Newton Faulkner live in Brighton

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

NEWTON FAULKNER, and support SAM BROOKES live Concorde2, Brighton 02.06.2021

Newton Faulkner delivered something special to Brighton. Great songs and chat for the crowd. A special and memorable night in Concorde2.

So good to see local promoters Joy Concerts back in doing what they do so well after the lockdown restrictions easing with a top night of live music, Newton Faulkner and support from Sam Brookes. Concorde 2 was most definitely the place to be tonight.

NEWTON FAULKNER

Newton Faulkner is an English singer-songwriter and musician from Reigate, Surrey. He is known for his percussive style of guitar playing. In 2007 Faulkner’s debut studio album Hand Built by Robots was certified double platinum in the United Kingdom. The album topped the UK Albums Chart in August 2007.

Concorde 2 – a makeover

Concorde 2 – new area: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Stepping into Concorde 2 one was greeted by the socially distanced layout in the venue and the thankfully cool air. Strict guidelines were in place, and well done to the C2 crew who managed the restrictions with courtesy and professionalism. The bar staff did a super job in delivering table service drinks which were all ordered online. It all just worked perfectly.

It was a muggy evening, perfect for a gig. Outside the venue and passers by and some event attendees were sitting outside having a pre gig pint or bite to eat in the new outside area. It has been planned really well with Gourmet Burgers and Pizza on site.

Newton Faulkner live in Brighton

The crew in Concorde 2 had told me Newton was going to be playing a couple of days before the gig and advised it was a show not to be missed. And so intrigued to find out more about this performer I headed off to Concorde2. He has been gigging since he was fourteen and for a few years now, Newton Faulkner has taken his live shows on the road and playing to large crowds. Tonight may not have offered up the size of crowd he was used to pre-pandemic. But, tonight, Concorde 2 was sold out.

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Time had ticked down and the crowd waited for Newton Faulkner to take the stage. He did! He appeared in a yellow hazmat suit and a face mask a scientist from Wuhan would have been proud to wear. This appearance drew a cheer and a laugh at the same time. Never experienced that at a gig before! Well played Sir! He had the crowd on side before playing a note or saying a word. He stripped out of the suit and then proceeded to chat away whilst putting his shoes back on.

Guitar Tech

I was fortunate to have had a chance for a quick chat with Newton’s sister prior to the gig and she told me how tough it had been for him over the last few months and how much he had been looking forward to getting back out in front of a crowd. We had a great chat, a true delight to meet. She appeared on stage a couple of times one to set Newtons mic etc and then to bring on some replacement strings.

The Set

“Here is a song” he announced and the first song of the night was Brick by Brick. A super choice to open up with. This was all stripped back, Newton had three or four guitars to choose from, a kick pedal for a drum, and the percussion created by his hand on the guitar whilst playing. That was it. One man with his voice and an acoustic guitar. He invited the seated audience to take part, and this song is just nice to clap your hands to. And, just pointing out, the chorus is damn catchy too!

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Concorde 2 sound and lighting team has sorted this beautifully tonight. The sound was crisp and clear and the lighting was constantly adjusting to set the mood of the song and atmosphere.

I Took It Out On You and I Need Something followed. Each song was interspersed with wonderful humorous anecdotes and reflections. His wonderful cover of Massive Attack’s Teardrop was really well received.

We were treated to beautiful track after beautiful track. He had a superb crowd in front of him, and he was one of the most engaging performers I have seen in a while. He was witty, charming and had the crowd eating from the palm of his hand from the very start.

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

 Here Tonight was up next, and was an example of the newer material we had been promised. Disaster struck as Newton played, he broke a string! Out came a new pack of strings. He placed his guitar across his knee and set about replacing the errant length of wire. He was not flustered or bothered. He seemed to enjoy the opportunity to chat with the crowd. New string in place and tuned in and we were off once more and he finished the song.

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

People Should Smile More

Newton continued to deliver dropping in two great tunes, People Should Smile More, Four Leaf Clover. Dream Catch Me gave everyone in Concorde 2 a great run of Newton at his finest.

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

As the stunning set came to a close he split the crowd to perform harmonies and finger snaps. It worked brilliantly, great to hear the Brighton Choir back and making some noise again! I do not think any of us actually realised we could sing so well, and in the main, apart from the chap on the adjacent table, in tune! Great fun to take part and also made one feel part of the show.

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Newton stopped and told everyone how difficult it had been and how thrilled he was to be back playing in front of an audience. He seemed to get quite emotional as he thanked everyone for coming, and how much he appreciated people coming to see him. He really appreciated seeing us. It was a moment of pure emotion and Newton got a huge cheer from the crowd in response.

“It’s Getting Late” rounded off the set.

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Newton Faulkner live in Brighton

He is a most confident and skilled performer with a down to earth sense of humour. Newton brought something rather special to Brighton, and I think he sensed it. He brought and delivered to the fans something special and memorable tonight. He was smiling broadly during the set. The broad happy smiles on the faces of those lucky to have been there, well it was those smiles that said the most. Well played Mr Faulkner.

And to the Concorde 2 guys who advised me to come along. Thank you – you were spot on, I would have hated to miss this gig.

Newton Faulkner: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Newton Faulkner is on the web. He has a new album dropping soon, some of the tracks from it he played this evening, Interference (Of Light) should hit the shops on 20 August 2021.

Support: Sam Brookes

Sam stepped out onto the stage. Concorde 2 was filling up nicely with the socially distanced allowed numbers making up the crowd. A thirty minute set was delivered, containing self-penned songs. A set made up of melodies and super vocals. The musician stood behind his guitar. He sang and played his heart out. Stopping and starting to introduce a track or a related story to the next song. Sam was a natural up on the stage and the best moments came when the singer really seemed to settle in to his more emotive songs. He has a great voice and it carried throughout the venue.

Sam captured the crowd and received well deserved applause. He was an ideal choice for support, and unsurprisingly will be continuing to tour with Newton Faulkner.  He has a new album out called Black Feathers.

https://www.sambrookes.com/

Thanks to JOY. promotions and the great team at Concorde 2.

We work hard with the artists, the venues and the crowd to bring you the best photos and reviews across the area. Keep Music LIVE! Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.

Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.

All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2021.

Got an event coming up? Need some gig photography, promo shots, previews or reviews? – please get in touch! See you down the front – come and say “hi!”