The last time I saw Matt Goldberg he was doing an early solo
support slot. He played a no-nonsense set, cracked a few jokes and later, uke-case
in hand, with collar turned up; walked into the night, his walk purposeful.
Tonight at Christie’s, Matt Goldberg has a band. Now, there
are seven purposeful musicians, this time looking at the expectant Christie’s
crowd. Out to promote a five-song EP of self and band-penned songs, Matt
Goldberg has certainly been busy! There’s a triumphant air to the group – and
so they should be. The night was to be split into two sets, their own material
and, I hate to say, covers of other artists. Of course, all the songs were given the MG band treatment – Reggae and ting!
Featuring drums, sax, trombone, keyboards, lead guitar, all driven by the
fantastic bass from the inimitable Pete Oliver. Of course, let’s not forget
MG’s electric ukulele.
An opening faux-pas as
MG sang “Rat-Race” while the band was playing “Love Will Tear Us Apart”. A few
bewildered looks and next Matt’s waving his arms frantically: “Start again!” not before he quipped “I’ve been living in a rat-race all week!” He
recovered with a few self-inflicted slaps around the face; the Christie’s crowd
moved closer. It was not long before
there was some serious skanking (Reggae dance) taking place – the MG band
stepped up a gear into a more Ska Two-Tone arena. I defy anyone not to relax
those tense muscles – this music just couldn’t fail to move you! I was particularly
impressed when Matt said: “This is one of
mine!” and proceeded to sing “Jammin”. It was during this number the band
visibly gelled.
Play resumed after a couple of ‘strengtheners’ during a self-enforced
interval. Set two saw that word had spread as a notably bigger audience had
gathered, all very knowledgeable as to what was about to unfurl. Matt Goldberg
moved into what he called “The workout” section
of the gig – he was no mean mover himself! The Christie’s crowd responded in
kind! The EP roster of songs came and went; there were tales of Harrogate,
hilarious lyrics and alleyways. The whistling refrain of “I’m a gangster” impressed; Matt exclaimed “Whistle if you know the words!” The night ended with the MG band’s
very own theme tune entitled “Reggie Brown”. A mass sing-a-long of the crowd
ensued, its chorus being “Nuts! He’s
hazelnuts!” This extended version
was magnificent and, quite frankly, no one wanted it to end.
On that note, the MG band has a residency at Christie’s,
every third week in the month. The
choice is yours – don’t leave it too long, this band is definitely going
places.
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