Johnny Barlow, part of the Amsterdam line up. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 22nd 2010.

They have been missing off the local scene for a while but Saturday night marked the glorious return of local boy Ian Prowse and the magnificent Amsterdam. One of the last times they came “home” was for the wonderful night of music at the Picket last year. Now, armed with a few new tracks ready to play and some old favourites to thrill the audience with, Ian, Johnny Barlow, violinist Anna Jenkins and the rest of this exceptional band set their agenda early with Joe’s Kiss and Hey Hilary before going into the wonderful Coming up for Air/ Nothing’s Goin’ Right.

Johnny Barlow was particularly on fine form as he bounced musically off the energetic Ian all night, his calm and steady approach to music being a huge plus on the night.

There will always be a part of Ian that likes to be playful with any audience that goes to gig and as ever it was The Clash’s seminal piece London Calling that took centre stage for the only punk classic from that era to be played. With its highly emotive lyrics, it certainly seemed as though the spirit of Joe Strummer was back us, channeling his energy through Ian and the band.

The much missed John Peel would have been proud to hear Does This Train Stop on Merseyside? as it publicly acknowledged that the great man used to cry at its heart rendering lyrics and soul grabbing vibe. Certainly Ian looks so at home playing this song to audiences that sometimes its message can be lost amongst the deafening roar of approval it meets when played. Not on this night though, the audience mindful of the majesty on stage tempered down their enthusiasm, slightly, as the band stormed through the song.

The main bulk of the night was highlighted with a stomping version of the classic Twist and Shout at the end of the main set.

The night was ended on a spectacular high as Ian Prowse and the rest of this fantastic band came back on stage to huge applause to do a couple of encores. These were You’re a Phony and the laconic Feels Like Growing Up. These last two songs set the seal on a tremendous night’s entertainment and one that hopefully will be repeated very soon.

Ian D. Hall