Live Review: Ben Ottewell, Buddy

Ben Ottewell is better known as one fifth of UK band Gomez… but you already knew that. His whisky soaked vocal style made his voice one of the most recognisable on the UK music scene back in the late 1990s and early 2000s before Gomez went on hiatus. They have broken up according to Ottewell, who would tell a few anecdotes throughout his set, which was really engaging for the crowd.

He's touring with a buddy of his named, you guessed it, Buddy. Buddy is back again; he is a seasoned LA musician and songwriter who warmed up the crowd nicely with his lyrical wit and emotion. He had such a strong voice that easily filled the cosy band room in the back of the Crown & Anchor.

As mentioned, the first thing you notice about Ben Ottewell is his voice. He's a big man with a big voice. But in contrast, his delicate guitar playing perfectly counterpointed his big voice. He's just released his third solo album, A Man Apart, which you should buy right now! He performed a bulk of his solo tracks with the odd Gomez track for good measure (well he'd be crucified if he didn't!). But he's a man who understands his past and that fans are there to hear his brilliant solo tracks as well as gems in Gomez's back catalogue.

One anecdote he told was how he joined Gomez. He randomly met future band member, Ian Ball, in a Sheffield bar and they bonded straight away over their love of music. He then launched into Free To Run from Gomez's Bring It On debut album.

Another new song named Cradle was written about Brexit and dedicated "to those Tory wankers". One of the most recognisable Gomez tracks was next. Hearing Rhythm And Blues Alibi acoustic is a different beast all together. Once again, his voice is what drives the song and the crowd gave this a huge applause. Next year marks the 20^th anniversary of their debut album, so surely the boys will regroup and a tour will happen? Here's hoping.

A trio of solo tracks were up next - Blackbird (not The Beatles as he jokingly pointed out), A Better Lie and Red Dress. Wearing a simple black t-shirt and jeans, this could be compared to his set tonight - simple and stripped down.

Bring It On was the biggest highlight of the night. You could hear every piece of gravel in Ottewell's voice when he sung "make it right!"

He's not into theatrics, a fancy room nor a backing track, but who needs either when you have a storyteller with a voice like that.