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Amy Winehouse...
review
There are noticeably no pictures accompanying this article. This is because on arrival, unfortunately, we had to relinquish our camera as Miss Winehouse had decided that there would be no photography tonight...
Ben Earle, Winehouse's singular support, was a softly spoken shy man who hugged his piano and offered souring ballads... he played an intimate set, quickly endearing himself to the somewhat raucus crowd. At just seventeen years old it's perhaps understandable that some of the songs sounded similar, but already having supported Corinne Bailey Rae in her December tour, Earle is undoubtedly one to watch. A few of his tracks can be listened to at www.benearle.com.
After a brief interlude, the lady herself emerged, trailing her entourage of musicians. Her masculine, not-so demure, presence a stark contrast to her support. She was backed by a curious mix of Outkast-like (circa Hey Ya!) light-blue suited male backing singers and musicians in their jim-jams, sporting saxophones and trombones. Winehouse herself was dressed in a short skirt with a black jacket and boob-tube not quite covering her latest tattoo: her current boyfriend’s name next to her heart.
The ambience never quite reached cordial between her and the crowd with her dealing firmly with her hecklers ("Get this guy a bucket... my boyfriend's going to beat you up after this"),. The night was quite evidently a warm-up for her upcoming tour to educate all with her new offering Back To Black.
Often during the instrumental sections of her tracks she sat down on the edge of the stage, therefore becoming invisible to all but the first three rows. Even when standing she barely moved other than in an uncomfortable, verging on robotic, rocking. However, her talent is obvious as even with the lack of gusto; the songs were infectious and funky. Her voice reached Aretha Franklin heights and all-the-while she made it personal for us - as though she might just be singing in the shower.
One particular favourite was Rehab which had a gospel church beat with an unusual topic: ‘They tried to make me go to rehab; I said, no... no... no’. Rehab and church-hall rhythm may not instantly go hand-in-hand but Winehouse makes the two glide together effortlessly.
As catchy as any Supremes classic; the fifties and sixties have definitely had an influence on the new album. The latest songs are a breath of fresh air; she’s experimented but kept the winning formula of her infamous raw voice and North London, er, charm. One only hopes that rehab is not where show business takes her.
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about Concorde 2
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Okay, so you may have to walk a bit to reach it... but that just makes it that little bit more exclusive doesn't it! Located along Madeira Drive, the Concorde 2 is a sizeable venue with a huge variety of clubnights and bands on each month. Some top names, some great festivals, World Music... you name it. If you can't find something to pique your interest then you might as well pack your bags and head for Eastbourne... The next Concorde 2 date for your diary:
Saturday, 2nd August
Popstarz Pride Carnival (Pride in Brighton & Hove)
Click for more info and complete listings for Concorde 2 
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The Village Street Party 2008
