Si Cranstoun at the Half Moon

Having heard some good things about Si Cranstoun I checked him out last night at the Half Moon, Putney. He's been compared to Jackie Wilson and, although no one really can compete with Jackie in terms of excitement, I can see where the comparison came from. Si's got a strong voice and a dynamic stage act and his version of Reet Petite was excellent.

There were moments when I though Si and his very good five piece band were just a bit middle of the road - a sort of high class cruise ship act - but they kept the beat swinging and the jivers in the audience jiving. Beginning with 50s Pin Up Girl, from his Alternative Floor Fillers album, he sang quite a few songs from his latest album Dancehalls and Supperclubs, including Coupe De Ville, Run Free, Tweet On Twitter, Bella Principessa, the reggae flavoured Rise and Shine, Moon and Stars and the cheesy Hawaiian styled Ella Hula Hula, with Si wearing a brightly coloured lei around his neck. Along the way he did a couple of Nappy Brown numbers, including Little By Little, some other catchy numbers, such as Throwback, Don't Be Angry and Lonesome Heart Bandit, before finishing with his best known number, the excellent Jackie Wilson styled Dynamo. This was undemanding (on the audience) retro rock and roll lite, but overall it was a laid back and enjoyable show and I'm sure I will catch him again some time.         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz2kgZqjvxE