Live review: Pokey LaFarge

There may be things one might question about Pokey LaFarge – such as what is a young man doing playing music his grandparents might consider old school, will anyone have the means to play his new 78rpm single, and why is he called Pokey anyway? – but what is not in dispute is his love of and feel for the heritage sounds in his set.

LaFarge and his St Louis, Missouri-based band the South City Three pay authentic tribute to the pre-war strains of American folk, jazz and blues with the fluidity and eclectic flavours of fellow new old-fashionistas Chatham County Line and Kitty, Daisy and Lewis.

It helps that LaFarge himself looks like he has beamed in from the Great Depression, all hair pomade, bow tie and retro threads. But clothes do not maketh the gig. Lithe fingerwork on the strings, spry rhythms, LaFarge’s instinct for phrasing, the call-and-response backing vocals and the strategic deployment of kazoo solos, not to mention the infectious spirit of the tunes and spontaneity of the delivery - even when playing a new song live for the first time - was what did the job.

Characterful, upbeat numbers such as the perennially popular Drinkin’ Whiskey Tonight dominated the set but the sparse, soulful acoustic blues of Josephine and a gentle, lonesome country opener to their encore proved they were more than a quirky party band.

Support act Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra (from Newcastle) were cut from the same fabric, adding a little pavement cafe accordian to the mix on their non-sultry version of Besame Mucho and a scat about fish to finish.

Pokey LaFarge ****

Stereo, Glasgow