Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The applause could have rung out all night inside the Epstein Theatre; Dean Friedman can have also performed well into the small hours of the following day if time deemed it possible. However, even the sight of the American music maker on stage for two sets was more than enough in the end to placate the crowd who had sat thrilled and elated by the sound of the man, his melody and his music.

Dean Friedman needed no opening act to warm up the audience inside the Epstein Theatre, like many of his generation and of his musical class, his performance should be enough to gladden the heart of those who take note of music that has influenced a generation and beyond. Simple songs, beautifully played by a man whose elegance goes before him and with a touch of humility that forever binds him to those who come to watch him perform.

Nights out don’t always have to big brash affairs, the sweat that comes pouring off the shirt and joining the general ooze of a gig that makes life so favourable and affirming is sometimes better off staying put in the body and letting the thought of one man and his words stoke the passion. In a long and fruitful career, Dean Friedman has certainly done that and this night at The Epstein was to be no exception. A night of honest toil, of enjoyment and playfulness; giving the audience something slightly incredible to take away with them and with one of the finest harmonica solos you are ever likely to see on stage supplied by Sam Friedman.

The two men combined throughout the evening to entertain the strong crowd who on any other night may have joined the throngs of people in Liverpool for one of the many Liverpool Irish Festival gigs going on in the city. This though was camaraderie in a different setting and the rich vein of humour that comes from spending a lot of time in New York was in evidence all evening. From the opening numbers of Company and Shopping Bag Ladies, Dean and Sam serenely smiled devilish smiles and played tracks such as the superb Picture Postcard Life, (I Am In Love With The) McDonald’s Girl, the stunning Lydia, Ariel, Lucky Stars and the exceptional It’s A Wonderful Life.

There was even time for the entertainer to exact revenge on one of Wirral’s finest and with a glint in his eye and with much fondness proceeded to perform Tale Of A Baker’s Son, the ode to Half Man Half Biscuit’s Nigel Blackwell. A classic repost to a superb song and one that the audience fully appreciated.

With the evening hurtling towards its conclusion, to see so many of the audience stand and acknowledge this American music supremo was heartening and one that was fully deserved.

Ian D. Hall