#richallo

18/09/25

This was my first outing to the 'Songwriters Showcase Event' an originals only acoustic all dayer at Jersey's prime main town music venue and local pub The Troubadour. I catch last performer Rich Allo due to the fact I wasn't sure when it kicked off, though still glad I managed to see one act at least. Rich has some amazing material under his belt. It's like as if Freddie Mercury never formed Queen and was just an acoustic busker lining the room with a distinctive high pitched vocal delivery and subtle yet effective guitar playing. I like how he tells a story of what inspired him to write the song between each one. Put it this way, if MIKA was down on the London Underground strumming away and singing his heart out like there was no tomorrow filled with ammo and enough grenades to sink the roads above , it would probably sound something a bit like this. I've watched Rich play many shows all over Jersey in different formations be it just him with a mic and a keyboard belting out originals, but also covers of various greats including Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, and Keane to name a few , or sometimes would see him backed by his excellent side kick Paul J Bentley smashing out epic renditions of Elton John covers. Another time doing the Queen tribute part of Rock of the Ages at The Merton Hotel showroom, also with his electronic rock covers outfit Electrifire. But nothing beats hearing an original song wrote by the man himself. There's a passion here and from what I see he's just released his first solo debut album and is a consistent performer on the UK gig circuit so look out for him. He's mastered his performance to a tee and interacts with an audience just as good as any of the greats. I've enjoyed this acoustic afternoon out very much and more than I would if I was just monging out at home feeling misunderstood. Support music events on our island, you might catch something early that you may be paying through the roof to see in the not so distant future. Hat's off to Songwriters Showcase and hat's off to Rich Allo.

By Gavin Tate

for Gavin Tate's Music Journal