Jackie Leven: Nominated, booked and worshipped by Russell…

Simply can’t praise Jackie highly enough. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him live and ever single time he has been memorable (often for very different reasons) but his storytelling is simply astonishing, I don’t know anyone else who can make a couple of hours fly by so fast. His music is heartfelt, deeply experienced, moving, passionate and then he’ll crown it all with a ten minute tale about trying to buy the last fishcake in Bethesda. For the uninitiated, seek out ‘Fairy Tales for Hard Men’ and ‘Elegy for Johnny Cash’ – both terrific starting points. His experience of life is in turn tragic and inspirational, for anyone wanting a brief outline of his travels go to www.jackieleven.co.uk/biography.php and see what I mean.

Even more impressive (if that’s possible) was Andy Gill’s four star review that appeared for his London gig this week in The Independent. I can’t believe that the great man pulls in a glowing report for his show at The Borderline in the West End of our capital and then plays creweroots above the Cross Keys but it’s happening and it’s true. For those of you who want to read the review in full go to http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/jackie-leven-the-borderline-london-917077.html

I’m absolutely convinced that this will be our first sell-out gig at the Keys and I’ve already started selling tickets for Jackie’s show to people who have read about it on his website and got in touch. If you intend to turn up for this gig please let us know in advance and sort your tickets because we’d hate to have to close the door.