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John Aizlewood's rating
, Newton Faulkner is the British Jack Johnson
By
John Aizlewood
14 Jul 2009
Hand Built by Robots, Newton Faulkner’s debut album, topped the British charts and sold a million but if last night’s elections are any guide, its successor, Rebuilt By Humans (there has been some kind of between-albums hand injury) is a firm step forwards for the British Jack Johnson.
The gritty ballad I’m Not Giving Up Yet, the epic If This Is It and the jaunty Badman eclipsed fey favourites Dream Catch Me and U.F.O, while his traditional cover version, Massive Attack’s Teardrop, was likewise trumped by a ramshackle tilt at Blackstreet’s No Diggity.
Alone but for a succession of guitars, his effects pedals, what he claimed was a “foot piano” and, accompanying him on Won’t Let Go, a string section he’d recorded onto a cassette, Faulkner was more than a glorified busker.
Sweet of voice and so sweet of nature it hardly mattered that his every other word was “cool”, the dreadlocked 24-year-old glowed with his own musicality and rather than ask for audience participation, he politely insisted upon it. “Think of yourselves as pirates with rabies,” he helpfully suggested for Gone In The Morning.
In less inclusive hands, not playing an encore for a delighted crowd would have been a misstep but since he’d already explained “my problem with the encore system” at some length, everyone pottered off home charmed and seduced.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
I must disagree with John from London, I have seen both Ben Harper and Jack Johnson, and I thouroughly enjoyed both. However, Newton just seemed like a different league. His talent on the guitar is astounding and he also has a great stage presence and personality that draws you into the show, something I felt both of the above acts lacked.
I can see great things happening for Newton Faulkner, an amazing talent and a true musician. I think Jack Johnson could learn a few things from him, which pains me to say, simply because I love Jack Johnson.
- Ian, York UK, 15/10/2009 10:07
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Amazing gig - Newton never lets you down - what an entertainer! So refreshing to see someone who is more interested in the music than being a celebrity. Can't wait for the next album, from the new stuff he played. Why compare Newton to anyone, he's unique and it's early days for him yet.
- Jamie Corning, Chichester, 15/10/2009 09:07
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Newton Faulkner is a talented musician, no doubt about that. However, he has only produced one record to date and the real test will be his second album. I feel it is much too early to be comparing him to the multi-million selling Jack Johnson who has produced four incredible album and is acclaimed internationally. Only time will tell. His gig last night was good, but doesn't come up to the stature of Jack Johnson and Ben Harper's live music.
- John Anderson, London, 15/10/2009 09:07
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Great review, except for the title - NF is way more interesting and a far better musician than JJ - I was there last night and it was an astonishing performance, so unlike anyone else, in his ability to get the audience involved. As you say, the new stuff just keeps getting stronger - can't wait to hear the entire album. Switching from silly songs & banter to vocals that make the hairs on the back of your your neck stand on end and guitar playing that has every guitarist's jaw hit the floor, has got to be a unique gift. I think JJ should be very proud if he's called America's Newton faulkner.
- Karen, Reading UK, 15/10/2009 09:07
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I saw newton faulkner a couple of weeks ago. It was in a crowded little club near the city (neither are my favorite places). I forgot all the people crushed up next to me as soon as he started playing. He is brilliant. he is better live than recorded and that is saying something. Apart from the brilliant voice and guitar work, he was really nice and engaging. My 22 year old daughter wants to marry him, and I would be very happy to have him in the family. I really hope he manages longevity in the industry.
- Susan, victoria, australia, 15/10/2009 09:07
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Newton Faulkner's gig at the Roundhouse last night was a unique experience. I didn't really know much about his music, apart from his beautiful cover of Massive Attack’s Teardrop, and I have to admit that I attended out of curiosity and wasn’t sure what to expect. But what I did witness was an artist who was massively accomplished as both a musician and natural performer, and by the end of the evening I was quite mesmerised by what I had seen.
Although the review hailed Newton as the British Jack Johnson, I think that Newton will stand alone as a guitarist who redefines how this instrument is played, combining finger picking, rhythmically tapping and hitting the guitar's body, and adopting the touch technique popularised by Stanley Jordon. For me, the highlight of this evening was the rapturous Gone in the Morning which showed his effortless ability to engage with his audience.
Aged only 24 years, he plays like a veteran virtuoso and sings in sweet, yet gravelly voice that’s hard to forget. Maybe not many artists could get away with not playing an encore, but I for one was sufficiently charmed and thought that this gig was brilliant. Newton is the real deal as far as live performers go. Forget about the comparisons. All in all, I think this performance proved that Newton holds his own as one of the most innovative and original artists to emerge from the UK in recent years.
- Max Tookey, London UK, 15/10/2009 09:07
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