Simon Fagan
Outside Looking in Launch gig
The Grand Social
19/02/11
Angela Macari O’Looney
One of our most gifted singer/songwriters, Simon Fagan goes from strength to strength. He has come a long way in a short time and the hard graft he puts into his craft pays enormous dividends in that he is extremely popular and can keep reinventing new ideas with his music, which is really quite special. Not only this, Simon has endless musical talent including amazing ability as a trumpet player.
He is also fortunate enough to be surrounded by a great band, with each musician top of the range!
I have become a devotee of this young man’s fabulous music and made sure not to miss the launch of his new album Outside looking in.
Arriving early, I made my way to the upstairs venue in plenty of time to see the first set, which was performed by Maggie Hildrick.
She began with She Knows, a bouncy number with a simple yet catchy melody line. This involves an appealing key change and was a great starter.
Maggie continued with a song called Sweet Rose of the Night, which has trickling acoustic guitar throughout.
Down by the Sea had wonderfully descriptive lyrics and gorgeous chord combinations.
Maggie performed a cover of country number Jolene. She began with a few bars from Althea and Donna’s Upton Top Rankingand then went into the first verse of Jolene, which added a bit of interest. Her performance of this classic love song was excellent and she got a little help from the audience.
She continued with Banks of the Liffey which was a catchy number about Dublin City and was very appropriate considering the venue. With just her acoustic guitar, she was quite captivating and she finished her set with a song called Flesh and Mind. The descriptions in her lyrics were excellent and her guitar playing very soothing.
Gypsies on the Autobahn
As I awaited the second set, I had a little look at my surroundings. I like the tent style ceiling in this venue and really admire the excellent lighting, generous size stage and the airy atmosphere there.
Gypsies on the Autobahn are a young Alt/Indie/Pop band who perform the most delectable harmonies in their songs. All members sing for each number, which creates a full, crisp sound.
They are James Smith-Lead vocals, Dan Smith-Drums, Niall Mooney-Lead Guitar and Gary Quinn-Bass.
We’re not ourselves was their first song. This opens up with a guitar riff, joined by drums, then the entire band blast out the chorus. This was a fantastic start to a brilliant set.
They did Protect your light next. This involves a thumping beat, a fab lead solo and a rich baseline. James’s vocal style is unusual, but quite enjoyable just the same. He has an interesting lilt as he performs the lovely chorus of this number, with backing vocals excellent.
Appreciative Hearts was next. Lots of close harmonic oohs take you into this. The vocals are wonderful in this number, which begins slowly, but builds up to a fast anthem. I loved the in sync riff throughout.
The lads were astounding and went on to do Suited Suitors which has an interesting echoic chorus, a punchy tempo and an alternating beat where Gary performs a dramatic roll. Then they did Blackthorn tree. This was probably my favourite number, with its delicious harmonies, riffs and hooks that totally lift it.
They did Always forever, Strength of two and Hidden.
Each song was just awe inspiring and in a way they reminded me of one of my favourite Irish Indie bands The Kinetics.
Their choruses are brilliant, vocals exciting and I consider them an extremely promising act!
Simon Fagan
This was my first experience of Simon performing with his full band and I knew it would be an unforgettable show.
A wonderful spiritual style intro opened up the set. With gorgeous trickling acoustic guitar and beautiful harmony, Simon did Something I don’t know. Dynamic builds up gradually, till the keyboards, baseline and beat become unbelievably powerful. All the band members do soulful backing vocals in this catchy song and the whole thing is very uplifting!
Peter McGuire-Lead guitar/Vocals, Ben Shorten-Keys/Vocals, Chris Byrne-Bass and Gary Nethaway-Drums are Simon’s band.
Memphis began with sustained chords on Korg, while Simon on acoustic guitar and the other guitars performed choppy rhythm. This lovely song from the album has a wonderful chorus and close harmony. Simon slides his voice up to falsetto at certain points. There’s a pullback of instruments as Simon and the lads blast out the last chorus.
Electric guitar is superb in Plastic Compass, where Peter uses slider to add atmosphere. It has a delicious riff. Three part harmonies are just perfect in the chorus. With the full band, the sound is big in this and the catchy riff throughout is brilliant. I enjoy how there are lots of interesting changes and the lovely refrain of No I don’t care, I don’t need you.
They did Won’t let go, which has a choppy beat and a delicious sense of movement in it. Trickling guitar is lovely here and the tempo alternates a little for the verse. I think of The Eagles when I hear this dramatic, harmonic type of song, with a lot of slider used in the lead guitar and voluminous rhythm guitar chords. Simon and his band have an amazing charisma about them, becoming more magical with each song they do!
After this they did the title track from the new album Outside looking In. With just guitar and no drums, this pretty love song has a soulful quality to it. The melody line is folksy, with choral style harmonies in the chorus beautiful. The guitar chords are fab and it’s the simplicity of it that makes this song so special!
Simon did a delicious rendition of Cindy Lauper’s True Colours, which I thoroughly enjoyed. With just keyboards, acoustic guitar and a little help from the audience in the chorus, this was a really memorable moment.
He did a Ryan Adams number called Sweet Carolina. This number is soothing and really suits Simon’s vocals. Backing vocals in the chorus were excellent.
After this Simon did a number I’m particularly fond of called Jenny. This begins with just Simon playing his acoustic, drums coming in subtle to add a beat. Gradually each instrument joins in, with divine chord combinations lifting the song right up. An in sync riff is performed by Keys and lead guitar. Harmony is yet again astounding and for the final chorus instruments drop back.
The remaining numbers of this totally amazing set were I shall be released, Love don’t work, Tired of trying, Never really cried.
Scorching Lead solos were performed by Cian in most of these and elaborate fretwork that was awesome to watch. Chris also performed busy baselines and Ben’s imaginative flourishes on Keys were superb.
They opened up the second last song Water’s Edge with a big resounding note, followed by harmonic vocals.
Due for release as a single, this number involves trickling acoustic guitar that builds up to a rolling rhythm. It’s a really spiritual and very impressive song, with a fab melody line and a great bit towards the end, where Simon sings a refrain She runs, runs away and I know her name., while his band continue with choral style oohs.
Last but not least was Damn Honey, which was released last year as a single. It’s a popular number with Simon’s fans and he got a fantastic response as everyone joined in with the chorus. Close harmony sung by the band added to the NRG and they did a mock finish, to come back with one last thunderous chorus.
Simon studied trumpet at the Royal Irish Academy and also Drama in The Royal Scottish Academy. His music style is a mish mash of Roots, Folk/Rock and he has a huge range of influences which include people like Van the man, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Buckley and many more.
He has opened shows for Lionel Richie, Smokie Robinson and Laura Izibor. Simon has toured extensively and his album is sure to increase his already enormous fan base.
I also love how he makes sure to come down and thank his audience personally and chats away at the end of the gig. He’s an artist I never tire of and know I’ll continue following for a long time.
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