* Jason Webley at the Underbelly - 25th August 2011

Ha.

I was looking forward to this one.

Not only because live music is necessary to one's life, but also because Jason is probably the best live performer around.
I was in Reading yesterday for the festival and Muse closed the three muddy days in excellence and a raving crowd. One could feel the energy from miles away, and the set, the lights, the visuals, the fires... I appreciate all of this, it's show-biz, right?
and yet, when it comes to really, *really* loving a musician, it's people like Jason that really touch my heart. With his accordion, his feet stomping on the ground, the intimate venue and his heart poured on a silver plate for those who are willing to listen to him.
Maybe it is the fact the he is approachable. Maybe it is the fact that you see the roads he traveled through his eyes, or hear the mighty trombones in his voice. Maybe it's how much he give to the audience and their incredible response. Maybe... it is his willingness to explore everything whilst staying close to his essence. Maybe i'm wrong. But maybe not. And if i'm not, maybe it is just that Jason is awesome, end of story. No special effects required.

Ps. Jason was supported by another wonderful artist: Thomas Truax. He has a one night per month in Soho at the Spice of Life. I am going to see him there soon, i look forward to finding out more about this artist.

* Absynthe Makes The Heart Grow Fonder.

Absynthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder(c)1999 by Jason Webley
After a couple glasses, The floorboards don't feel so secure. And I'm afraid I could really go down tonight. I'm out-numbered by the ashes, Held hostage by the door. And the air in here is so damn loud tonight.
But I've got this old four-by-six photograph, Your face pressed up against my shoulder, Little pools of salt mark where tears have dried. And I've got this big needle stuck in my chest, So deep it's starting to tickle. I'm a thousand miles from the chimera I chase. Love is a sadness with a face.
There's a darkness in all wanting, My intentions all feel stained, And the Devil keeps filling my glass tonight. My adrenaline is clotting, And the faces in here all seem strange. But I just want to touch something that'll last tonight.
If I could just taste one sip of an answer, Maybe I could break out of this drunkard's prison. I'm homesick for a place I might have never seen. Something more than these old feet brought me here, So these feet can't take me away. No I didn't get here on my own, Whoever brought me here's gonna have to bring me home.
I'm a thousand miles from the chimera I chase. Home is a sadness, not a place. 

* I was a Amanda Palmer virgin

...And very glad to have been "baptised" with her art. Make sure you check out her work with Jason Webley on their group Evelyn Evelyn, just brilliant!

Amanda is special. This song - a cover of a Momus song if i'm not wrong? - is special.

Oh: and it goes in my top 5 love songs of all times.