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.
