GiggingNI.com

Jackson Cage

With Dirty Stevie; Louisiana Joyride;

If anyone was talking with me the past week, I'm certain you will have heard me say something about Jackson Cage - what a unique act that I've loved ever since I've heard them. When I discovered they were playing THE BIG GIG 4, one of the gig nights I always look forward to, I was so excited. With a line-up that included Louisiana Joyride, a two-piece but with the fantastic addition of a drummer, and Dirty Stevie, with their marvellous return to the stage, it was destined to be a night I remembered for a long time - it certainly didn't disappoint me.

I was in as soon as doors opened (eager, I know) and I was keen to size up the crowd as they walked in. One thing I did notice, compared to the last BIG GIG, it seemed the crowd flocked in right from the start to witness the lovely Louisiana Joyride. There was something in the air right from the start and the music that blessed the stage at the start of the night was nothing short of brilliant. Louisiana Joyride's need to have a good time was well appreciated by the crowd, and the flock of Jackson Cage members who were dancing along in their numbers, who went into rapturous applause every time they finished a song. Their highly enjoyable set, including the absolutely astounding 'Kerb Sittin' Blues' which, singer Orla Lynch, clearly enjoyed and great song that is 'Bitch', impressed me to the point where I sitting gobsmacked by the talent that blessed the stage so early in the night. If you haven't heard them, or seen them live, you better check them out online and then get to one of their gigs. Absolutely loved it!

Some thought it was the end of the world - but it was only the furious return of Dirty Stevie who absolutely exploded onto the stage straight into a song that contained lyrics like 'Elvis Presley's dead, John Lennon's dead, Michael Jackson's dead...' - controversial, maybe, but holy crap. It was the first time I've seen Dirty Stevie and with an energetic frontman who goes by the name 'Smitty', it was without doubt the best performance I've seen in a while. With a stage presence like that on stage, music doesn't really matter, but don't worry, they can back things up with that. Guitarist, Ryan, bassist, who goes by the name of 'Bum' (who makes up these nicknames?!) and drummer 'Grizz', all had their part to play with music that could definitely put them up there among the best in the UK. Furious, passionate and electric, Dirty Stevie blasted through a fantastic set, even with a song dedicated to GTA fans, and delivered a seamless performance. It was the first time I've seen Dirty Stevie - but I'm damn sure it won't be my last.

Now, having talked with Jackson Cage before the gig, it was finally time for Northern Ireland's Americana country-rockers Jackson Cage to take to the stage. Suited and booted, styled with flowery shirts and cowboy hats, they drifted onto the stage and straight into the ballad that is 'White Line'. Despite having not that much room to manoeuvre around stage, after all they do have seven members, the chemistry between them was electric. The passion behind the performance and the creativity that seems to bless them in vast amounts enables them to deliver such great music whilst giving the crowd something to shout about - I should also mention that the floor was flooded with dancers (including the drunk ones - you always get them!) who were having a fantastic time! 'A Hard Night (In The Kitchen)', one of my personal favourites alongside the fantastic 'Sun River' (which they didn't play!), was a crowd favourite as well as the great 'Samaritan Street' but the crowd also witnessed the hilarious story of the mice that are invading singer Declan Doherty's house which he is trying to get rid of, one-by-one, and dedicated 'On My Way' to the poor mice that are inevitably going to see their end in the coming days. Jackson Cage, as well as the other bands, got the crowd moving (with THE BIG GIG host Damien Whinnery even taking time to have a quick dance) which made the night highly enjoyable. Hats off to all the bands, The Big List for putting on yet another great gig and everyone involved in the night. Simply amazing.