Bryn Christopher
Video
About the Gig
It had been a long time in development, but after lots of planning and hard work, Fred Perry Subculture managed a coup, presenting an evening of live music, which would culminate in Terry Hall's retrospective of past work.
No surprise then, that the room was filled with anticipation on the evening of 25 June, as Oxford Street's 100 Club filled up to the booming sound of Beethoven's ninth symphony.
The evening's live music began with newcomer, Bryn Christopher, who performed a stripped down set backed only by keyboards and acoustic guitar, in contrast to his usual orchestrated style, allowing his voice to shine through.
The set featured Christopher's "Seconds Ago" and "The Quest" (his debut single, written about his brother's experiences as a soldier in Iraq). There was also a memorable cover version of Portishead's "Only You", giving him plenty of opportunities to show off his near Shirley Bassey range and quality.
The audience was brought to attention, by Christopher's mesmerising voice.
Biography
Heralding from Birmingham, 22 year old, Bryn Christopher has been snapped up by Polydor records. His Debut Album "My World" is due for release 8th September 2008, preceded by the single "the Quest".
Christopher's big soul sound earned him a supporting slot on Amy Winehouse's British tour last year. Comparisons to Winehouse and David McAlmont are obvious, with a list of influences including Sam Cooke, Nina Simone, Al Green, Otis Redding and Elvis Presley.
Recent converts to Christopher's talents include Mary J. Blige, and American booking agent William Morris, who stated that Christopher has "a voice that will no doubt make him a legend".
Review
Christopher possesses an impressive set of lungs and vocal range is immediately apparent, with his old-school soul sound appearing seeming somewhat incongruous with the mild-mannered 22-year-old Birmingham boy who engages with an enthusiastic crowd between songs. However, it is his effortless cool which sets him out from the glut of similar acts who are currently trying to ride the coat-tails of Winehouse, Ronson et al and, aside from a spot of the 'funky chicken' early on, he strolls around the stage with the ease of a man who was born to perform.
As for the songs themselves, it's also clear that Christopher can write just as well as he sings, with that uncanny knack of coming up with a chorus so instantly recognisable it's hard to believe that it's his own original material. Up-beat opener My World and his biggest song to date The Quest, which was made famous after appearing in TV show Grey's Anatomy, almost inevitably get the biggest reception, though, showcasing a brand new song in the encore, shows that he's not merely resting on his laurels but is in fact getting even better as a writer.
David Hewitt
inthenews.co.uk
