Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The pull the city of Liverpool has on musicians is never anything short of incredible, there must be an invisible hook, a stream of unbreakable Velcro that catches all it aims for and who want to be caught in its heart, for no matter how long you have resided in the city, you will always come across a stranger with a smile and carrying more than likely the weapon of a guitar in their hands who is just happy to play a couple of songs in the most artistic city in the country.

Cambridge isn’t quite a million miles away, there is no vast ocean to cross to get between the two iconic cities, these is no vast uninhabitable terrain to find yourself traversing and with fortune the only danger that might be faced is the agony of no buffet car on the long train journey that has to be undertaken, yet Cambridge is not a place without its stature, it has given the country one of the most prominent bands to grace the planet and in Ian Jeffs, that fine history, that link between the cities is continued.

Making his way to the Baltic Social and on the back of his E.P. release Last Days at the Farm, Ian Jeffs’ determination to showcase his music to a Liverpool crowd was palpable, unobstructed by anything or anyone that might dare suggest otherwise and it was with gladdened heart that his set was appreciated and listened to with a sense of peace and the seasonal goodwill that should in all honesty be available all year round; listening to someone pour their heart out through music and art without looking to reply.

For listening to Ian Jeffs is a pleasure that deserves such respect, the Baltic Social room filled with a sense of perspective that dominated the thoughts and in songs such as Shadow Play, Warm Bloodied, the poetic and mysterious Talking To M.H., Sarajevo Bombs and the title track of the E.P. Last Days At The Farm, the thoughts were transfixed, obliged to listen with careful attentiveness and be alert to the feelings of loss and love that came bounding out in search of a friend.

A long journey anywhere is always worth it, especially when it is filled with intensity and dedication to be heard, Ian Jeffs is one such elusive find and worth travelling in any direction to hear.

Ian D. Hall