Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

There is something homely about Gary Edward Jones as he takes his place on the stage at Elevator, his demeanour relaxed but full of life, a reputation that he has carved out as a musician over the last few years and as someone who has that extra bit of spice in his musicianship as he performs.

After following on from a superb set by Caroline England, Gary Edward Jones continued to set the bar very high for the performers that would follow over the course of the day and for the remainder of the weekend.

It could have all been so different though; Gary could have been watching the music festival rather than being an early important part of it. If time were to have taken a different course the Gary may have been enjoying a cup of tea and watching the performance instead of having the thrill of the audience’s appreciation flow over him as he went through his five songs. What five great songs they were as well, full of pathos, intelligence and the empathy that is needed to be a very good songwriter.

Kicking off his section of the early afternoon with the song Is This Real?  It was possible to think that it was exactly what he was thinking as he played the exquisite notes and sang the soulful lyrics. Gary continued with the performance as he sang the heartfelt and towering song Free Falling which sent shivers down the spine as the song’s inspiration became clear.

Like other acts over the weekend, 20 minutes is not a long time to get to understand a performer properly, especially if it is the first time you have had the pleasure in seeing them on the stage. However it was very plain that this is a man who deserves his time as an acoustic hero of Liverpool, his music, no matter the subject matter is infectious and stirring and as he finished his time on the Elevator stage with the songs Lovestruck and Bang, Bang, Bang there was just the hint in all present that this is a man that needs to be seen again.

A real pleasure to catch this fine musician live.

Ian D. Hall