On the Rise: Bobby Long at Troubadour

Bobby Long

Troubadour, West Hollywood, Calif.

Friday, July 9

British singer-songwriter has stepped up from his last Los Angeles appearance at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, recently playing the Troubadour in West Hollywood. And this time, it wasn't solo. Backed by a full band, KGB, Long's already rich material took on new textures with a greater dynamic.

The set included a slow-burn opener in "The Rattle and Roll," followed by one of his best song, "Who Have You Been Loving?"
While inspirations such as Bob Dylan and Van Morrison can be found in his work as he sketches scenes and toys with words, Long isn't derivative in the least.  While from the UK, his sound is more Americana, a combination of folk and rock elements, not unlike singer-songwriters of the early '70s.

In a solo run with just acoustic guitar, he offered the intimacy that included the solace of "Sad Woman Blues" and plaintive "I Give Her Love."  Two members of his band - guitarist Kalob Griffin and drummer Eric Lawry - joined him for a new tune, "It's Hard To Take,'  as they traded off verses with harmony.  The rest of the band returned to the stage for the powerful and searing "Penance Fire Blues." The combination of the two songs made for one of the evening's highlights.

Other standouts included "Left to Lie," "Cold Cuts for Torches" with opening act Trouble Over Toyko and a compelling cover ot Jack Teagarden's "100 Years From Today." He wrapped it up with an appropriate "Dead and Done."  No false encores were needed.  He'd made his statement and without a doubt won new fans.
For an indie artist, with little if any airplay at all, it was remarkable how many in the crowd sang along to many of the songs. These fans are devoted already and the flock is growing.

Long is one of several British singer-songwriters on the rise, including his friend Marcus Foster and another pal who's kind of become well-known in film, a guy by the name of Rob Pattinson. But while that Twilight connection may send some to check out Long's music, his songs and earnest performances stand on their own. 

You'll find Bobby Long here on myspace, and also www.musicbobbylong.com dedicated to his music.

photos courtesy of Sharon Weisz/W3