The Session – HMV Empire December 2021

 

The Session – HMV Empire December 2021

by Pete Clemons

Aah, the dreaded curse of Covid. Well that was what I initially thought until Tracy confirmed that she had a throat problem. Thus cancelling The Primitives homecoming gig. A statement confirmed the mixed news 'We’re really sorry to have to announce that Friday’s Coventry show has had to be postponed because Tracy is laid up with a throat infection - not Covid. We have rescheduled the show for Friday April 1st.

However rather than waste the evening the HMV Empire announced the incredibly generous offer of a free evening entirely devoted to the support artists who were also scheduled to appear with The Prims. As such a 'Not The Primitives' evening was declared that involved local bands and artists, The Session, Danny Ansell, The Institutes (stripped back) and Ryan Cowley and Caitlin McCarthy.

Given how things were so finely balanced with the pandemic, it was also rightly billed as possibly the last opportunity of a gig for a while. Thankfully, as the new year awakens, that doesn't appear to be the case.

Headliners, The Session, arrived on stage to a tremendous reception from the 200 strong crowd. And they justified it. The Session are an uncompromising rock band. They play completely original material and this was one of their biggest dates of this most disjointed of years.

Right from the off they displayed an attention grabbing performance with a version of Martinet's Dream. Tunes like The Trait, Loaded Hobo and Denver Hill followed. A particularly poignant moment was when a tune called When She Smiles was dedicated to the NHS. It even melted a hard heart such as mine.

Principle song writer, Dean MacDonald (vocals & guitar) has an infectious enthusiasm for life. A totally positive attitude. Reading his social media posts I get the impression that Dean is an uncomplicated character. Family appears to be all. Yet his songs attempt to unpick the complications of the world we live in. Whatever the situation though, he seems to be able to make the best out of it.

The glue that holds the band together is Dave Chambers (bass guitar) and Ciaran Corkery (drums). Between them they produce some intense and beefed up rhythms.

A comfortable display from new guitarist, The Mark of Warwick (lead guitar), who found the space to deliver several expressive solo's. Mark appeared to have settled quickly into the band.

Sheryl McClean (vocals & percussion) dominates the stage with her huge presence and powerful vocals. Maybe her name is not too familiar yet, but my guess is that it will be. Sheryl screams and growls but don't get me wrong, because she can also sing. And I mean really sing. She is also clearly confident, and has the complete trust of being surrounded by a more than competent band.

The Session do not play covers or anthems. Just original rock 'n' roll. They have textures, harmonies, guts and melodies. Watching them is like having a tin of celebrations. You don't know what they will pull out next. Soft rock, something soulful, something funky. Its all there. Some of the songs endings can be a bit abrupt but they perform the art of 'feeling good' well.

And the thing is, they get to do it all again on April 1st 2022 as, this time, The Primitives will be there.