Thom Morecroft, Limerance, EJATN and Karen Turley: Jacaranda Phase One Gig Review

It was a team effort tonight at The Jacaranda: Phase One as local singer-songwriter, Thom Morecroft performed his last gig of the year with a host of his musical friends. The evening was put together in support of Thom’s ongoing crowdfunding campaign to help produce his most recent full length album, ‘The Feng Shui & The Sushi’ which he is half way through production of. Having had his tracks played on BBC 6 Music by Tom Robinson and described as “cheering and addictive” by Paul Du Noyer, the ex-editor of the NME, it’s no wonder Phase One was packed with people wanting to support Thom’s latest venture.

The venue, which has become a favourite amongst the locals for its stripped back style and support of local musicians, had pulled out all the stops to create an intimate setting for an evening of chilled out acoustics. The benches and chesterfield couches had been left out and the tables were adorned with candles and flowers as singer-songwriter Karen Turley kicked off the festivities. Elijah James & The Nightmares, an alt-rock eight piece from Liverpool, took to the stage next; the entire band weren’t here tonight but the sound was still just as good, as their eclectic tracks proved welcome to the crowd. Folk due, Limerance were the last act to grace the stage before the main event; sharing one microphone for their whole set, the pair offered folk tracks complete with stunning harmonies and beautiful acoustics.

After a rousing round of applause, Thom Morecroft and his band, most of whom were made up of members of the supporting acts tonight, took to the stage with a selection of old and new tracks. What made this set special though was that, for the most part, each song was accompanied by guest singers, making the evening feel very much like a group effort in support of Thom’s project. With a combination of deep quavering vocals and delicate guitars, Thom’s tracks were laden with deep emotion but performed in a light manner offering the perfect balance to create top tapping, lighter-in-the-air folk rock. After throwing in a cover of James Taylor’s ‘You can Close Your Eyes’ to the mix, the evening ended with great success and no doubt convinced everyone that Thom’s project was worth backing.

For details on how to help further fund Thom’s project visit his website. He is offering personalised tracks, CDs, vinyl and even intimate front room gigs in return for backing his project.  http://thommorecroft.com/shop/

Sophie Shields

Photo Credit: Some Bloke at Scene & Heard