Music review: Ezra Furman, ABC, Glasgow
Ezra Furman, ABC, Glasgow ****
Furman is an engaging and loveable performer, threading a laidback outsider commentary through the show without over-egging the misfit message – that came through strongly enough in his lyrics which were as heartfelt as the music was celebratory.
His songs, from doo-wop drawls to hectic rockabilly, were packed tight with melody, character and integrity but also an impish spirit, conveyed with the help of his deadpan band, currently revelling in the moniker The Visions. Any resemblance to his previous backing band, The Boy-Friends, was entirely intentional.
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Hide AdTogether, they delivered a faithfully freewheeling cover of Kate Bush’s The Hounds of Love with ragged vocals from Furman and added saxophone drone from Tim Sandusky whose supreme contributions throughout the set were not mixed anywhere near loud enough for maximum appreciation.
Nevertheless, the band somehow managed to bust their instruments, necessitating a solo turn from Furman, who turned in a no nonsense rootsy encore including a resonant rendition of Lucinda Williams People Talkin’. “Thank you for staying with us when we are strange,” he said, well knowing that was all part of the appeal.