Paul Weller - Bring the sounds of the Downs

Paul Weller **** The Bristol Downs Festival has played host to a number of artists who have cemented their place in music history over its first three years of its existence, from local legends Massive Attack to De La Soul last year. Whilst not quite the legend slot so famed at Worthy Farm they are attracting the greats and this was no exception with Ex-Jam front man Paul Weller entertaining the masses before Noel Gallagher took the headline slot.

Much as Noel himself has started the process of making his name outside of his long established band Paul Weller has been doing it for a number of years now, it was obvious by the crowd he had built up quite a following in the mean time. In fact the crowds seemed to almost double before his set,despite the previous band The Heavy being equally worthy of an audience.

He was certainly on form today too and the performers who have been doing it for a wile certainly stand out, they know how to command the attention of the crowd with a simple band set up on stage. No flashy graphics etc just some great tunes. He played a mix of material from his solo work including 'Peacock Suit', You do something to Me' and fittingly with his many musical guises over the years 'The Changingman'.

For those that prefer his older material he gave us a rendition of 'Shout To The Top' from his Style Council era, a reminder of the evolving sound and how each time had its own sound while being a Weller track at its heart. Whilst a lot of other acts often don't play music from their past Paul Weller embraces it with songs from The Jam also getting an airing including 'Start' and a rousing version of 'That's Entertainment' to finish off with the whole field on backing vocals.

Overall it was a crowd pleasing set for the festival audience. Not that he needed much of an  introduction as surely everybody knows a few of his tunes whether the refined singer or the mods from back in the day. Talent and class shine through and. It was very bright tonight, the end of his set wasn't the last time we would see him that night either, check out our review of Noel's set for more information.

 

Check Out! the Video for 'You Do Something to Me' Below...