Review by Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson
Beans On Toast, also known as Jay McAllister, hails from Braintree, Essex, and has been a prominent figure in the folk music scene since 2005, delivering his distinctively political tunes. With annual appearances at Glastonbury since 2007 and a consistent release schedule of albums every December 1st, he has amassed a total of 16 albums over the years. Having shared stages with artists like Kate Nash and Frank Turner and touring extensively worldwide, Beans On Toast brings his infectious brand of folk music to audiences far and wide.
Tonight at Stereo, Jay and his band take the stage amidst enthusiastic applause and cheers, kicking off with a vibrant setlist of 20 tracks that cater to diverse tastes.
The evening begins with “Back Out On The Road,” featuring almost spoken-word lyrics that set the tone for a rollicking ride through Beans’ repertoire. His satirical wit and humour shine through as the band launches into this spirited track, characterized by a cool rhythm section and honky-tonk piano, setting the mood for the night ahead.
“Work To Do” follows suit with its funky bass grooves and gravelly melodic vocals, accompanied by poignant storytelling and engaging instrumentation that captivates the audience. Throughout the performance, Beans weaves thought-provoking narratives into his songs, inviting listeners to contemplate deeper meanings while enjoying the infectious melodies.
“World Gone Crazy” continues the journey with raspy vocals and slick guitar licks, underscored by funky bass tones and compelling piano accompaniment. Beans’ ability to blend social commentary with catchy tunes is evident, drawing the crowd further into his world of folk storytelling.
“Beautiful Place” introduces clean, crisp guitar melodies complemented by soulful vocals, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. As the band harmonizes effortlessly, the audience is swept up in the infectious groove, fully immersed in Beans’ lyrical tales.
As the acoustic portion of the show commences, Beans takes centre stage, delivering heartfelt renditions of tracks like “The War On War” and “MDM Amazing,” showcasing his prowess as a solo performer. Each song resonates deeply with the audience, eliciting sing-alongs and moments of reflection.
Throughout the evening, Beans On Toast proves himself to be a masterful storyteller, blending humour, satire, and poignant observations seamlessly into his music. From the whimsical narrative of “The Chicken Song” to the heartfelt ode to Scotland in “Sunny Sunny Scotland,” every song leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Accompanied by a talented band comprising Memphis Gerald on guitar, Bassie Gracie on bass, King Killership on keys/piano, and Abbi Drums on drums, Beans On Toast delivers a performance that is both musically captivating and intellectually stimulating.
With a diverse setlist that traverses themes of politics, love, and the human experience, Beans On Toast proves himself to be a multifaceted artist capable of entertaining and enlightening audiences in equal measure. As the night draws to a close, the crowd is left with a sense of satisfaction and appreciation for the musical journey they’ve embarked upon with Beans On Toast.
Beans On Toast –
Beans On Toast (Jay McAllister) – Vocals / Guitar
Memphis Gerald – Guitar – Guitar
Bassie Gracie – Bass
King Killership – Keys / Piano
Abbi Drums – Drums
Setlist –
Back Out On The Road
Work To Do
World Gone Crazy
Beautiful Place
Watching The World Go By
I’m Home When You Hold Me
The Golden Lion
Money For War
War On War
MDM Amazing
Album Of The Day
The Dragicom
Send Me A Bird
The Chicken Song
The Greenwash
What Would Willie Do
Humans
Sunny Sunny Scotland
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