LAUREN HARRIS
It’s cold and damp evening here in Nottingham and a busy one at that thanks to the line up of gigs around the city. With headlining band The Answer competing for ticket sales along side Amy Winehouse and Journey there’s plenty for music fans to choose from. I decided that Lauren Harris, who was supporting Winnebago Deal and The Answer was the better option on this occasion‚ and with that satisfied feeling afterwards I now know that‚ along with many others I made the right choice.
The show is delayed slightly with some last minute sound checking, but well worth the extra wait as we welcome Lauren Harris on stage. A few facts I knew in advance about Lauren. Firstly‚ the obvious one about whose daughter she is‚ secondly she is stunning and finally she is backed by three proven musicians in Richie Faulkner (Guitar -Voodoo Six)‚ Tom McWilliams (Drums – Jon Secada‚ Critical Mass) and Randy Gregg (Bass – Thin Lizzy‚ Angel). One thing I wasn’t sure of was her live performance ability. I now know that she has what it takes. Her hard work has obviously got her here, and she definitely hasn’t arrived on the back of her famous father.
She takes her place on stage, and looks really comfortable (and barefoot !). Her vocal presence commands the attention of the eager to listen crowd, who warm to her immediately. The presence seems unnatural for someone so petite, but this girl is in charge and can hold her own. The tunes are pleasantly heavier than I expected‚ but this is often the case live. They are enthusiastic and catchy and generate that stomping of the feet that so many rock bands love to create‚ something that the entire band reciprocated on stage‚ they gave it their all. Richie Faulkner, reminiscent of a younger Les Paul wielding Zakk Wylde has the fluidity and talent to go with the look‚ ripping through solos and fills with ease. Randy Gregg pumps out that backbone bass thump‚ and adds an extra dimension to the vocal mix‚ this provides an excellent foil for Lauren to play off with their mic sharing stints. Tom McWilliams as you would expect from a song writing legend banging away in the background with his laid back approach, this confirming his place and presence in the rock music stage past, present, and future.
A sound, if not short set, with plenty of pointers of what we can expect to come from this rising star. I for one will be keeping an eye on her progress, as I am sure that there were many in the crowd who will agree, this girl is good, no very good, forget it…excellent, that’s a better word.
Watch out for the release of her album, a must purchase.
John Lambeth
NOTTINGHAM RESCUE ROOMS 05/03/07