Joseph Dean Osgood Album Launch Review

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By James Simmins

That Joseph Dean Osgood has the talent and ability to play at a much higher level is unquestionable....

Another night of madness at the Cobden hosted by the now almost legendary Mick P, had already provided a slew of interesting acts, including a creditable performance from The Guilty Ones. Now it was time for the main event – Joseph Dean Osgood’s much anticipated mini-album launch. Having stood on stage for a minute or so while the crowd began buzzing with anticipation, Mick P. took to the mike to introduce the band accompanied by roars of support from all quarters.

First up, the rawly emotive “Our Country”, criticises our modern political malaise and challenges the validity of Britain’s (largely failed) military adventure in Iraq. With it’s impassioned vocal delivery, clashing guitars and tight no-frills rhythm section, you couldn’t help feeling it reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the political process. This was performed with an energy and commitment, which immediately rocked the audience of the crowded venue into life, packed as it was with friends and supporters for the launch.

Next, a version of Python Lee Jackson’s “Broken Dream” - sublime slide playing from guitarist Graham Prior overlaying a melodic bassline from Simon Jones combined to create an opiated backdrop for Joe’s expertly crafted acoustic guitar and vocal performances - it was easy to miss the song’s uncompromising message.

The next two songs had the crowd jumping around after Joe’s suggestion that “You might feel like dancing to this one” was favourably received. The band stepped up to produce a slightly fuller sound, with the slightly more 1960’s R&B sound of “Real Good Time” rolling into the more Verve-like “Juicy Lucy”.

The fifth song, “Holding On”, featured a change of line up,with Graham swapping his guitar for the mandolin and the introduction of the talented young violinist Gemma Sharples. Alongside Joe’s deftly strummed acoustic guitar, the band now had a slightly Waterboys-type sound and this showcased Joe’s sweetly rasping vocals well.

The gig finished on a high note with a version of “Rock’n’Roll Man” - a song which stylistically embraces both “Lucky Man” by The Verve, as well as Rod Stewart’s version of “Maggie May”. With Graham still on mandolin, drummer Wez Yiannidji never missing a beat and Simon’s melodic underpinning, the band were still in a slightly folk-rock mode as Joe took us on this familiar, yet slightly haunting, final journey.

The only disappointment was the absence of some sort of encore, which would have been richly deserved considering the crowd’s exhuberant appeals for more. All in all, I think that the band managed to provide a fitting background to Joe’s convincingly performed material.

That Joseph Dean Osgood has the talent and ability to play at a much higher level is unquestionable – surely it is now simply a question of how and when rather than if he will achieve this. He will be supporting Steve Forbert at Bush Hall on Wednesday 24th November – let’s hope that this leads to bigger and better things for him.

Further information on Joseph Dean Osgood is available at:
http://www.josephdeanosgood.co.uk