January 12, 1999
London Camden Jazz Cafe
With his beard, green tank top and even the odd macho chest thrust, he could be a younger [B]Teddy Pendergrass[/B] or [a]Marvin Gaye[/a]. And, you suspect, that's what his management want to encour
McAlmont used to be one half of Thieves, two characters who were hurtling in totally different directions. Inevitably they had to split. Ditto McAlmont and the equally bloody-minded Bernard Butler. But both liaisons were dangerous fun while they lasted.
Tonight, McAlmont has ditched his more aggressively effeminate trappings. With his beard, green tank top and even the odd macho chest thrust, he could be a younger Teddy Pendergrass or Marvin Gaye. And, you suspect, that's what his management want to encourage. A bit more Marvin Gaye, a bit less... gay.
The danger signs of McAlmont being moulded into a Lighthouse Family-style crooner of chart friendly soul-lite are clear to see. Yet despite the best-laid career plans, McAlmont can't help being special. This is an excellent gig. This ain't fireside stuff, this is a music that's been through the fire.
'Lose My Faith' rises up to its tremulous, deliriously drenched falsetto from dark keyboard pools of previous unhappiness, 'A Little Communication' teeters in fear of being plunged back into loneliness, while 'Honey''s ecstasy bears all the traces of a long, hard emotional journey. McAlmont's backing musicians, too, are more than by-the-hour session bods, supplying him with an ever-inventive, assured yet unsettled backdrop of arrangements, spare and lush by turns.
Maybe this time, he's finally going to crack it.
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