Jo Quail and Jon Gomm resume their joint headline tour; we witness two complete virtuosos of their craft in Manchester.

The Parallel Worlds tour featuring co headline slots from Jo Quail and Jon Gomm was set to be the bookend of our 2023 in gigging but sadly the original date was postponed for health reasons. ATB’s Dominic Walsh and Howard King were in attendance.

JO QUAIL

Listening to the mesmerising music of Jo Quail through whichever media you like, enjoyable as that may seem , is nothing compared to seeing her build the plethora of layers for every piece live.  The rhythm loops she creates are at times almost tribal, blending superbly with her free playing, smooth flowing tunes which have hints of baroque and classical touches gently inserted. Gold, from Five Incantations (2016), may have its scratchy opening  and screeching climaxes like a locomotive coming to a sudden stop but this piece expresses passion and desire with its calm tuneful ending.

Although predominantly using her bespoke electric cello  she introduced us to her acoustic cello, Ferdinand, a vintage much – loved instrument to play two pieces. One of which, Madelaine, is a new piece which has been painstakingly composed over several years. It has an eerie quality but in it, the technique of bending notes usually heard employed by lead guitarists, is used to great effect.

When playing Supplication, there are musical effects which are almost early Floydian, with jazzy elements and distortion added into the mix . Another plus from her Jo’s performances is how you become encapsulated by it and almost feel part of the music. You can enjoy music and be enthralled by it, but to be enveloped in it is a completely different experience and this is what Jo achieves. 

Many times Jo tells us that she is told she should make changes or alter parts but thankfully Jo sticks to her guns. The belief she has in herself comes through strongly in all her pieces and we are so much better off for that.

JON GOMM

Jon Gomm is introduced onstage by Jo Quail for the second half of this co-headline tour. Immediately, Jon’s wry Northern wit and charm shines through; making small talk with the crowd as he readies himself for action.

Armed with his custom Ibanez acoustic guitar, Jon Gomm enchants with his incredibly complex sound produced solely from one guitar. Said guitar has all the look of a guitar that has been thrown down a flight of stairs out the back of a gig venue. However, these wooden scars are the result of Jon’s playing style and a testament to the rich musical tapestry he weaves.

There are plenty of songs from Gomm’s The Faintest Idea album (our review here). Cocoon showcases the trickery that Jon Gomm employs when seemingly tuning his guitar throughout the song; the blissful notes arch and twist around like tendrils of melody rising. Deep Sea Fishes becomes a party piece with the crowd providing vocal harmonies for the ‘We are’ vocal. Gomm also calls on the crowd to provide percussive beats from their chests. It is beautiful to hear; the entire crowd respond and coalesce with Gomm for a truly spiritual moment. The music of Jo Quail and Jon Gomm is truly music to get lost in.

Aside from the genius and acrobatic playing, Jon Gomm has a self deprecating wit on the mic that resonates; especially with a Northern crowd. His tales about homelessness in his native Blackpool, taking brain pills and hideous fishes (the aforementioned Deep Sea Fishes) give a real warmth and intimacy.

The subject matter is also heavy when Jon introduces his performance of Shchedryk Hrad; Jon’s take on a famous Ukrainian folk song (more widely known as The Carol of the Bells). We are told the story of a friend who has been living through war in Ukraine. It is soulful and evocative.

Another highlight is the wonderful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. It is delivered in a staggering instrumental arrangement and is preceded with a story about Jon’s friendship with David Crosby. Friends in high places, indeed. Each and every facet of Gomm’s being goes into his playing and performance. Such is the intimacy of the venue, people can hear Jo and Jon as they play their respective songs.

To finish off a brilliant and mesmerising night, Jo Quail joins Jon Gomm on stage for a rendition of Gomm’s Passionflower; Quail once again playing Ferdinand. As the music ends, the love in the room for the two musicians is massive. Their collective smiles illuminate the room as they embrace and bow. Each and every member of the audience gave each musician their full and undivided attention throughout – no chatting, whispering, murmuring… just pure immersion. This was special. Let’s hope that Quail and Gomm team up again in the future to tour.

All pictures: Dominic Walsh

Jon Gomm: Online / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Jo Quail: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube

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