I was not suprised to find that Nomad Jones was singing and playing his guitar on his own on stage, this seems to be a pre-requisite to support Tom. What I was suprised by, was Nomad's set, he could play and sing. He was also very engaging and held the audiences attention, whilst explaining the background for his songs. His songs varied from relationships with married women to his brother still living at home. All in all Nomad was worth getting into the venue early and does make me think that I have missed some good support acts, by staying in the pub for that one extra pint. Nomad also told everyone a little secret about his name, apparently his real name is Damon and as you should be able to see, Damon spelt backwards is Nomad. I wish people would stop trying to play with my head!
You can find out about Nomad Jones at http://www.myspace.com/nomadjones
Tom came on stage and immediately apologised about his voice, apperently him and Steve Reynolds had been having a 'who can be the illest' competition. They both had colds and Tom states that Steve went too far and decided to break his collarbone in order to win. Tom decided he was not that interested in winning it anymore after seeing his friend on gas and air after being sober for nine years.
The first two songs Tom performed were to check the range of his vocal chords. I didn't notice any mistakes or deviations in sound, thus setting my mind (and no doubt Tom's) at rest for the remainder of the gig. Tom was accompanied on stage by the two Ollies. As usual, Tom interacted with the audience and the banter was flowing throughout the gig. At one stage Tom described the Manchester audience as a rabble - he also got the crowd to sing a few lines for songs he would not be able to hit the notes on, which is one way of getting around the problem, I suppose.
I can't remember the entire set list but the following songs stood out on the night for me, One Mississippi, My Vampire Heart, Walking 2 Hawaii, Got A Suitcase, Got Regrets, End of the World News, Set the Story Straight, On and On, Deliver Me and The A & B Song. The best two songs from the encore were Bloodless (accompanied by an accordion) and The Boy with the Bubble Gun.
The gig, like all the previous gigs I have seen Tom perform, was excellent. His grainy voice, superb lyrics and music from the cello, guitar and piano (with support from a glockenspiel and accordion) made a magnificent show.
What next?More by Tom McRae? More gigs? More indie?