Actor-musician Daniel Taylor’s Something About Lennon charts the life and music of controversial genius John Lennon within the post-Beatles’ years.
Not an impersonation nor a tribute act, accompanied by an excellent 4 piece band, Taylor, who has an earnest stage presence, guides us by way of a Ted Talk-like presentation with music.
Taylor charts the evolution of The Plastic Ono Band from one thing that was conceived as an avant-garde artwork car to musical success and the a lot reported animosity between Lennon and McCartney within the years instantly after The Beatles demise. Interestingly, he shines a light-weight on Lennon’s reported emotions about his time in The Beatles and the difficulties of extricating himself from their legacy as a result of British public’s sense of possession of the band.
Despite the accolades Lennon achieved in his lifetime, the unparalleled musical influence he had, it’s extensively acknowledged that his abrasive, confrontational character made him as many enemies as pals. To his credit score Taylor doesn’t shrink back from these moments in his narration, however there’s little doubt the place his admiration lies, and a number of the extra unpalatable incidents and features of Lennon’s life are a bit of glossed over or excused.
It is attention-grabbing, in mild of re-hearing these solo penned songs, that whereas many are glorious, it’s clear that neither Lennon or McCartney reached the tune writing peaks that that they had collectively.
Taylor narrates between songs, and it have to be stated, at moments he’s a bit of stiff and awkward, showing to learn from a immediate. It could be higher, reasonably than sticking religiously to a script, to talk extra naturally from the guts. It is obvious from the standard of the musicianship that nice care, respect and reverence has been given to the songs, it might assist make a higher connection to the viewers if it have been a bit extra free.
What actually shines is the standard of the enjoying and singing, which is totally high notch. The readability of the sound and the virtuosity of the musicians is great. Songs like New York City, Instant Karma, Don’t Let Me Down and The Beatles Revolution actually shine out.
A present of actual musical high quality for actual aficionados of Lennon – high quality celebration of a sophisticated man.
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