<*dv_0*> The Empire is nowhere near full. Callier frequently gigs in London so the people here tonight seem to be his hardcore fans judging from the ecstatic welcome that he receives coming out on stage. Callier is backed by a top notch band. The guitarist is especially good, which is little surprise when I learn it is Jim Mullin, a well respected jazz musician in his own right. This is the Total Recall tour in support of his new album. Callier gave up music at the end of the 70s but resurfaced after 20 years after the trio of albums he recorded in the 70s gained in critical stock. These classic records were a unique blend of soul, folk, jazz and social comment. From the opening moments of the gig it is apparent that his wonderous voice hasnt changed in the 30 years since his classic work. However the jazz influence now dominants his music. Whilst the playing is never less than great some of the recent work is a little too nice. In fact if it were any politer it would tuck you into bed with a Horlicks. A couple of songs in Callier placates us with the seminal What Colour Is Love? It makes you wonder why he bothers with all this new material. I am sympathetic to the artists who plow on for twenty, thirty years, playing to audiences who only want to hear music from one short lived period of their career. But Callier is only on stage tonight because people grew to love the few albums he recorded 30 years ago. They are not here to listen to the stuff he has subsequently recorded on the back of its rise to popularity. Throughout the gig a man standing in front of me repeatedly calls for terry to play Dancing Girl. After nearly an hour and a half there is a distinct edge of menace to his voice when he yells, Oi!!! Terry!!! Dancing Girl!!! Despite my best efforts I frequently find my attention wandering. Terry almost redeems the entire evening with his encore, a 15 minute version of Dancing Girl. It only makes you wish the rest of the gig was like this.
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