These things happen, but Jonah Tolchin didn’t let it bother him. In fact, he was grateful that even a dozen people had bothered to come out to see him, when his first solo gig in Belfast unfortunately clashed with gigs from at least two other big name bands.
Those of us that were lucky enough to be there were glad we had made the effort.
Less than 48 hours after arriving into Dublin on an overnight flight from his native New Jersey, and already having Dublin gig under his belt, Jonah showed no sign of jet lag as he launched into Mockingbird from his debut album. Still only 27, he has already released three records (all on Yep Roc) and tonight he treated us to many songs from the latest FIRES FOR THE COLD. Armed with just his favourite touring guitar, a small bodied parlour acoustic, Jonah mostly let the songs do the talking.
White Toyota Ranger, Timeless River andMaybe, I’m a Rolling Stone were particularly memorable, all written in the upheaval of the last couple of years when he was going through the turmoil of a personal crisis precipitated by his marriage break up. Possessed of a powerful voice, in contrast with his slight build, he delivers the songs in an unhurried, understated style. His delivery, finger picking and songwriting called to mind a young Kevin Welch - a comparison I don’t make lightly.
There were a few more uptempo bluesy numbers too, allowing him to showcase his guitar picking and his love of the blues as an important early influence in his musical education. He’s joined on the album by several big California names including Jackson Browne, Rickie Lee Jones and Sara Watkins, but there was no room for name dropping here tonight. (Look out for our review of that record soon).
The intimate atmosphere of the Green Room at the Black Box, with its cosy sofas and subtle lighting, had the feel of a house concert that no one wanted to come to an end. Many thanks to Sean Kelly and his Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival team who continue to put on gems like this to shorten the winter nights.
Review and photograph by Eilís Boland