Nils Lofgren

Its an early show on a Sunday night, with no support and an audience consisting almost entirely of men of a certain age. Nils Lofgren, the guitarist from the E-Street band that isn't in the Sopranos, is in town and in fine form. Tonight the warmth of the Ulster Hall and the surprising amount of intimacy when decked out for a seated provide the backing for a quietly incredible night, courtesy of the genial Chicagoan.

Backed by skilled multi-instrumentalist Greg Varlotta (Brian Setzer Orchestra) we're treated to what's billed as an acoustic set - but instead of the poor man's full band experience of the cash-in tour, what Nils offers is a showcase of his virtuoso guitar skills, a potted history of the golden era of American rock and roll and some stories from the wrong side of the tracks.

Aside from his time trading licks with the Boss, he's played in Crazy Horse and collaborated with Lou Reed, not to mention his considerable solo back catalogue. It would be a shame to condemn him as a mere guitar slinger, though - his song writing talents shine though in classics like Keith Don't Go, or the Grin classic Rusty Gun. Its part of his charm as the grizzled western guitar singer, Otis Lee Crenshaw made real and with a healthy dose of dry Chicago wit.

"I used to drink, but I developed a bad allergy to alcohol" he says about halfway through the two hour set. "I would break out in handcuffs"
It's storytelling in a purist form, we find out about how he introduced a polka element to Southern Man, or his childhood days practising the box accordion - which he produces for an encore, running through a note perfect Flight of the Hummingbee.

There's surprises aplenty too. - I Came Here To Dance is embellished with a three minute tap-dancing solo - both Nils and Greg take centre stage where a miked up floor provides percussion for a full on Fred Astaire experience. The loop is used sparingly and to great effect, and the pedals pull distortion out of an acoustic guitar that shake fillings in your head.

The encore rewards an appreciative crowd with a stirring rendition of Springsteen's Because the Night, which is a real privilege to hear in such a room. Nil's humility and gratitude come to the fore for what proves a memorable night - oh and apparently he's got a box set out too.

Shane Horan

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