Review and Photography by Manuela Langotsch for MPM
Jay Buchanan’s Solo Show at Stereo, London: A Captivating Evening of Musical Brilliance
Last Tuesday, Jay Buchanan, the charismatic frontman of Rival Sons, took to the stage at the, only in 2022 opened Music/Cocktail venue, Stereo in London, delivering a spellbinding solo performance that left the audience in awe. Buchanan did not disappoint, showcasing a different, more intimate side of his musical prowess.
The atmosphere in the venue was electric from the moment the doors opened. With its excellent acoustics and cosy ambiance, it was the perfect setting for Buchanan’s soulful performance. Fans eagerly filled the space, creating a palpable sense of anticipation.
The somewhat stripped-down arrangements allowed for a raw and unfiltered connection between Buchanan and his audience, a theme that continued throughout the evening. He wears his heart on his sleeve, with stories of heartbreaks, travelling a lot and missing his wife. Being a massive Otis Redding fan, he clearly loves performing his acoustic songs in a smaller venue, so different from his shows with Rival Sons.
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of songs from his solo work, some covers and two songs that were written only recently and never performed live before. We all felt so honoured to be in the room and listen to these new tracks.
Each song was delivered with an intensity that showcased Buchanan’s exceptional ability to convey emotion through music. The highlight for me was a cover by Jay’s favourite songwriter Leonard Cohen ‘Dance me to the end of my Love’. Just beautiful!
Between songs, Buchanan engaged with the crowd, sharing anecdotes and insights into his songwriting process. His genuine and humble demeanour endeared him even more to the audience, making the night feel like an intimate gathering of friends rather than a typical concert.
The musicianship on display was nothing short of stellar. Buchanan’s band Holy Spirits complemented his vocal performance perfectly. The talented musicians (including a 2 piece horn section) added depth and texture to the music without ever overshadowing the star of the show.
In summary, Jay Buchanan’s performance was a masterclass in musical artistry. His ability to connect with the audience on such a profound level, coupled with his extraordinary vocal talent, made for an unforgettable evening. Fans left the venue buzzing with excitement, already looking forward to the next time they can experience Buchanan’s magic live.
If you ever get the chance to see Jay Buchanan perform, whether solo or with Rival Sons, do not miss it. It is an experience that will stay with you long after the final note has faded.
Set List
- Corpse
- Post Coital Kiss
- Shower of Roses (World Premiere)
- Wild Horses (The Rolling Stones cover)
- Dance me to the end of the Love (Leonard Cohen cover)
- Rose in your Teeth
- Internal Dialogue
- This
- Caroline
- Tumbleweeds (World Premiere)
- Sway
- Roll with me
- The Wilderness
- Feel Better
