Concert Review by Simon Oxley
The Jazz Café, Camden, London – 7 August 2003
Leigh Stephen Kenny A.K.A LSK takes the stage with his fellow musicians to a packed, sweaty, bustling Jazz Café eagerly anticipating the sonic delights about to be served up. And from the first bounce of the bass to the final crack of the snare no one can have left disappointed. OUTLAW, the recently released second effort from LSK sometimes sounds a touch flat on record and never finds the energy that is underlying in Leigh’s compositions. Live, however, is a completely different story. Raw beats and sweet harmonies, the rhythms bounce and dance, Leigh’s vocals soar sublimely over the instrumentation, the brass section blow ease and cool into the room.
Ska, reggae, dancehall, funk and soul are all spliced into the LSK sound. But before you become accustomed to the sounds you are embraced by the visual pleasure of LSK on stage. They sway, bop and flow with each note, thrilled with every moment. Leigh holds a strong presence on stage and holds eye contact with the audience – he has a line for everyone. The first live offering from the OUTLAW album is the Jamaican influenced hip-hop of STICK TO YA GUNS, reflecting on the struggle to survive as an unemployed musician. The classic sounding RUMOURS ‘N’ LIES follows the story, discussing the pitfalls of musical success to the sounds of dub.
By the time ‘70S’80S kick in the audience are revved, Leigh’s vocals weaving in and around the staccato keyboard chords, the movement infectious to even the most reserved of those present. And if that isn’t enough, the sheer pleasure of RAP STARR overwhelms the room, you simply can’t help but smile listening to this slice of summer as Leigh reels off his musical influences. TEST ME is underpinned by a more old school beat, with the hook coming in the form of the drum break in the chorus. “live sound is the boss and no other sound can test me” cries Leigh.
A short break is followed by a climactic encore. First a magnificent rendition of RHIANNA and finally the UK garage, pirate style raid of THE TAKE OVER attacking the superficiality of the music industry and specifically BBC Radio 1. To show their appreciation the audience choose the ‘we’re not worthy’ bows for the band in an unusual cross genre moment… admiration indeed. Go and catch LSK while they’re still playing great venues like the Jazz Café. They’ll be on the Radio 1 play-list soon and it won’t be this much fun.
