Farewell Amy Winehouse

Such a waste of an incredible talent. I would have loved to have seen her overcome her problems, clean up and achieve her full potential, but alas it wasn't to be. Anyone doubting her importance or influence only need look at the current crop of female singer-songwriters, it's just a shame she won't be around to make that comeback and surpass them all again. I guess she'll now become a legend because of her early demise but personally I think that whole 27 club mythology is hugely overrated, to survive is what's important. Nevertheless, despite her well-publicised fight with addiction, it doesn't make her death any less sad. Rest in peace, Amy.

Jonathan Wilson, Dawes and Jackson Browne at The Borderline

Jonathan Wilson with special guest Jackson Browne

Dawes

The Borderline, 20 July 2011

After years of going to gigs sometimes you think you've seen it all and then something happens to totally surprise you. Like going to see two largely unknown artists in a tiny club for just seven quid and having a rock legend, who you paid £50 to see in a huge venue a couple of years ago, turn up and turn a great gig into one of the best shows of the year. Thanks to the appearance of the legendary Jackson Browne about halfway through this is one gig I won't be forgetting soon.

Steve Martin at the Hammersmith Apollo

Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers

Hammersmith Apollo, 8 July 2011

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to see Steve Martin on his first banjo tour. It was probably the most surprisingly show I went to that year because it was so good and not just the oddity a comedian playing the musician would suggest. Instead it was a fabulous mix of virtuoso banjo playing and genuinely hilarious comedy. Martin is not just a major comedy star but he's also a genuinely gifted musician, in fact it's delightfully old fashioned in a way, a star who is all-rounder, a true entertainer if you will.

Tift Merritt at The Borderline

Tift Merritt

Simon Lynge

The Borderline, 4 July 2011

It's funny, I think I had forgotten just how petite and lovely Tift Merritt is because when she walks on stage I'm surprised at how small and beautiful she is. Wearing tights, black shorts and a sailor-style top, she seems over-dressed for the warm weather but she tells us our London heatwave would be considered mild in her hometown of North Carolina. Tonight she seems more excited than the last the last time I saw her live, filled with a nervous energy that somehow enhances her performance.