Jon Toogood - Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Leigh Sawmill, Leigh - 03/01/2021
I’ve enjoyed many Shihad shows over the years. Visceral guitars and bass, thunderous drums, and powerful vocals are the hallmark of Shihad’s sound…
But, what happens when you strip it all back to just Jon Toogood, and an acoustic guitar?
My experience - an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter, and epic tunes. Jon brought the house down, with a passionate performance that absolutely rocked…
As soon as Jon walked on stage, the crowd greeted him with hearty applause…
“Aw gidday, I just came to tune my guitar….”, Jon explained.
While the audience laughed, he proceeded to adjust his tuning pegs…
“Now pretend, I’ve just walked on stage!”.
Earnest applause followed…
I was pleasantly surprised… Not only did Jon connect with the whole audience through the entire evening, he also filled the room with laughter, with hilarious anecdotes and stories of his adventures on the road.
Before Jon started his set, he confessed, “So, I’ve just realised, that I forgot to write a set list!”.
No band. No massive guitars amps. And, as it turns out… No set list either! Just Jon and his acoustic guitar, winging it from one song to the next, with ease.
Along with classic Shihad tunes, Jon also graced us with singalong anthems from his favourite artists, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Tom Petty, and Neil Young, as well as hits from kiwi icons Dragon, Split Enz and Th’ Dudes.
It was a real treat to hear acoustic renditions of Run and Home Again. I wasn’t sure how these tracks would translate with only a single guitar and vocal. However, Jon’s clever, lively acoustic guitar arrangements, in combination with his powerful vocal delivery, just nailed the vibe.
On live sound was the legendary Malcolm Wellsford, who produced The Feelers, Supergroove and many of Shihad’s studio albums. His golden ears and brilliant audio engineering added to the magic of the evening.
Before ending the show, Jon suggested, “Let’s just pretend I’ve walked off stage!” so he could stay on, for what he referred to as “the grandad encore”, performing 3 more fantastic songs. Just before Jon was about to leave, the crowd demanded another song. I would never have thought Motorhead’s The Ace of Spades could ever be managed without a full band, but Jon somehow pulled it off, and like every other song he performed, it sounded incredible.
Jon Toogood is as remarkable solo, as he is with a full band. His song selection was awesome, and his impressive performance and vibrant personality lit up the room. If you’ve never seen Jon perform solo, what you holding on, holding onto? Run, and check out his next show.
Photos courtesy and copyright to Morgan Creative.
About Jon Toogood
The last few years sparked a series of challenging events for Jon which became a catalyst for him turning inwards to process his experience with the only way he knew how – with music. Last of The Lonely Gods is Jon’s first solo record and with stories that will be relatable to many, reveals Jon at his most up close and personal.
Last of The Lonely Gods is a rousing and optimistic 10-track collection that sees Jon Toogood back on the acoustic guitar, to make meaning of the last few years and a series of challenging events.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Jon Toogood
Releases
Other Reviews By TheMechanism
Geoff Ong - Album Review: Maybe It’ll Be Alright
19 Nov 2020 // by TheMechanism
It was a hot Summer’s night, and I was crammed into the King’s Arms, waiting to see Animals as Leaders opening for Periphery, back in 2014. Suddenly, there was an announcement over the PA.
Read More...
State Of Mind - Single Review: Fateful Hour
09 Oct 2020 // by TheMechanism
Auckland Drum and Bass duo State of Mind have come a long way over the years, with 6 albums and many high profile collaborations under their belt. Their latest release Fateful Hour with Black Sun Empire, is yet another fine example of this outfit’s world class production prowess.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
