguably some of the club's finest moments in recent times. 

In contrast, life in the Premier League is a different kettle of fish. All of a sudden survival is the name of the game and memories are afresh of Tony Pulis adopting a rather pragmatic mode of football to stay up. An air of negativity hung around the club during large parts of the recent eight year period in the top flight, one that seems to get blown away as soon as they slip into the league below. Of course this is conditional to quickly adapting to life in the new division and mounting a promotion push straight away. The club have generally accomplished this over the last two decades, so newer fans are removed from the darker days when the team perennially struggled in the lower levels. 

As we sail past the three-quarter mark of the 2019-20 season, we are clearly on track for another of these highly exciting championship football seasons, adored by many of the fans who are hooked in not only by the more purist nature of football at this level, but the pre-match anticipation of going into matches as favourites. There is nothing like watching winning football whatever the level. 

The destination may well be the Premier League in May, but many fans are savouring this wonderful journey. Yes, there is mileage in debating this concept. No, we can't win the league and stay down! 

February 20th: Energetic Nostalgia: Home of the Wriggler - Birmingham Rep

One of my favourite paradoxes in artistic evaluation is the concept of journey versus the destination. Quickly grasping the intended phase of a performance is often key to getting the most out of it. The pace at which Home of the Wriggler set off signalled seatbelts on and for everyone to settle down for one hectic ride. This ultimately led to a journey devoid of chronological substance as we flittered from the future to a past of varying proportions, mainly steeped in 80s/90s nostalgia, but not averse to once stepping back to 1957, with its associated local and worldwide commentary. 

In essence, Home of the Wriggler (the title had its relevance referenced in the closing stages) is a rambling sortie into the lives of many, many characters entwined within the fabric of Birmingham's iconic Longbridge car plant, and its ultimate demise in 2005. From a cast of four, we were introduced to literally tens, twenties or even more names, some recurring at different stages of their life without any intention to provide the ultimate link. 

The major elements of this production (resurrected by its founders the Birmingham based theatre company Stan's Cafe and first staged in 2006) were the perpetual self generated contrasting light from the characters continually applying pedal power and other forms of manual motion. All sparking an intense form of nostalgia, mainly of a localised nature. 

It largely helped that this evening's audience in The Door performing space of Birmingham's Rep theatre likely had little difficulty tapping into the nuances and references. Outside the locality, the jury may have been out on the effectiveness of the script, but good art can transcend literal relevance, especially when applied in a sense of varied creativity. 

Following this 100 mile per hour, word laden, seventy-five minute production presented the odd challenge until you worked out that applying your own mental interludes alongside a couple of in-built respites re-energised the audience experience. Indeed cottoning on to the notion of the journey meant short concentration lapses didn't rub the shine off any appeal. 

It wouldn't be theatre without the odd twist, and our well-worked on-stage quartet delivered a neat one as the lights finally went down or up. At this point, the impact of light, energy and authentic real life appeal had collided into a summation of the production nailing the intent. Birmingham lost a major way of life in 2005, but re-invention keeps things just above the water line, even with the presentation of new challenges. 

Perhaps the biggest challenge to the car industry is the future, maybe the overriding subliminal message of the show. Home of the Wriggler, and the team from Stan's Cafe, left a successful mark of linking the past, present and future in one intense wheel turning journey. A Brummie one, mind you.

February 15th: Back on Track: West Bromwich Albion v Nottingham Forest

Dennis and Ciara may have dominated the last two sporting weekends, but West Bromwich Albion are negotiating this stormy season quite serenely as the promotion charge is firmly back on track. While playing conditions were rather tricky both at last weekend's win at Millwall and this latest clash with fellow promotion challengers Forest, it has coincided with Albion largely returning to the autumn form that blew a massive hole in the race for Premier League. Since the last blog post where a long awaited win was recorded, Albion have gone on to amass a further seven points, and have now restored the margin over third placed Fulham to that aforementioned points haul.  

If we had clung on to the narrow two-one lead as the added time board was raised, the lead at the top would have been even healthier, almost reaching the point where you can start to cross off the required wins to get over the line. Despite the quality finish that salvaged Forest a point in this two-two draw, it was Albion who made most of the running during the game, dominating play and creating enough chances to more than see off their East Midland neighbours. 

There was almost a further unexpected twist at the last kick of the game where Albion had a goal ruled offside. A fitting end to a game which literally rained with controversy, much contributed by some officiating which was deemed questionable at times. Still the most pleasing thing from attending this lunch time televised game was the extent that Albion mastered the conditions and generally played some lovely football on the ground with impressive performances from a number of players in this now settled side.

Manager Slaven Billic named an unchanged eleven for the third successive game which included a midweek win at Reading. It was pleasing to see new on-loan recruit Callum Robinson get on the scoring sheet for the first time as he has hit the ground running since joining the club at the end of January. Punctuating Forest's last gasp equaliser and Robinson's opener were a couple of own goals, mainly the result of quality balls put into the box on a tricky surface ensuring that this game was not going to end goalless. 

