Paul Curreri
Friday 23/04/2010 doors 7.30 Tickets : £8 in advance /£10 on the door
Following the release of his ‘luminously produced’ (Mojo) 6th Album, California, Charlottesville, Virginia’s, Paul Curreri, returns to the UK with his most excellent band.
“He is something of a quiet genius, having a gift for skewed, elliptical or downright dutch arrangements of the familiar tropes of American music… He is so quietly, persistently musical that he might be the JJ Cale or Jesse Winchester of our time.” — THE INDEPENDENT
With a deeply rooted guitar style – seemingly flecked by Gary Davis, Frisell, Ali Farka, Marc Ribot – this April,
Virginia songwriter Paul Curreri will be touring the UK with his consistently impressive English quartet – featuring fellow Tin Angel Records label mates Lucy Ann Sale on percussion & keys, Joe Carvell (DON’T MOVE!) on bass, and Euan Rodger (Black Carrot) on drums.
The group’s previous tour last November concluded with 3 sold-out nights at London’s Betsey Trotwood. “Yeah, well,” Paul laughs, “it’s a pretty small joint.” That tour marked Curreri’s first UK tour in ages, due to a severe throat injury that he suffered in July of 2008. Forced off the road for the bulk of 2009, Curreri holed up and assembled his sonically vivid 6th album, California.
Uncut gave it 4 stars. Said MOJO, “His multi-instrumental skills consistently impress. Never less than accomplished, and at their best, give Dylan, Joe Henry, and Springsteen a run for their money.” As he did on his critically heralded previous effort, 2007’s snarling The Velvet Rut (which MOJO gave 5 stars), the album was recorded and performed solely by Curreri – with the exception of an appearance by his enchanting wife Devon Sproule on a duet of Michael Hurley’s “Wildgeeses.” (Curreri also produced Sproule’s recent release ¡Don’t Hurry For Heaven!)
Considering the health circumstances, California is surprisingly upbeat and harmonius. When asked how he managed to create such a forward-leaning, positive album while dealing with what many would regard as a career and personal crisis, a long moment passes before he replies. “Well, c’mon. We all live with hardship. But maybe it’s the price paid for being surrounded by and involving oneself with only what feels authentic and important. I get to play music, even if – yeah – on occasion it’s just at home. But I dunno… sometimes I wonder if fishing for more doesn’t rip something from someone who – for better or worse – wants or needs it more deeply. It was a really peaceful year.” Yeah, but what of hitting the road again? “Oh forget it, man,” he laughs, “I absolutely can’t wait.”
Tickets £8 in advance from www.wegottickets.com or www.jumbotickets.com or £10 on the door.
Address:
Seven Artspace
31a Harrogate Road
Chapel Allerton
Leeds
LS7 3PD
Tel: 0113 2626777
Seven Art Space Leeds website
Seven Jazz website
How To Find Seven Artspace
Close to the centre of Chapel Allerton and opposite the library, Seven is well served by a regular bus service from the city centre (2, 3 or 3A) or from Headingley and Harehills (91).
On-street parking is available on Harrogate Road and out of hours behind the Somerfield Market.