O2 Love Music Column – February 2013
Having pioneered many of the DJ techniques we take for granted to this day, Joseph Saddler, or Grandmaster Flash if you will, has assured his place in the history books. As the man behind those famous Wheels of Steel, he, along with New York rappers The Furious Five, dropped their 1982 debut The Message, one of the most influential records in hip-hop. Yet, after something of a hiatus from the public eye, it seems credit is finally being given its due, with Grammy awards and Hall of Fame inductions coming left, right and centre. Timely enough then to make this appearance at the 02 ABC on 1 Feb something of a rare and richly-deserved event.
Scottish singer-songwriter Roddy Hart (02 ABC, 2 Feb) has come from more humble beginnings, releasing his home recorded demo just six short years ago. The Glaswegian troubadour has come on leaps and bounds since then, with three acclaimed albums under his belt and a fourth due for release this year. Success has led him as far afield as New York in 2009 as part of their Homecoming celebrations, but this, his real homecoming show, will be one not to be missed.
Built around the long-running partnership of multi-instrumentalists Joey Burns and John Convertino, Calexico (02 ABC, 15 Feb) have kept their unique brand of Latino-flourished, alt-country buoyant with a string of well-received albums. Last years’ Algiers proved something of a career highlight however, no small accomplishment from the guys who brought us Feast of Wire and The Black Light. Live, they pull out all the stops with string and brass accompaniment to their already veritable, classically trained skills.
Dress to impress is the instruction for attendance at Club Noir (02 Academy, 16 Feb). Or perhaps we should say s’habiller pour impressionner. The world renowned burlesque club returns to Glasgow bringing with it a distinct Parisian theme, where the DJs will be spinning the best in vintage and modern French music. Of course, however you decide to dress up, you can be sure the entertainment will have a slightly more risqué approach to proceedings with their typically scintillating performances. Ooh la la!