What: Jason Webley
Where: Green Note, Camden
When: 5th October
Reviewed by: Irina Buznea
Coyly stepping around the dimly lit Green Note, in the heart of Camden Town, the bashful Jason Webley could almost go unnoticed, were it not for the somewhat conspicuous orthodox-Jewish-vagabond look that he works like no other could. Shortly before his set, he meekly waits his turn in the queue for the bar, just ahead of me. Politely, almost apologetically, he asks the barmaid if a glass of water with some lemon ‘would be ok’, peeping out from under his trademark hat. The seemingly conservative bar-punters pay little notice and chat away, but knowing smiles of Jason’s cult-like fans intersperse the small crowd. These Monday-night drinkers really have no idea what they’re in for…
Lemon-water in hand (oozing rock n’ roll), the shabby bohemian steps up onto the small stage. Webley replaces his glass for an accordion, and the shrill, melancholy opening notes of ‘Dance While the Sky Crashes Down’ bring the audience to attention. This morbid classic, which can only be likened to a drunken gypsy waltz, builds to a dramatic crescendo as Jason bellows hoarsely and provides percussion with his stamping feet. The incredible energy of his performance is contagious – the crowd, who seem to have forgotten their earlier apparent inhibitions, show their appreciation with wild whooping, never failing to join in with the resounding title line.
Jason Webley proves phenomenal versatility in alternating between musical styles and even between instruments throughout his set. ‘Icarus’, one of many tracks played on acoustic guitar, is amongst the best-known and best-loved of Jason’s back-catalogue. With its frenzied staccato finger-picking, it is met by a similarly tremendous reception.
Audience participation is encouraged and indeed largely expected at Jason Webley’s live shows. Before a dynamic delivery of his ‘There is Not a Step We Can Take…’, Jason splits the audience into sections, teaching each to imitate the violins and trombones that can be heard on the record (‘The Cost of Living’), stirring fierce competition! The ecstatic audience, clearly taken by Jason’s charms, are more than happy to oblige, contributing to a hearty (if off-key!) belting of this incredible anthem.
Any stage-performer capable of instructing an audience (a London audience, at that) to point in the air, stare at their finger and spin eleven times must have something going for them… Mad as it may sound, this is a regular occurrence at Jason Webley shows, which he jokes is a humble accordionist’s cheap alternative to ‘getting wasted’! The crowd are invited to share in the cost-effective experience for his infamous ‘Drinking Song’, then slump arms around each other, sway and sing with him. The sense of community is like nothing I have experienced at any other gig, fuelled entirely by Jason’s undeniable stage-presence, innate charisma and infectious spirit. Mr Webley promises to be back in London in the spring, so don’t miss the chance to witness and experience the madness for yourself!
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