Walking into the venue to be greeted by a barren stage, just microphone and piano in evidence, I must admit to feeling somewhat uncertain about what I was about to witness.
Having seen Jesse Malin with his band on several occasions it has always been the blood and guts exuberance of his performance, the sheer delight he clearly feels from fronting a band, that has impressed and was, or so I thought, what made those performances so enjoyable. How would he fare up there on his own, armed only with his, let’s be honest, not overly endearing voice?
Support artist Richard Bacchus, apparently an old mucker from Malin’s punk rock days, only managed to increase my fears x 10. Looking like Malin’s younger and dopier brother, he appeared somewhat lost on the large stage. Hammering at his guitar and singing his heart out with a less than appealing voice his lack of presence and charisma saw him floundering, preventing him from ever really connecting with the audience. All points for merit would have to be awarded for sheer bravery and effort.
The contrast however, from the very instant Malin walked on stage to begin his set was remarkable. Admittedly not quite so isolated with his piano player in tow, all the same he oozed presence, filled the stage and grabbed the audience by the short and curlies, refusing to let them go until some nearly two hours later.
His performance was unquestionably one of class, filled with great songs from his two albums: ‘Swinging Man’, ‘Brooklyn’ ‘Queen of the Underworld’, ‘Silver Manhattan’, ‘Hotel Columbia’, ‘Basement Home’, ‘Almost Grown’ and ‘Solitaire’ to name just a few. Plus covers, the ever present ‘Death or Glory’, Neil Young’s ‘Helpless’ and, most surprisingly, ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves’ (made famous by the surgically altered Cher).
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All were helped along by stonking piano and a performance full of confidence and commitment. Particularly pleasing were those songs that you love but might not particularly think would work in this set-up - ‘Wendy’ and ‘Riding on the Subway’ being obvious examples.
He was also on great form between songs, communicating with the audience naturally and effortlessly. Some new stories, some we’ve heard before (supporting Kiss at Madison Sq. Garden) but all told with the charm of a natural raconteur. If evidence of his captivating hold on the audience were required then imagine everyone (yes that’s everyone!) joining Jesse, at his request, to sit on the floor with him during said version of ‘Helpless’, both heart-warming and cheesy in equal amounts.
So a great night and proof positive - to any detractors who mutter “Ryan Adams” under their breath whenever Jesse Malin and his recent success is the topic of conversation - that he and his songs can indeed stand alone and, in a manner that relies solely on his own talent and charisma.
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