Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Life is too short, even if you take the care to go out as much as possible, to see the world, to throw yourself into the arena everyday and take Life out to spank every so often to show that it cannot dominate you, that it must not try to subject to its whim, you will still won’t be able to do all the things you believe are worthy of your time and effort. Time is cruel, there is so much to see, so much to listen too; however if you do one thing this year, of Time fights back and you can only make certain of doing one thing, then being in attendance at a gig involving Chris Callander is surely one to hang on.

Time is precious but it should never push you around, make time to see as much as you can but listen to Mr. Callander whilst you do it because in that voice of silk, of gossamer and anger is a musician who thrills the very innards, who makes the stomach growl with anticipation. As he himself ventured out into the 2017 arena and made his way to the new base for Liverpool Acoustic on a Tuesday night, the Courtroom Café in the centre of town, this highly prized musician found his peace and offered his heart to the audience.

The main act on the night, Chris Callander has always been a man to listen to, like so many in the Liverpool area he plays with truth and meaning by his side and never allows his words to be minced up like some poorly served steak; this is his truth and not one of false facts or alternative disgrace.

In a set which included Wild Berry and Rye, Caffe Mauro, the wonderful She’ll Run To The Sea, the boiling rage in Death By A Thousand Cuts, Baby Blue, the ever called for Howl and a great version of Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright, Mr. Callander stepped up to the early January plate and delivered, not just a great set, but a timely reminder that life is short and must be seized upon, that those who suggest that nothing is achievable, that no minds can be changed by art and discussion have obviously never truly listened.

Ian D. Hall