With so many shows and tours still being cancelled or postponed, it’s refreshing that for the first outing of the year, rather than relying on local talent, we’re treated to a show from Eliana Cargnelutti, whose efforts in bringing her band over from Italy for a UK tour are greatly appreciated and rewarded with a packed house at The Lamp.
For those not acquainted with the venue, the largely seated, old brick floored brewhouse attached to the Lamp Tavern makes for a super intimate club. Lamp Tavern Live have put on gigs by Rebecca Downes, Elles Bailey and Rainbreakers. In fact, Eliana Cargnelutti’s last show here was one of the few gigs we got to see in 2020 before lockdown deprived us of live music, so it’s great to be back and with a few Bathams to enjoy while watching what’s not to like.
During the pandemic, Eliana has recorded and released album number three, ‘Aur’, and its a belter, so its great she can now get out to promote it.
Despite a late start due to an overrunning wake, the lack of support still gave us two sets that took us up to midnight. The set opened with familiar ‘Why Do I Sing The Blues’. There are some choice covers that help to show the diversity of styles and influences; John Prine’s ‘Angel From Montgomery’ show the tender side with drummer Carmine Biloisi and bassist Simone Serafini providing a subtle backing while a contrasting ‘Tush’ allows them all to rock out more.
‘Aur’ is Eliana’s strongest album to date and some of the tracks are highlights of the show; dynamic rocker ‘Who Is The Monster’ and ‘I Don’t Know’ (which she tells us she is proud to have Ana Popovic play on the studio track) deserve particular mention. More covers are included with ‘Soulshine’ and the blues guitarists de riguer ‘Going Down’, but the truth is her own songs stand as equals, especially when they are delivered with such infectious enthusiasm as they are tonight. ‘Miss E’ closes out the main set in style that always leaves the crowd wanting more. A bostin night indeed.
