Shingo Sekiguchi

Subtle, blues wake up at Avalon

In the late Saturday morning sunshine the Gypsy Avalon stage with it’s cornucopia of sunflowers bejewelling the periphery with smiley summery faces, as well as a nice grassy patch to watch and relax from, Shingo Sekiguchi was just the person to kick off a long and punishing day in the heat. A cool drink of water, if you will. Further down the hill Rafven were having a massive folk dance party down at the White Stage, but as the flags fluttered over the stage and a cool breeze blew through, you could almost forget that was all going on.

The Gypsy stage looks a bit like the inside of someone’s log cabin – all wood-panelling and chandelier hanging from the ceiling and this seemed to suit the band quite well as they eased into the morning with a groovy bit of Hammond Organ-laced laid back bluesy rock with singer/guitarist Shingo’s vocals unobtrusive and taking second place to the guitar. Further numbers sprinkled with harmonics were a bit like a warm sonic blanket, jazzy drumming underlying the numbers throughout as Sekiguchi veered off on a meandering guitar flight of fancy.

Shingo’s solo cover of “Time After Time” was wistfully delivered, setting the audience gently swaying from side to side. I enjoyed the bluesy summery vibe, almost background music with harmonic flourishes that brought you back to the present. Later he was joined by a guest drummer who then took over vocal duties for a song or two. The overall effect was of a band you might find on a Sofia Coppola soundtrack.

Overall, Shingo Sekiguchi’s show is a class act a little out of place in a field, but deeply enjoyed and certainly worth checking out in a more intimate setting should you ever get the chance.