I went to a 3 band event at the Star in
Guildford last night and was exceptionally privileged to see the first gig by a
fantastic new group. Ghosts - the Spirit of the Jam. I went purposely
because I was aware there was a Jam tribute band playing, but this Woking girl
was blown away by the phenomenal set by these fabulous guys.
Lloyd Grey, the main singer (also on guitar) did
Paul Weller proud with his amazing vocals and obvious passion for the music of
this iconic band. He has the perfect vocal for the mod music which shaped a
generation.
Sporting a cool mod shirt and the energy of a twenty
year old, bass player and backing vocalist Peter Firmo was a true pro playing
songs like Town Called Malice and Going Underground with effortless style.
Si Kominski on guitar and backing vocals and
Pablo Paganotto on drums completed this fabulous, lively and passionate
band. You could see how much the music meant to them as they covered songs like
Eton Rifles, Ghosts and When You’re Young.
They sprinkled the performance with touches of
humour and humility in regard to it being their first live performance together
as Ghosts- Spirit of the Jam, but they came across as a band that have been
performing these songs for years.
Si and Peter are also band mates in The Common
Heroes (another brilliant band) and Si and Lloyd are ex band mates from a
previous band. Their combined love of the music of the Jam has bought them together,
not to copy the Jam but to bring their music to old Jam fans and introduce it
to young audiences.
Peter Firmo has told me that they wanted to “capture
the passion and energy that the Jam injected into their music.” I can assure
them they did, big time. These four musicians, who,
incidentally, do not have an archetypal mod look, put as much passion and
energy into their set as the Jam themselves and this came through in their fabulous
performance. I think the fact that they do not sport the hairstyles and clothes
of the Jam in no way detracts from their amazing performance and, in a strange
way, makes it better.
Ghosts are hoping to be gigging regularly and
may pop up at a few festivals too. I shall be happy to advertise any up and
coming gigs when I hear about them and will definitely be attending any in the
area. This is a band which you must go and see.
Thank you to Peter Firmo for the band info.
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