In the Globe’s former life as a cinema, you might have expected a Damian Lewis appearance to involve his acting career. Finding him there as the guitar-wielding frontman of a rock band is a different proposition, but one he embraces with conviction. His voice can sound almost theatrical on record; live, it has a rawness and passion which gives his songs a different character.
This was a thoroughly entertaining evening, with Lewis connecting as readily with the enthusiastic dancers at the front as those watching from the balcony. Before him is Georgia Ruth and her harp: “You weren’t expecting that!” she remarks, setting the tone for a support slot whose warmth and wit were as engaging as the music.
Having recently learnt to drive, she recounts her journey from Aberystwyth to the gig – an appropriate introduction to Driving Dreams – and tells us how forthcoming album Uncanny Valley was inspired by moving to the outskirts of Aberystwyth and finding her feet in unfamiliar surroundings. Those reflections give the set an intimate quality, and a cover of Joni Mitchell’s A Case Of You, which she had recently been asked to sing at a wedding, fits comfortably into that atmosphere.
Lewis’ bluesy rock brings a different energy, with material from his second album Sweet Chaos forming the backbone of a set that also draws on debut Mission Creep. For all the exuberance, there’s sensitivity in his songwriting; his willingness to explore complex, personal subjects give the evening emotional depth beneath the easy sociability. Music seems to offer the actor an outlet for feelings which are perhaps easier to express in song.
He’s clearly comfortable onstage, moving between guitar and keys and delivering an impressively lengthy harmonica solo. It leaves the impression of someone who commits fully to whatever he takes on, and his ease with the audience helps everything flow, carrying his enthusiasm around the room. The accomplished band – guitarist Rudi Falla, keyboardist Jesse Doniach, drummer Will Cleasby and bassist Edward Felix Taylor, also of Mystery Jets – were visibly enjoying themselves, exchanging the kind of smiles that usually signal a good night for everyone else too. Their playing gave Lewis a strong foundation and plenty of room to put his personality into the songs.
Brave covers of Tom Waits’ Little Trip To Heaven and Neil Young’s Harvest Moon broadened the set, while the unrecorded A Man Named Sal offered something new. The exuberant Fix Me Up closed the main performance, before an encore ending with the beautiful She Comes sent everyone home happy.
Lewis’ stage presence was assured, but it was the feeling in his voice and the pleasure shared with his band that stayed with you. With Georgia Ruth’s engaging opening set, it made for a Friday night full of character.
Damian Lewis + Georgia Ruth, The Globe, Cardiff, Fri 9 Oct
words KARL ELLIS & ALI ELLIS photos KARL ELLIS
