Morning:
13°c
London faces a wave of bus and Tube strikes that could cause chaos for millions of passengers as unions walkout over pay and conditions
More...
An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Evening Standard rating
Reader rating
The opening night of iTunes Live saw Jose Gonzalez and Stephanie Dosen fly the flag for the folkies.
The 11-night series of eclectic music and one-off collaborations was given the perfect start by Dosen, whose charming set of love-bruised ballads drew parallels to Blue-era Joni Mitchell.
On the beguiling slow-burner This Joy, the cherubic Wisconsin singer-songwriter was joined by an all-female band on drums, cello and violin, whose lush harmonies provided the perfect accompaniment to Dosen's ethereal vocals.
In between songs, Dosen was full of chipper, charming banter, joking with the crowd that her habit of obsessively tuning the guitar was fully in keeping with the evening. "It is the iTunes series, after all," she quipped.
By contrast, headlining act Gonzalez has never been much for talking. Sloping on to the stage, the sullen Swede managed only a nervous "Hello" before launching into the sombre, hypnotic groove of How Low, eyes fixed firmly to the floor.
While Gonzalez did little to interact with the crowd, his brand of sophisticated pop was well-received in the intimate surroundings of Air Studios.
Old favourite Crosses showcased his dextrous guitar work, while the tender lyrics of Fold suggested something of the hushed melancholy of Nick Drake.
When Dosen joined him for the collaborative element of the evening, they looked an odd couple - Dosen the boisterous pupil, Gonzalez the reluctant mentor - but a barnstorming cover of Carole King's A Road To Nowhere provided a rousing and triumphant finale. By the end, even Gonzalez was smiling.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
