Alex Cornish @ 13th Note Cafe Glasgow (20th November 2012)

You might think that acts go on tour because they have something to promote, usually a new album. Not always the case though, and Alex Cornish is an example of this. It’s been a year and 4 months since the singer/songwriter was last in the city and with tweets hinting at practicing songs never played on tour before and limited edition (handmade by the way) EP available, who could say no?

Supporting Alex was once again was Paul Gilbody (also the double bass player in the band). Starting with a track he describes as ‘a song about the weather’ (it must be something about Scottish based acts having an affinity with rain) before being introduce to a ‘10 year old track’ that he’s about to release as a single that goes by the name of Ricochet (maybe music is like a good malt; needs time to age). Next things are slowed down with Quicksand before playing a request of Sushi. Finally Paul finished his set off with a new song called Magnets Have Souls. A quick re-arrange of the furniture so to speak and we’re ready for the main event.

Opening with a track from his forthcoming album, it was then onto more familiar territory with Storm To Pass and an interesting version of Counting Chimney Pots before hopping back to his 3rd album No Shore for Rely. A short break to welcome the small group in the cosy & intimate venue and introduce the last couple of tracks. We stay with the 3rd album for the next three tracks (Open Your Eyes, Skyline Of Paris & Always A Way) though between the 2nd and 3rd tracks there is a slight technical issue that provided a kodak moment that would have asked; how many musicians does it take to fix… and Alex commenting that ‘one day I’ll have guitar techs to sort this for me’.It’s back to the debut album, Until The Traffic Stops for the next track in the form of Lights On.  

 

Taking a breather, Alex comments how he’s been lucky that his songs have been picked up my shows in America and about the number of downloads. He added that obviously those shows aren’t watched in Glasgow as there would have been more people there. He first plays Don’t Hold Me Back (featured in The Big C (Season 1, Ep 4) before heading onto the The Shame (featured in Private Practice). After this he points out that last year, Paul had taken up learning the ukulele and that he thought it would be a good idea if Paul could play one of his songs. This leads into Breathe Slow (featured in The Big C (Season 2)

Another breather moment where Alex thanks those present for coming out and announces that this time next year he’s be playing the SECC and charging exuberant amount on the tickets, but how he’d be remembered as ‘the guy with guitar troubles’ but having a great band. It’s here he introduces Craig on the drums (a familiar Craig as it the Craig who’s usually touring with Sandi Thom), Paul on double bass and Bevis on keys. They head into the final track of the set in the form of the beautiful This Is The Point.

Of course, it’s not the end and Alex decides to give himself an encore. First it a cover of the Dire Strait’s song Brothers In Arms before we’re treated to another new song also from his forthcoming album How I’m Meant To Be. Finally, Paul and Criag return for the final track of the night, Scotland The Brave.

It’s always interesting to hear Alex live. You could see him numerous times and still find that there is something new to hear in a track and it purely comes down to performance. Hearing a few new tracks may have wetted the appetite but in the meantime, the starter to keep those settled comes in the handmade, limited edition EP that he’s selling. Fun night on a miserable Tuesday night.

Photos: © Vhari Lannigan

Alex Cornish
Official Site
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ Play.com | Download @ iTunes

Paul Gilbody
Official Site | Download @ Amazon | Download @ iTunes