Even if you have experienced it, it's truly difficult to capture the right words to describe an Arthur Brown show. Certainly, the crazy world he’s always declared it seems apt, given the state of things today.
Surely a totally different place to when Arthur Wilton Brown entered the world, way back in 1942. His first album appeared in 1968, yes, 56 years ago and tonight, although there are several fans tonight who have been with him since those early days, few can match the octogenarian’s vibrant energy through a 90-minute set that spans the generations. The spread of ages in the audience bears testament to the man's enduring appeal.
He's backed by an incredibly tight band, who unsurprisingly, do much of the heavy lifting. They extend and elongate, but at no time do they detract from Brown who remains the central focus. Dan Smith’s keyboard skills astound, and he’s no slouch with some searing lead work. Anchoring the machine, Sam Walker adds much with his percussion and drumming whilst multi-talented Tim Mortimer adds not just the low end but many other bits of musical delight.
Tonight, it’s fair to say he’s on inspired form. His vocal range shows no signs of stopping, switching from lower rolling parts to almost falsetto pitch, all in tune and in keeping with the music that he has crafted over so many years. Yes, it’s Fire that always gets the attention, but he and the band are clever, switching the arrangements as he has done for many years. It’s Fire, but with a twist or two. It’s clever music, sometimes masked by the flamboyant costume changes that dominate the show. Child of My Time draws gasps of delight, whilst Sunrise and Time Captives from Arthur Brown’s Kingdom Come bring knowing smiles and gasps from those who may be here for the first time.
Although it’s a gig, it’s really a show that we are treated to. Ample servings of psychedelic rock swirls in perfect choreography with the impressive backing images which are neatly intertwined with each song. There’s poetry, as Brown pours forth prose that carries messages as relevant today as when they were first delivered. We get hard rock, reggae, disco, in fact a smorgasboard of styles – Brown cannot be pigeonholed after all.
Underlying all of this is the fact that Arthur Brown is 82 years of age. He is in fantastic shape, needs no autocue and maintains a vocal style still unique today. Yes, age is just a state of mind, but it must be said. There may be less craziness in the shows these days, certainly little that shocks, but Brown’s world provides an escape from the hum drum, an opportunity for fantasy whilst still absorbing messages of relevance. Perhaps, before its too late, you should also witness the Crazy World of Arthur Brown. It’s a place where maybe, only the sane people visit.
Review and photos by Hutch