Later in the afternoon, Albion's promotion challenge was further strengthened by rivals Fulham and Brentford dropping points, a theme from the midweek games as well. In fact only Leeds of the top six recorded a victory, but recent results have contributed to them trailing Albion by four points in second place. 

While the recent three game winning streak was halted by this draw, the statement that Albion are now firmly 'back on track' can be confidently conveyed. There are now only thirteen games of the season left and the race is definitely hotting up. Storm Dennis and Ciara may have left destruction in their wake elsewhere, but their winds have blew West Bromwich Albion a lot nearer the Premier League. 

February 10th: Kitchen at Last: Amy Speace - Kitchen Garden, Birmingham.

A few years ago, Amy Speace appeared in the upcoming listings for the Kitchen Garden, but circumstances curtailed the tour and this date floated into the ether. The wrong of then has now been suitably corrected as, at last, the Kitchen Garden has hosted an Amy Speace show. Not only any old show, but one where the intuition of audience, venue and performer were perfectly aligned leading to the unravelling of a highly successful evening, to the extent where promises of an instant return should be held to account.

My awareness of Amy Speace traces back to her 2013 album release How to Sleep in a Stormy Boat. Around the same time she appeared on the bill of the Maverick Festival. In the subsequent period her name has cropped up on numerous occasions without the intensity of association that really came to the fore last year. It's probably harsh to say 2019 was a breakthrough year for somebody with the artistic experience of Amy Speace, whether in her theatrical life in New York City or the songwriting calling that took her south way past her Baltimore home to the music Mecca of Nashville Tennessee. However, the release of the excellent album Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne and a re-commitment to tour the UK as a solo artist has projected her into new territories as far as the UK is concerned. It helped that the album got a release on Proper Records thus widening availability and coverage. The touring has also leapt forward to 2020 with the promise of two further trips to this country before the year is out. To crown this purple patch, the title track of the new album has just been successful in the International Song category at the recent AMA UK awards ceremony. 

Anyway enough of the background, and a return to the long awaited Birmingham debut. First and foremost, we got incredible value of money at this gig with Amy playing for two and a quarter hours, all for the princely sum of a tenner. In another boost, the amiable guys at the Kitchen shifted the often dormant piano from one corner of the venue to centre stage with Amy grasping the opportunity to share her award winning song on its main choice of musical accompaniment. 

In some ways time ran away with itself during the gig with Amy enthusiastically sharing a barrage of stories, anecdotes and tales, often very personal with an expression of candidness. These interludes far from overshadowed the song content as she delivered a hearty slice of her material including a liberal sprinkling of tracks from the new album, thus putting an informative spin on listening to it solely in its recorded content. 

To say we got to know about Amy Speace is an understatement. Whether name checking an incredible plethora of talented compatriots, many of whom are her neighbours in East Nashville, or delving into her own fascinating background, we were furnished with an entertaining scope to what forms Amy Speace - the songwriter, the artist, the person. It added to a very comprehensive evening of song and chat of the highest quality, all delivered by a person born to be an entertainer.

The Kitchen Garden is built for evenings like this and the wait for Amy Speace to sat-nav her way through the backstreets of Kings Heath was rewarded with a show stamped with the hallmark of what makes the venue tick. Another Nashville artist won over by the 'Bluebird of the Midlands'. 

February 9th: Battling the Elements : Luke Jackson - Kitchen Garden, Birmingham.

Storm Ciara blew into Birmingham this evening, but met its match in music's very own force of nature: Luke Jackson. A veteran of tender years, this hugely talented singer-songwriter-musician-prime vocalist from Canterbury has been furrowing his own route on the UK's acoustic circuit for a few years, never ceasing to amaze with his output and engaging mode of performance delivery. There has always been an independent streak to his presence on the circuit, choosing to cultivate a growing entity rather than cling to a scene. To further hone this impression, and hammer home the dedication of an independent touring musician, Jackson had driven to this evening's show straight from a house concert in Bolton, then making the long journey back to Canterbury right after signing the last CD and preparing to immediately leave for a short tour of the US. Of course, in the middle of this was a superb performance in Birmingham.

Pinpointing the style of Luke Jackson throws up some complexities. Folk music has frequently put a claim on him, but there is a far wider remit to how he can be summed up. On-stage revelation sheds light of being heavily influenced by his dad's collection of folk, blues, soul, classic singer-songwriter and specialist music now housed under the ever expansive Americana banner. To Luke's credit, all of these styles embed into his music alongside shades of gospel and a little peep of a possible rock direction with a new song previewed this evening.

New observers to Luke Jackson would straight away be drawn to his vocal prowess where range and control are as much a feature as depth and versatility. Quite simply the vocals possess the magic to move a listener and leave them surfing in a sense of awe. Acoustic guitar is the choice of instrumental mode, aided and abetted by a sole kick drum for this evening's solo performance. His picking is another trait to cherish and provides a canvas for a wave of self-penned primarily folk-style songs to flourish.

There are a handful of album releases already in the back catalogue for a performer barely into his mid-twenties. The latest record came out towards the end of last year and has been the focus during the current run of dates. We were close to hearing the entirety of Journals during the brace of sets played to a healthy gathering at the Kitchen Garden, and listening to the songs live along with the many fascinating back stories really illuminated the recorded content.

