Chaplin’s Cellar Bar, Boscombe

Jack Grace


Tonight Chaplin’s Cellar bar is absolutely packed with punters full of anticipation of a set by local chap Jack Grace, whose 3rd EP “Borrowed Words” is released this very night. Jack is usually better known for performing solo shows with an acoustic guitar and a loop pedal, however tonight he is plugging in his electric guitar with his band for a full-on show. He has also recently graduated, so tonight is all about celebration and the cellar bar crowd are no strangers to big celebrations.

The support acts have been handpicked especially for the occasion and both acts are singer/songwriters who are creating a huge buzz around town over the last couple of months. First up is Drew Allen who has been picked after entering a competition with the Daily Echo to support James blunt at the 4000 capacity Bournemouth International Centre later this month. Drew’s performances have really improved over the past twelve months with a renewed confidence and some great new material. His music is influenced by some of the great songwriters of our age such as Neil Young and Bob Dylan. He performs with a simple acoustic guitar and harmonica approach, which to his benefit really shows the quality of his original material. Tonight the audience are treated to a short 30 minute set featuring the great “Third Time Prosperous” and the truly enchanting “We’ve Only Just Begun”, with some expertly played slide guitar that gets him some well-earned applause from the highly entertained Chaplin’s crowd.

Drew Allen
Drew Allen 1

Next up on stage is Kaia Vieira, who for only the second time brings her newly put together band of Tim Cook (Drums) and Jay Enticknap (Keyboards) to the Cellar Bar. Kicking off with “The Game”, a rare hush comes from the audience as Kaia’s vocals drifts into four corners of the room. The breakbeat style drums from Tim and the delicate playing of Jay brings a really nice extra dimension to sound. Kaia with each number has everyone under her spell, the vocals are so gentle with a real delectable sound that people just cannot seem to get enough of. The set includes reworked live favourites such “Getaway”, “The Fool” and the beautiful “Dawn Till Dusk” where Kaia changes her tone with a slightly different accent. Kaia Vieira’s live show tonight is just charming and she leaves the stage to masses of celebratory applause. It surely cannot be long before a multi-national record company comes along with a big money offer for her signature on a contract.

Kaia Vieira
Kaia Vieira 1

If Drew and Kaia were not enough; the evenings headliner Jack Grace excitedly takes to the stage, plugs in his red Stratocaster and prepares to end the night in style. With Jack tonight are his band who comprise Will Franden (Bass), Lewis Ali (Guitar) and JL Davies (Drums). Kicking off appropriately with the opening track from the EP “Ever Changing Path”, the band sound in great form with Jack’s vocals providing once again the main focus. The twin guitar’s really complement each other with a sort of ‘Jack White meets The Stokes’ vibe going on. The songs are delivered passionately with an impeccable eye for detail and each number is greeted by this audience with as much enthusiasm as the last. The setlist is a good mix of new material mixed with some reworked tunes from Jack’s previous EP’s, including “Tremble and Pause” and the very powerful “Self Destruction”. The band end their hour long set with an emotional 4 man hug on the stage, cementing a really memorable performance.

Jack Grace
Jack Grace 12

Set List
Ever Changing Path
Remember Me
Tremble and Pause
The Unknown
Sleep
406
Don’t Stray Away(Jammy One)
The Art Of Taking The Lot
Dead and Cold
Self Destruction

Videos

Links
http://www.drewallen.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/kaiavieiramusic
http://jackgracemusic.com

Pictures, Videos and Words By Dave Chinery (Chinners).