A FLARE ON THE LENS (LIVE IN LONDON)

I enjoyed this live-album immensely and believe it's a triumph for all concerned. As I started watching the blu-ray, I initially had some misgivings, as the venue where it all was filmed (London's Cadogan Hall) took me back to my own less-than-happy live experience with the band (described in my review of the 2018 album MERCHANTS OF LIGHT). I was soon won over, though, by the charisma of lead singer Alberto Bravin, who looks like a happier and far more relaxed live performer than David Longdon. Of course Longdon's crucial role in Big Big Train cannot be overstated, but I always found him rather scary to watch. Bravin immediately wins the audience over. Even though he gets a little shouty at times, his singing is heartfelt and soars at the right moments. His diction tends to be somewhat unclear - but never to the extent that it diminishes the music.

Big Big Train here perform a mixture of classics old and new - if I may venture to say so - and everybody's commitment is clearly visible. That includes new star violinist Clare Lindley and keyboardist Oskar Holldorf; the latter is far more fun to watch than earlier BBT keyboard players, who tended to merge with the wallpaper. I was especially impressed with the virtuoso guitar playing of Maria Barbieri, who joined BBT only for this particular tour. How she managed to learn all those intricate parts I don't know, but she performs her solos with great gusto. To my regret, she's rather unflatteringly tucked away toward the back of the stage, but she gets quite a few chances to shine, and - much to my delight - on the album's inner sleeve it's her photograph that's included behind the first disc, not Rikard Sjöblom's, who's left out altogether. (Sjöblom's a totally delightful figure on stage, though, doing some truly exciting things on guitar and keys, and also featuring as backing vocalist.) The one band member who probably gets the most camera time - perhaps a little too much - is master drummer Nick D'Virgilio. I personally would have enjoyed seeing far more of Gregory Spawton's bass playing.

On the accompanying live CDs, the sound is crystal-clear, but I'm unsure how often I'll be returning to them - it's just too much fun to hear AND watch this band. As of January 2025, when I'm writing these words, BBT are preparing to go on tour with only one electric guitarist (Sjöblom) - does that mean their current live performances are more straightforward and less sophisticated?

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