Originally published by L.S. Media. September 2nd 2010.
When somebody of Ian Parker’s ability and stature comes to town, it would be foolish to miss whatever event he has planned. Whether it’s the full band experience or just him and a couple of friendly musicians in tow, you are guaranteed a night of sheer bliss, a definite moment of aural exquisiteness.
With a range of styles to his arsenal, including blues, Ian kicked off the hour and half set with Gates of Hell and the sensual Winding River to an audience that adored his effortless playing and general put upon Midlands humour and self deprecating appreciation.
It’s a rare treat for the Civic Hall in Crosby to get musicians of note but when they do come it’s always a grand night for the audience. Ian Parker’s short stop in Merseyside was no different as he continued to play songs from his back catalogue including a fantastic medley, which as Ian remarked is the modern musical faux pas and not done anymore, but as it included a version of Peter Green’s Green Manalishi in between his own creation of Told My Girlfriend To Go everybody was more than willing to forgive him for thinking it would be wrong thing to do.
Ian was joined on stage by two fine musicians from his full electric band, the wonderful Chris Eaton on slide guitars and double bass player Steve Amedeo. These two men complimented Ian’s style and matched his desire to get the very best out of the instruments perfectly.
Other songs played by the guys on a top night were Humanity Blues, the uplifting Your Basket Has Never Been So Full and the lamentable People Come, People Go.
Ian and his band finished a fantastic night of entertainment with a U2 favourite but with his own personal twist and take to it. For those that were there the sight of Ian performing One in a style that harked back to the Man in Black himself, the late and dearly missed Johnny Cash, will be one that will live forever within them.
An astonishing and yet terrific night of music and hopefully it won’t be too long before he is back in the Liverpool area again.
Ian D. Hall