Jeff Scott Soto - London Camden Underworld Gig Review

Most recently seen fronting 'supergroup' Soul Sirkus alongside Neal Schon, Camden's Underworld venue was the first stop on Jeff Scott Soto's latest solo jaunt around the UK. One of the greatest aspects of the hard rock scene is the general knowledge and enthusiasm from those who follow the genre and talking with people before the whole shebang kicked off the prevalent topic of conversation was the relative merits of Soto in a solo environment and within the confines of a band situation. However before we go on to answer that there were two support bands waiting to show what they could do.

First up were Humanity, a six piece band who delivered some rousing melodic power metal tunes sprinkled liberally with fluid guitar solos and lush keybaords. Although perhaps not best suited to this particular bill, the band certainly gave their all and won over the sparse crowd who had showed up early enough to catch their slot. Certainly worth checking out in the future if you get the chance.

Originally Brighton's finest, Pride, were scheduled to fill the second support act role, but unfortunately prior commitments meant that the job went to 'Black Balloon' a band who until last night were completely unknown to this reviewer. Although the band tried hard throughout their short set the material which they had on offer was neither strong enough, nor original enough, to warrant such a prestigious gig. The talent is certainly there but Black Balloon need to work on finding a true niche and better songs if they are to grow further.

By the time the stage was set for JSS and band the Underworld had filled up to perhaps 60 - 70% capacity. This in itself is a travesty to the talents on show, but no matter that the venue wasn't bursting at the seams, when JSS hit the stage with 'Livin' The Life' it was if the band were playing to a packed Wembley or NEC such was the power and sheer energy emanating from onstage.

The one thing guaranteed from a Jeff Scott Soto show is the diversity of material that the band serve up. From more recent work that is represented by the inclusion of Soul Sirkus' 'New Position' to older material from the Talisman and Humanimal projects the whole gig showcases the breadth of musical styles that the man has covered in his long career. It most certainly is the biggest testament to the current crop of musicians Soto surrounds himself with that they can cope with this diversity and shine no matter what.

For this reviewer the highlight of any Soto show is always the seemingly impromptu cover versions the band throw into the mix. Crazy and Purple Rain are by now standards in Soto's liver repertoire, however for good measure Camden Underworld saw the band serve up versions of Whitesnake's 'Fool For Your Lovin', the Scorpions 'Rock You Like A Hurricane' and spine chillingly piano led run through the Queen classic 'Love Of My Life' Oh yeah and not forget little snippets of Dave Lee Roth's Yankee Rose and Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock And Roll. Rehearsed - most probably, fun - most definitely.

As per all of the recent JSS solo shows the evening is rounded out, as an encore, with a run through the 'Boogie Knights' medley consisting of disco classics and a good deal of booty shakin'. As the man says.. 'Shit goddamm get off your ass and jam!!!!'

To answer the question I set at the beginning of this review, and by no means wanting to denigrate Soul Sirkus. The solo environment appears to give Mr. Soto more freedom and a license to have more fun than perhaps the stricter confines of a true band situation. As such the charisma of Soto as a performer can be more easily appreciated by the audience and I can honestly say if anyone went home having not been truly entertained by this show then they must be dead..