Ed Harcourt

Blimey ol' Reilly...it's been a quarter of a century since the first album by Ed Harcourt. I'd read an article about the Maplewood EP that preceded it and something piqued my interest. To this day, I'm not sure what. Those 25 years have gone so quickly in my life, but they're more than half of his lifetime. When I heard about tonight's Nibworth concert with Holly Henderson (and cartoonist Pete Fowler) to raise money to buy pens for kids, I wasn't at all sure I'd be going. I figured there'd be a proper tour to promote the new Orphic album (which is just brilliant, by the way), whereas tonight's gig at the 100 Club promised just a few songs and a late train home to Sussex. I couldn't have been more wrong and I'm so glad I made the journey. After Holly Henderson's ethereal set in which she appeared to be channelling Florence, Stevie Nicks and Hank Marvin on acid, Ed strolled on stage and set about doing a proper stage show. A full concert. Ed has never been one to disappoint, but tonight he could have phoned it in, done his bit and hit the road home to Oxfordshire. Instead he opened with the first two tracks from Orphic, before showcasing his entire career before an affectionate audience. By the time he asked if someone could get him a pint, I'd have done anything to keep this show going and so I swiftly bought one and delivered it to him on stage. Playing the first three songs on that millennial EP and finding representative tracks throughout the 25 years that followed, Ed (together with a lone horn player and himself, courtesy of several prepared samples and loops) filled the room with so much warmth. People were happy to be there, witnessing the night. Ed Harcourt is a lovely guy and a timely reminder. Whenever there's a chance to see Ed play live, don't put it off until there's a "proper tour".