Reviews
Ian Perry
 ian perry 3 23 April 2007
Ian Perry sat through the usual bunch of open mic night veterans quietly scribbling in his notebook. He hadn't even got on the stage yet but still somehow managed to caprure my attention! What's he writing? Horrible insults about the sometimes musically challenged performers, philosophical insights, his shopping list! Somehow there seems to be this air of mystery that follows Ian Perry. He’s lived in Bath for sometime now but it’s rare to see him unless he’s performing. He often seems to come alone and almost as soon as he’s played he leaves. There is something fascinating about this man and the enigmatic singer seems well on the way to creating his own myth.
There is a noticeable change in the crowd when Ian finally sings his first line. It’s always a shock to hear that gravely, bluesy voice because it just seems so incongruous with the man on stage. He plays his own unique style of blues and the whole set is held together by one constant, underlying rhythm all played with his right hand. His voice is incredible and with his eyes closed he seems to get totally lost in the music he’s making.
I don’t think Ian Perry will go on to be any kind of superstar and I don’t think he’d want to be! I think that he’ll be one of those lost gems that people talk about in years to come. One of those artists you have to look for and love all the more for the effort it took to find. I really recommend you catch him when he plays at the Porter again on May 3. Charlie Bickers |