Simon Fagan 'Damn Honey' launch gig

Simon Fagan

‘Damn Honey’ single launch

Bewley’s Theatre

05/03/10

Angela Macari O’Looney

Simon Fagan’s magical music has taken him to heady heights that most artists only dream of. In far flung places such as Egypt, his gorgeous memorable songs have won high acclaim. Addictive melodies, seductive brass arrangements and his charismatic vocal style have been such a hit, it seems that this young guy’s feet never touch the ground and you have to be following him closely, if you hope to catch a live performance.

I for one have fallen head over heels in love with those jazzy trumpet riffs, slinky piano, plus feel good beats that are simply mesmerizing. Thus I felt privileged to be sitting with the small but friendly group of people assembled at Bewley’s, to celebrate the launch of Simon’s new single ‘Damn Honey’.

A late kick-off and no support band meant a long wait before things got started. A lady opened the window beside my seat and I got some entertainment from a busker I could hear down in Grafton St., as I awaited the maestro.

When the star of the show finally arrived onstage, he said a few words of apology for the delay. He’d been at H.M.V. promoting the CD and fell victim to the clampers. After his little chat with the audience, a video of his new song was shown. I recognised some members of the audience in it. The song is a nice breakaway from what I’ve heard him do before, which I liked to see. Re-inventing and new ideas are after all, what gives an act spice!

Something I don’t know

This started off with rhythmic clapping. The line-up involved Simon with his own acoustic guitar, a lead guitarist, plus a drummer using a Cajon Drum and a pianist, who performed harmony. A choppy middle eight in this song added interest. The guitarist did a superb solo and for the chorus they did three part harmony. This was thoroughly enjoyable!

The drummer played a lovely beat on real drums for Memphis. Pianist played a riff and Simon went up into falsetto, for the sweet middle eight. Melody was really delicious here and harmonies close.

Only a Man

Simon interacted with the audience a little before this song. The trickling acoustic guitar intro and subtle piano were appealing here. It has an exotic tempo, with lots of riffs on guitar to add to the seductive atmosphere. Harmony also lends to the lush melody line in the chorus.
There’s a slowdown, where Simon does haunting ‘oohs’ and it gradually winds the song down to its conclusion.

Tired of Trying

Simon introduced the other members of the band. Drums – Gary Netheway, Piano – Ben Shorten and Peter Maguire – Guitar. All do harmony along with each of Simon’s songs.
This number involved a delicious intro, with a bosa nova beat. Close harmony absolutely seamless here, chords exceptionally sweet. I enjoyed the jazzy style of this song.

I shall be released (Bob Dylan cover)

Ben’s piano was beautiful here, as was the harmony. This number has a soul feel to it. Peter did an unbelievable guitar solo. You could feel that the lads enjoyed performing this number and were as relaxed as if they were just having an informal jam!
With only the four acoustic instruments, I found they produced a full sound. I liked how the drums fall back for the last chorus.

On My Mind

This is a sad song, lyrics sung with emotion by Simon. Piano excellent, harmony perfect!

Whatever Etc. (Ryan Adams cover)

Simon remarked that this song was one he did during his recent U.K. tour and it proved popular. It has a really catchy chorus and involves a sing along styled ‘la la la’ refrain, slowing down to pick up tempo again. I loved it and am not a bit surprised it was such a favourite over the pond!

Damn Honey

Simon told an anecdote about his performance in H.M.V. and a comment he made when his g-string snapped midway through his song. He got a laugh there and also in Bewley’s, when he told us he’d innocently said ‘Everyone has to have a G-string’!
I like this song!
The chorus is brilliant and splashes of harmony flawless. I love the sweet refrain; You gotta keep on movin’, stop your talking, you don’t know what its like. Simon’s vocals are showcased extremely well here.
I particularly enjoyed the last chorus, when all onstage sung acapella and had the audience in the palm of their hands.

Outside looking in

The title song from Simon’s forthcoming debut album, this song is slow and soulful, involving a lush melody line and delightful guitar riffs throughout. Pete uses his electric guitar for this and chord combinations are catchy. Simon thanked Andrew Wilkinson his manager, for the encouragement he gave him during the writing process of this particular song. He was having second thoughts about putting it on his album. Well, I’m very glad he changed his mind!

Absolute Child

With a beautiful intro, this number involved wonderful jazz chords. Simon’s vocals were also jazzy and his trumpet riffs smooth as velvet. I enjoyed the way the tempo slowed down, and then picked up again. He did an impressive solo on trumpet and the beat became a little funkier towards the end.

He thanked the audience for coming and remarked on how nice it was to be playing such an intimate gig for a change. It did feel nice to be in a small venue and see such a fab artist relaxed and enjoying himself.

Plastic Compass

Laid back tempo, lovely intro and a simple but catchy chorus. This number would be a little on the style of The Eagles songs in my opinion. The refrain Driving tonight, show me the way to go. is repeated and then Simon does an ad lib bit, while the backing vocals continue.

Waters Edge

An acapella style intro is sung by all four of the lads for this. A count in then takes you into the delicious verse. It’s a gorgeous melody, with an uplifting quality to it and a good choice for a last number. They returned to the acapella style chorus for the last bit, which got a brilliant response from the punters.

Simon Fagan’s style is described as acoustic Jazz/Soul/Rock and he’s a classically trained composer and trumpet player. His influences include Jeff Buckley, The Doors, Kings of Leon, Credence, Van Morrison, Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. He has had a sparkling career to date and with his album due for release on May 14th, things can only get better.

I know I could listen to his trumpet forever and his ensemble is a tight and polished outfit, who contribute actively in the vocals, in addition to the instrumentals in every number. This along with Simon’s own ability to produce upbeat songs will keep his fans coming back for more!