From the mock reggae of "The Story So Far" to the achingly fragile "You Are Yourself," Daltrey portrays its maker in colors that the Who could never have emulated - a sometimes horrifying shock for die-hard fans, but a pleasant surprise for anyone tired of hearing him voice the increasingly dictatorial Townshend's self-aggrandizement. Far from the rocking bombast for which the Who were traditionally renowned, but far, too, from the somewhat maudlin melancholy of Pete Townshend's period balladeering, "Giving It All Away" showcases the sheer emotional dynamism that Daltrey was so capable of, a mood that the remainder of the album stretched in any number of directions. Of Sayer's contributions, both "Giving It All Away" and the opening "One Man Band" would subsequently reappear on his own Just a Boy album, itself titled for the chorus line of "Giving It All Away." Daltrey's majestically plaintive rendition remains the definitive version, however, all the more so when linked with the "It's a Hard Life" lament that serves as prelude to the song on Daltrey. Eight months ahead of his own breakthrough hit, "The Show Must Go On," Sayer and writing partner Dave Courtney composed eight of Daltrey's ten tracks Courtney co-produced the album with Adam Faith, then wrote the remaining pair with Faith himself. Top Five, the album itself went Top 50 in America and, almost as an afterthought, introduced the writing talents of the young and then-unknown Leo Sayer to the public at large. While "Giving It All Away" peeled off his self-titled debut album to hit the U.K. Roger Daltrey and band live at the Brighton Centre 22.6.Although Roger Daltrey was by no means the first member of the Who to take the solo plunge (both John Entwistle and Pete Townshend beat him to the punch), he was the first to make any kind of commercial impact. ‘After The Fire’ gets a very vibey accompaniment from Jody inverting an impressively long rain stick. These days, of course, you would stand out more by not having any tattoos. Roger explains that when he was a lad you were discouraged from getting tattoos, because “the police will be able to recognise you”. I haven’t heard it for years, and it’s splendid fun, performed in a sparse arrangement of voices and dancing guitar arpeggios. ‘Tattoo’ is a slightly less well known track from 1967’s ‘The Who Sell Out’. The hook is punctuated with big hits by Ben on the kit and percussionist Jody, who is whacking an absolutely enormous kettledrum. It’s a lovely song, and beautifully performed. Of course it’s ‘Giving it All Away’, a Top 5 single taken from the first solo album, back in 1973. We’re told that the next song originated in Brighton, written by Leo Sayer and Dave Courtney, who is apparently in the audience tonight. Roger Daltrey band live at the Brighton Centre 22.6.22 (click pic to enlarge!) It is a slower and more reflective piece. ‘Jericho’ is from the earlier ‘Love And Murder’ collection, which is amusingly described as being “a family album”. Steve lives there too, though when pressed he admits to being originally from Hull in Yorkshire. She is from New York City, which is obvious from her accent. Leslie has a good line in between-song banter, which comes in handy whilst tuning. The opening number, which we’re told is new, is a brisk and rather enjoyable piece of bluesy folk-pop. He also adds some impressive backing vocals. She introduces herself and accompanying guitarist Steve McEwan, who launches a catchy riff on a red semi-acoustic with a fairly dirty sound. On stage she sports a patterned dress and a jumbo acoustic, and has a harmonica clamped in a holder. She supported The Who on some American dates earlier this year, and has continued to the UK with Roger. Her album ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice’ was released in 2020, right at the start of the pandemic, so doubtless it’s good to have the opportunity to play the songs live. Tour support comes from singer songwriter Leslie Mendelson. Leslie Mendelson live at the Brighton Centre 22.6.22 (click pic to enlarge!)
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