Robert Plant – One Mayfair, London 01/09/2010

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Where to begin with Robert Plant? It is impossible to separate the man from the musician just as it is impossible to succinctly explore the wealth and depth of his legendary career on a mere page. I am equally sure that the man himself would argue that tonight these things are not important, only the quivering southern soaked psychedelic blues of the Band of Joy is.

The Band of Joy, circa 1966-67, was of course the name of Plant and John Bonham’s band before they joined Led Zeppelin. The Band of Joy’s pre Zeppelin sound, preserved in a few precious snippets, is nowhere near as accomplished, sinuous or epic as the soundscape that reverberates through the naves of One Mayfair this evening. The atmosphere tonight is nothing short of jubilant as every eye I catch seems to simultaneously say ‘I know, I can’t believe we’re about to see Robert Plant either!’

As the lights dim, the revered Plant takes to the stage amidst an atmosphere thick with expectation. Making only one sly remark to his erstwhile efforts: that he is glad to be playing in a “House Of The Holy,” Plant’s confidence in his newly gathered Nashville ensemble is clear, as he continues that it is “now sadly obsolete and available for receptions of all kinds.” Long time fans may interpret this as further clarification that he plans to continue the conscious move away from his heavier rock days in order to avoid trading off the commodity. Plant has never been one to re-hash the old days exactly as they were, even when touring with Jimmy Page everything was revitalised – much as the covers of traditional classics on Band of Joy are.

Songs such as ‘Cindy I’ll Marry You Someday’ are given a new lease of life by a man who wants his music to be the talking point. With that in mind I’ll turn to tonight and the incredible line up of skilled supporting veteran musicians including Patty Griffin, Darrell Scott, Bryon House and Buddy Miller. Opening with a cover of the U.S based trio Low’s ‘Monkey’ Plant’s smoky, rich and raw vocals are perfectly accompanied by the soft, delicate and sweet country tones of Griffin whilst Miller’s effects laden guitar twist around House’s rolling bass.

Shifting things up a gear ‘House of Cards’ is an epic whirlwind of swooping guitars and gritty howls. Plant’s performance is as raw and honest as it is effortless; sipping on a cup of what I like to assume was nothing more than tea in between playing the washboard for the more sprightly banjo led portion of the evening. The six part vocal harmonies of ‘Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down’ are dark, and stunningly ominous as they soar over the crowd.

And before we know it, Plant bids us goodnight. His face still framed by that trademark mane, he leaves the stage as humbly as he arrived. And as the few hundred that were lucky enough to attend this ‘secret gig’ shuffle towards the doors of this magnificently lit Church, I realise you can practically trace Plant’s career through the different era t-shirts they are wearing. There is no Band of Joy t-shirt in sight, but as tonight’s performance continues to shape Plant’s career beyond Zeppelin, I’m sure there will be next time around.

Setlist

Monkey
House Of Cards
Cindy I’ll Marry You Someday
Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down
Central Two-o-nine
Angel Dance
I Bid You Goodnight