Johnny Flynn hit Leeds on one of his final dates of the tour promoting his new album Country Mile. I was lucky enough to catch an acoustic preview of what was in store by visiting Jumbo Records. Johnny and his sister Lily played a half hour set which included singing a lullaby to a baby. It’s safe to say I was already in love and my crush was getting bigger as I anticipated what the evenings set would be like.
When we arrived at the venue it was filled with eager faces. For once we didn’t feel like the oldest people in the room which was a nice change. Johnny graced the stage 5 minutes early to a roar of the crowd. Holding his slightly bruised but very much loved brown guitar he regaled us for an hour and a half including the encore!
His set was a well thought out journey displaying that he has a true understanding of music as an art form. It is no surprise that new songs ‘Country Mile’ and ‘The Lady is Risen’ embraced the theatricality and drama that can bring a tale to life. There were moments of pure rowdy fun where you could hear jazz, blues influences flowing through. Flynn showed us he’s no one trick pony when he belted out his trumpet for ‘Howl’. Popular songs like set ender ‘Tickle me pink’ and ‘The Box’ created a swinging vibe with people singing along.
With the bounding energetic songs, came the wonderfully tender moments. My personal favourite was ‘The Water’ a beautiful duet originally sung with Laura Marling but vocal duties were shared by his sister Lily. It’s clear from these two that musical prowess is in the genes. It’s also safe to say that you are only as good as the company you keep and Flynn rolls around with a band who compliments his ability to give his words colour and extra power.
In between songs there was crowd banter and Johnny told us of his last trip to Leeds where he almost had a fight in Cockpit. It added to the relaxed feeling to the gig. There was an intimacy that was juxtaposed with a sense of inspiring awe at his musical talent.
My only disappointment at would could have been an amazing gig was part of the crowds inability to be quiet when Flynn played his quieter, contemplative songs. This was a gig you could only get into by paying so it bemused me to the point of frustration that a gobby tall girl and her loud mouth guy pals decided it would be appropriate to shout over Flynn’s eloquent words. It saddens me that some people have no respect for the artist or the music.
However this didn’t mar what was an excellent performance by a man who is so talented you have no idea what he will do next but you know it will be thoughtful and exciting. Johnny is a fantastic wordsmith and musician who showed why he has been so successful and will continue to woo us with his beautifully thought out sounds. His new album Country Mile is out now.
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