Live Review

Ezra Zacharia – The Cobden Club

• 11th Jan 2010

Dashing onto the stage almost as if he were being chased, Ezra Zacharia gingerly takes a seat, settles his guitar and tentatively introduces his first song. His select group of dedicated fans are paying attention, but as yet the same can’t be said for the rest of the gathered crowd who continue talking barely aware that Zacharia has even taken to the stage.

He starts to strum and already there is the sense that he is not your typical eighteen year old performer; he has an instant, solid presence and one is struck by the incredibly original chord sequences which bend your emotions with ever interchanging dissidence and resolution. His sound is folky but far from fly-away and a lot of that is down to Zacharia’s lyrics, which reflect a wisdom and insight far beyond his meagre eighteen years. He is able to sing confidently and with apparent depth of understanding which permeates his voice giving it an outward passion which is nothing short of transfixing.

The venue itself, whilst somewhat remote, is a grand old building; dark, elegant and spread over three floors, its interior well suited to Zacharia’s rich voice. There is ample seating and a well stocked bar so you’re able to sit back, relax, sip your drink and feel the music wash over you. Despite a few technical hitches which Zacharia managed to overcome without them having much of an effect on his performance, the Cobden Club did well to bring out the best in Zacharia through being an entirely comfortable, inviting venue for any first time performer and established artist alike.

There are a couple of standout numbers, notable for both their musical and lyrical prowess and the passion they bring out in Zacharia as he performs them. After eventually remembering the opening lyrics to the song, “Postcard From Nowhere” develops into something of an emotional confession, with Zacharia putting his all into every word and chord. Oddly enough, the only criticism of Zacharia really worth mentioning is born of this passion; from time to time it gets the better of him and whilst it only adds to the intimacy of the performance, his musical accuracy is sometimes compromised as a result. But this is a standalone, minor point which will doubtless become inapplicable once Zacharia has built up some more experience and his early-performance uncertainty fades away.

Perhaps the most well-received song of the evening is the understated “She’s My Friend”. A quiet, intimate number which calms everything it touches with its soft tones and bluesy melody, it’s an instant crowd pleaser which leaves everyone feeling warm and ready to brave the cold outside as Ezra Zacharia leaves the stage satisfied and looking forward to what should only be an illustrious and rewarding musical career.