As an entertainer, Jackson is edging up the ladder, and this evening was probably the finest performance seen since first seeing him live in 2014. All the credentials of an engaging and highly effective crowd pleasing performer are solidly in place, without a trace of superficial content replacing the substance. 

On a challenging night weather-wise plus the added sound effects of torrential rain pounding the plastic outer surroundings of the adjacent patio, there was no finer place to be than in the warm and dry listening to the premium talent of Luke Jackson.

When first encountering him a few years ago, a thought crossed the mind of what would be the outcome if he spent an extended period living in a shack in the Delta soaking up all the influences. Any subsequent homecoming would blow all Americana pretenders out the water. In fact while other artists wear the badge of Americana in this country, Luke Jackson doesn't need to. It's just there in his DNA. 

February 5th : South American Rehabilitation: Sam Baker - Kitchen Garden, Birmingham

The word rehab in music usually refers to a stint escaping the ravages of excess. In the case of Sam Baker the word in its longer form is more akin to a lifetime in music coming to terms with a traumatic event of unimaginable proportion. For close on twenty years this highly respected Texan singer songwriter has trod the boards of a rehab vocation and it would not be remiss to state that the underpinning framework of his art are the events of a distant day in Peru back in 1986. There is unlikely to be a Sam Baker show where he doesn't recall the bus bomb that somehow decided to spare his life and take many of those around him. The Sam Baker we see in 2020 is a product of rehabilitation and living proof of how greatness can spawn from utmost adversity. 

What makes Baker tick as an artist is the sheer aura and commandment that comes from his rhythmic story telling. This is beat poetry set to a simple soundtrack recounting stories that spin in many directions, though we are rarely more than a couple of steps away from Peru 1986. There is a certain charm to his onstage personality that straddles the boundary of warmth and eccentricity, maybe even cashing in on alteration adjustments that likely have formed the Sam Baker coming out the other side of 1986. 

Listening to him live is an intoxicating experience and it is easy to slip into a transfixed zone. This evening we enjoyed the added bonus of the most beautiful piano accompaniment from his travelling partner and the guest appearance of a local cellist providing some complementary bliss. Baker thrived in the confined surroundings of a sold out Kitchen Garden, on an evening where every crevice of this quirky performing space was full of inquisitive ears. 

Sam Baker live is a phenomena. His shows seen over the last few years rarely stray from the core point and it is the effect that seeps into the memory rather than the detail. To counter this assertion we were left with a couple of gems from the evening in the phrase "the narrow blade of life" and showing disdain for inner rage. Yes, Sam Baker can get deep and philosophical, yet always in an alluring way. 

When Sam Baker pops into your town, open your heart to the most emphatic rehab you can come across. Fulfilment is a likely departing gift along with a special experience of being in the exalted company of an extraordinary artist forever grateful to music acting as the best rehab available. A union one suspects that will be around for a long time yet. A South American rehabilitation stretching a lifetime. 

February 1st: Relief at Last - West Bromwich Albion v Luton Town

How can relief be an emotion when your team has just returned to the top of the league? Perhaps it is the case of context and how the modern world revolves around the immediate rather than the bigger picture. Back on the distant day of December 14th 2019 West Bromwich Albion came from behind to win a local derby at Birmingham and were so far clear of the chasing pack it would not have been remiss to think that one foot was already in the premier league. A preposterous notion when there was still over half the season left, but you couldn't deny the air of optimism and confidence.

The caveat was that a blip was always round the corner and true to this precedent the team went winless for the next seven league outings. The term 'must win game' is one of the most over used and ludicrous phrases in football, give or take the odd elimination game, and yet it was yelled from the roof tops as bottom of the league Luton Town rolled up at The Hawthorns for a game on the first day of February.

On the day after the transfer window closes, you know the hand you've got to play with for the remainder of the season and of Albion's three new recruits only Callum Robinson featured in this 'must win game'. Not only did we finally end the winless run with a two nil victory over the hapless visitors, but results elsewhere saw us return to the division's summit. It was a measure of the magnitude of the early season results that not too much ground had been lost. If you were starting the season now with a four point lead of third place and sixteen games to go, optimism would be soaring and maybe this will return on the basis of the relief sensed from this victory.

To Robinson's credit he hit the ground running in his club debut and was amongst a clutch of players giving a performance more than sufficient to beat the bottom of the league and offer hope that there will be enough in the squad to acquire the required number of points over the next three months.

Last week's blog post of the cup match at West Ham was the first success published during this year of 2020CMS and now with a league win under the belt things are looking back on track. For the record an early own goal settled the nerves in this two nil win with the second coming just at the right time to see the game out. Essentially, upon reflection the win was rarely in doubt and could have been by a greater margin. But when you haven't won for seven games, a nagging doubt still lingers as you sit in the stands.

Onwards and upwards to the next game set to be featured in this blog when high flying Nottingham Forest visit in two week's time. In the meantime, focus will switch back onto the music with a handful of upcoming gigs.