Live: Jono McCleery Trio @ Bush Hall

by | May 30, 2016

Tomorrow, at the same time, The same feeling will arise, And you will know by then to go. 

Jono McCleery (Rock Shot)

Jono McCleery (Edyta K)

There are just a few artists that are able to change the evening into magic just by the power of their voice. Striped down, dressed only in emotions, without pretending… One of them is Jono McCleery and I have been lucky enough to see him twice this year.

I think it’s becoming a good tradition that Jono’s openers are young artists mostly unknown by the audience. This time that honour belonged to Robyn Sherwell. I have to admit that I didn’t quite know what to expect. I was not to be disappointed.

Robyn Sherwell (Edyta K)

Robyn Sherwell (Edyta K)

Robyn is British singer and songwriter, who just released her debut self-titled album. Her clear voice filled up Bush Hall making a perfect pair with this almost ancient room and a floor-sitting crowd.  Acoustic guitar, keyboard, and her vocals it’s a match made in heaven.  The fact that she declared herself as a die-hard fan of Jono for sure granted her a couple smiles.

Robyn’s set was nice and relaxing, but the real reason why Bush Hall was so crowded this spring evening was Jono McCleery.  There won’t be any exaggeration in saying that he is one of the most interesting British singer-songwriters. I saw him first time live just couple months back while he performed at Royal Albert Hall. I saw him and completely fell in love with his music.

Jono McCleery (Rock Shot)

Jono McCleery (Edyta K)

Jono’s songs tell stories about love, and all the smallest but most important things we call life. They sound simple and pure and their strength comes from his soothing voice and gentle accompaniment of acoustic guitar, Milo Fitzpatrick’s double bass, and Dan See’s drums

Jono McCleery Trio (Rock Shot)

Jono McCleery Trio (Rock Shot)

The set started with one of my favourite songs This Idea of Us. This little gem comes from his last studio album, released in 2015 entitled Pagodes. Along with first sounds the audience slowly gets up on their feet, the music fills up the room and it changes everything…. There was something magical in the air, in the lights, yellow and purple tones catching the chandelier, in the crowd, aware of the moment, in his voice.

Jono McCleery (Rock Shot)

Jono McCleery (Rock Shot)

From Pagodes to There Is (2011), Jono’s performance smoothly moved from album to album.  Going through Ballade, Clarity, Fire In My Hands and Halfway the first part of the set was complete. Jono’s Trio went off the stage leaving us craving for more. The room for the first time that night filled with the choir of hungry voices, demanding another song.

Jono McCleery Trio (Rock Shot)

Jono McCleery Trio (Rock Shot)

He was back with a stunning solo version of Tomorrow. Performed on his own until he was  joined by the band at the end of the song, this version gets a new twist on old.  He choose to close the encore with a gorgeous cover of Van Morrison’s Sweet Thing.  The set was over and people crowded around Jono and his Trio to have a chat, grab some records or snap a picture. He is extremely talented and down to earth, open person.

Jono McCleery (Rock Shot)

Jono McCleery (Rock Shot)

For now, I will leave you with his soul touching Tomorrow.

Jono McCleery Trio live at Bush Hall, 23rd May 2016.

Review and photography by Edyta K.

John Butler (Kane Hibberd)

John Butler Reignites As A Solo Powerhouse With New Album PRISM & UK Tour Dates

Australian roots-rock icon John Butler is set to make a bold international return with his brand-new solo album PRISM, arriving on 5th September via Because Music. The record marks a pivotal moment in Butler’s career—his first full-length release since moving away from the John Butler Trio banner. Alongside the announcement, Butler has dropped the album’s soaring lead single, So Sorry, and confirmed a string of UK tour dates this autumn.

Rise Against (Mynxii White)

Rise Against Announce Fiery New Album ‘Ricochet’ With Lead Single ‘I Want It All’

Four years after their last full-length release, punk veterans Rise Against return with a vengeance. Their upcoming...
Poptones (Rune Gro-Nielsen)

Poptones Announce Second Album ‘Pure’ & Share Expansive New Single ‘Skin Of Sea’

Danish experimental rock trio Poptones have announced the arrival of their sophomore album Pure, due out September 26, 2025, via Happy Metal Records. The news lands alongside the release of the album’s first single, “Skin of Sea”—a sweeping and atmospheric track that marks a bold evolution in the band’s sound.

Lizzie Esau for Rockshot Magazine (Kalpesh Patel)

“Always Dreaming Of Something, And Not On This Planet” — Lizzie Esau Has Sky-High Ambitions

It’s a grey day in Newcastle, but Lizzie Esau is all colour. Not just in her sound — an intoxicating blend of indie...
The Royston Club (Sam Crowston)

The Royston Club Announce New Album ‘Songs For The Spine’ And Biggest Tour Yet Ciematic

After the Top 20 success of their debut album, The Royston Club are pushing into bold new territory with the announcement of their second full-length record, Songs For The Spine, due out 8th August. Alongside the album reveal comes the emotionally charged new single Glued To The Bed, premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, and news of their biggest UK headline tour to date—culminating in a major London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Lissie (Madison Speer)

Rockshot Favourite Lissie Returns With Tender New EP Promises, Sharing Heartfelt Cover Of ‘I’ll Stand By You’

A long-time favourite here at Rockshot Magazine, American singer-songwriter Lissie makes a welcome return with her...
Skerryvore (Press)

Skerryvore Unveil Uplifting New Single ‘The Sea That Sings’ Ahead of Biggest Show Yet At Floors Castle

Scottish folk-rock trailblazers Skerryvore are celebrating 20 years of music, memories, and massive live moments with...
Will Linley (Press)

Will Linley Channels Heartache Into Euphoria On New Single ‘Cinematic’

South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing