The Tallest Man On Earth/Alessi’s Ark, London Bush Hall

March 15, 2010

A man and his guitar. A bearded man and his guitar. A Swedish bearded man and his guitar. A Swedish bearded man with a penchant for Bob Dylan and his guitar. A Swedish bearded man with a penchant for Bob Dylan and his guitar that I’m now head over heels in love with. The difference between all of its proceeding observations and the last one is its unlikeliness, in a world obliterated by folk musicians and their relative diluted incarnations.

Before The Tallest Man On Earth’s hero worship garnering headline slot comes Alessi’s Ark, a still-19 folk singer perfectly formed. There’s a token floral dress and quaintly doe-eyed whimsy, but with that an eloquence and personality which makes it no surprise she was snapped up by Bella Union for her next release. Her demeanour on paper seems too perfect – it features short snatches including “this venue’s beautiful”, “enjoy The Tallest Man EVER”, “I’ll just stop talking” and about 11 uses of the word “lovely” -  but it works, because she’s the real deal. Not ‘folky’, or ‘from the London new-folk movement’, she’s real and sparky. And effervescent-smart.

It’ll be no surprise if Alessi Laurent-Marke takes on Laura Marling levels of adoration come Autumn 2010, for her melodies flow with such charm, focus and conviction. ‘The Horse’ sounds so delicate and untouched live, much like on her recordings but with a perfection that’s far more honest. The recurring and really rather visual imagery is stunning, for example the hummingbird fluxing his wings and stealing Alessi away on ‘Hummingbird’, sung with such intent.

Now onto The Tallest Man On Earth, the alias of Kristian Matsson. The sound on his records is of one of raw grit but live, he’s brazen. He’s a threatening presence, pacing the stage and getting up close to those at the very front of the Edwardian Bush Hall. His love for the American south is frantic, and his stare-of-death demeanour makes for astounding set.

This is all visual; to watch this show is to be transported straight back into the ’60s where not just one song stands out but instead, a reverent audience are both silently and graciously watching an entire set of remarkable presence and wit. ‘Shallow Grave’ reaches singalong status, performed in front of an imaginary moonlight. Matsson stalks the crowd and it’s impossible to take a glance away from him, not knowing where he’ll be just five seconds later. He may not be the tallest man on earth but his stature certainly makes him one of the most powerful.

The wistful chords on ‘Where Do My Bluebirds Fly’ are strung out beautifully, and his audience-hunting never waivers, shushing the crowd and playfully shouting down any attempts at a heckle. The tracks premiered from his new album The Wild Hunt build on his remarkable consistency, ‘Troubles Will Be Gone’ providing minimal power with fascinating, on-its-toes chord sequences.

Alessi’s Ark and The Tallest Man On Earth both stand miles ahead tonight as not only exquisite musicians but stunning performers and charming individuals. And there’s no more perfect venue than Bush Hall to turn a fondness for them into full-blown love, admiration and awe.

Photos by Paul Bridgewater:

Alessi's Ark

The Tallest Man On Earth

The Tallest Man On Earth

The Tallest Man On Earth

The Tallest Man On Earth

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