Jack Garratt @ The Garrison (March 3rd, 2015)

If you follow the site, you’ll know that I don’t do too many live reviews. If I had more time and resources, I’d love to step up that part of my game, although I’ve now become comfortable filtering you new tracks, videos and remixes, from the comfort of my own mobile office.

I did jump at the opportunity to see Jack Garratt perform last week in Toronto, who was playing a show at the Garrison on his incredibly successful tour of North America. Let’s start by saying I rarely seen talent like his. The term multi-instrumentalist gets thrown around a lot, but rarely can you find an artist that commands the mic, keys, guitar and drum pad, simultaneously.

Garratt was gracious with an incredibly pumped up crowd, flattered when realizing we all knew the words to his big songs, and inviting, asking us to sing along on chorus to songs like “Weathered”.  It was great to hear live versions of album favourites from Phase such as “Fire”, “Breathe Life” and “Worry”, but I was totally in awe of “Surprise Yourself”.  Late in the set, he stood feet back from the mic and dampened the rowdy crowd to a whisper with his stripped down version of the song.  Plus, hearing “The Love You’re Given” live has given me a new love for the song.

As if I wasn’t already telling everyone I know about Jack Garratt, now I’ll make sure to add that you should go see this guy live when he tours through your city.  Just remember to get your tickets early, his shows tend to sell out quick.

Speaking of touring, Jack Garratt has just announced details of a UK tour for the Autumn, including a show at London’s Eventim Apollo.  The extensive tour takes place throughout November, stretching over 13 nights, and kicking off at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on the 5th November. The tour will conclude at The Dome in Brighton on the 28th November.

Finally, knowing I’m both a Jack Garratt and CHINAH fan, check out this rework of his song “Worry”.