AltSounds.com Reviews Alexz’s Show at Shepard’s Bush
This is an entertaining read of the show at Shepard’s Bush Alexz did some time back during the tour. Below is the section of the review that specifically mentions Alexz. Photos at the Source link.
Review & Photos: Ron Pope, Wakey! Wakey! & Alexz Johnson @ Shepherds Bush [Live]
OK, so I’m a rock and metal kind of guy and upon turning up to the venue I was greeted by a sight I’ve not seen in some time at a live show – there were pretty girls. Lot’s of them. Needless to say, I was massively out of my comfort zone.
Having not been to a folkie/indie come singer songwriter show ever before, I was looking forward to broadening my horizons by listening to something completely new tome. For those who have found themselves in such situations, you could do far worse than the opening act for this evening, Alexz Johnson.
Gingerly stepping onto the stage and picking up her guitar, she greeted the crowd with a cheerful “hello!” before gently easing into a set of hauntingly beautiful songs. Alexz’s voice is perfect, her intonation is excellent and she has this spine tingling, almost gravelly drive to her voice when pushing the top end. However, she was guilty of “pulling a Taylor Swift” as all of her songs seemed to be about breakups and heartache. Great, if you’re into that sort of thing, but for me there are only so many songs on this topic that one can listen to before it gets a little too samey.
Towards the end of her set Alexz was joined by Michael from Wakey! Wakey! For a piano based duet, which added a different dynamic to the minimalist lone guitar and vocals. Clearly extremely talented musicians, their harmonies were spot on and of course, the audience loved it.
After a short change over, Michael from Wakey! Wakey! Sauntered onto the stage. Oozing stage presence, he gets a volley of cheers before he’s even sat down at his piano. “Team Wakey! Wakey! Have spent a lot a time and a lot of money getting a full band together to play this tour” he begins. “The bad news is, due tologistical problems that isn’t going to happen and its just going to be me this evening.” He goes onto to reassure every one “but don’t worry, I’m fucking good at this!” he wasn’t lying either. Part comedian, part anthemic ivory tinkler, the whole venue quickly warms to his Daniel Powter/Billy Joel-esque big and beautiful piano love songs. I don’t even think the audience minded one bit that the full band weren’t able to play. With a visit to the stage from Alexz Johnson near the end of the Wakey! Wakey! set, Shepherd’s Bush was well and truly warmed up for Ron Pope.
