Benjamin Francis Leftwich Live at Dolans Limerick 18/07/2011 Review

A typical mid-July summers evening was upon us i.e. miserable, cold and wet and upstairs in dolans was nicely kitted out with candle lit tables and chairs strewn about the place. The support act tonight was Ben Oit. A Belgian born long time limerick resident played a nice set of home grown acoustic songs backed by a bassist. If you have to draw some comparison I would say Jack Johnson/Ryan Sheridan caught up in a buzz of soulful blues and jazz. Check him out for yourself here http://www.youtube.com/benoitvibes

Next up was the triple barrelled Benjamin Francis Leftwich, I picked up a copy of his new debut album Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm a few days ago, thanks to some Internet blog buzz about the chap. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this record, playing in at just over a half an hour of blissfully played guitar and excellent stories to accompany this. I love the imagery of the Sea and Stars throughout the album.

Tonight in Dolans was Benjamin's fourth night of a six gig Irish tour. The crowd were excellent tonight with the only noise in the place coming from pints being poured, Benjamin looked like he really enjoyed the place and commenting that it was the best place on the tour so far. We were treated to a lovely set filled with early EP released songs and a host from the excellent debut album. He also played three new tracks showing signs of great things to come from the York born singer. He opted at times to sing sans mic due to the brilliant silence from the crowd, adding a lovely intimate gig feeling, Benjamin said he would be back around these parts in November, Hopefully he will play Limerick again, Cheers for a great night!

Check him out here : http://www.benjaminfrancisleftwich.com

Set List

1904

Pictures
Break the Day Open
Maps
Bottle Baby
Snowship
Butterfly Culture
Stole You Away
Shine
Is That You On That Plane
Box of Stones
Atlas Hands