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09 February 2012
From Laurel Canyon to the cavern vaults below one Scotland’s busiest railway stations was Jonathan Wilson’s journey for this show – and the music travelled well, especially when he strapped on the electric guitar.
Bitterly cold outside, he and his cool band brought the warmth and laid back vibes of his hippy-style hit CD ‘Gentle Spirit’ to a city where flowers in your hair are not a common fashion sight. I didn’t spot anyone wearing loon pants or kaftan coats, either. 
Wilson, a respected producer with Elvis Costello on his client list, was top-notch at wigging out in grand early 70’s prog style to no little appreciation from his audience. His songs lend themselves to gentle build-up, a bit more oomph and then the guitar solos he delivered with long hair swaying like Neil Young without the feedback or Crazy Horse lurking.
Desert Raven was a pivotal track on the 70-minute long ‘Gentle Sprit’ and here it was a triumph – noodly organ leading into a free-flow guitar delivery with film-score undertones. Everyone was also thinking Manassas, Jackson Brown, CS&N. But while Wilson’s sound is totally early 70s freedom, free spirits and all that, it is hugely pleasing for a 21st century audience. The man who also makes guitars didn’t intend his CD to be a homage, but in one interview lately he said: “….if it sounds to people like something from the late-60s/early-70s then that’s fine. If it’s in my job description that I have to keep alive certain concepts and ideals from that time then that’s cool, too.”
As soothing as a beer on a sun-dappled canyon porch this time warp music slipped down a treat. With Wilson offering sounds as flavoursome as this no-one should be in a rush to switch off from the groove he’s created.