Live Review

Kitty Daisy and Lewis – King Tut’s, Glasgow

• 15th Jun 2011

London trio Kitty, Daisy and Lewis brought their UK tour to Glasgow and produced a highly entertaining set that showcased their unique approach to music.

Young Glasgow folk singer Gillian Christie opened the night with some simple folk songs, sung beautifully over an acoustic guitar. She has a gentle voice yet reaches the high notes and she has some well crafted songs at her disposal, like Box of Thread from a forthcoming EP release.

Kitty, Daisy and Lewis have a sound all of their own. There’s an old time rock n roll basis, but elements of swing, blues, country and ska can be heard too. And it’s very much a family affair as the three Durham siblings took to the stage with mother Ingrid on double bass and father Graeme on guitar.

The opening instrumental number saw Kitty on harmonica with Daisy behind the minimalist drum kit and Lewis on guitar. The crowd were into the set immediately and the dancing had begun. Then came the first of many instrument changes, with all three principals taking their turn at the drums and on lead vocals as the night progressed. This slowed things down a bit, but perhaps a little time to draw breath was to be welcomed.

The trio’s recently released second album Smoking In Heaven was being promoted on the tour and so many of the new songs were played. Lewis took the lead vocals for Don’t Make A Fool Out Of Me while the single Messing With My Life was another highlight.

At the heart of the set were a number of tracks with special guest Eddie ‘Tan Tan’ Thornton on trumpet. The Jamaican added a lovely feel to the swinging music and his exuberance rubbed off onto the audience, which he had singing along with gusto.

The snare drum was moved to centre stage for Going Up The Country. Daisy sang the song while playing the drum while Kitty shared the mic to supply the harmonica backing on a lively track.

The final Say You’ll Be Mine turned into an extended jam, the harmonica howling over a steady drum beat. Lewis, playing what looked like a home made guitar with four pickups, showed just what he can do with a fine solo. Things were slowed a bit as mum and dad were introduced and they then left the stage to their three children to finish the set in fine style.

The band quickly returned for one more song, a rocking instrumental with Lewis sitting to play guitar that was heavy on the wah wah pedal. At the end he took everyone by surprise by calling for one more song, which the crowd, of course, were eager to hear.

Kitty, Daisy and Lewis combine a fifties look with a modern take on older music and their high tempo style is infectious. They are all fine musicians and it was a pleasure to see the joy they take from their music.