Jack L - Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol 16th November 2019

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Last night saw yet another packed house in Dundalk Gaol as Kildare man Jack L came to town. Emerging from behind the crowd wearing his trademark hat and carrying his guitar like a classic troubadour. When he got to the stage there was a sound issue which the sound man assured me wasn't his fault. After a minute or so it was all good and Jack joked about how he made such a grand entrance only for this to then happen. Flanked by Christmas trees on each side with beautiful lights, Jack performed a cover of Nick Drake's "Northern Sky" and Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me To The End Of Love" which were the prelude to the crowd singalong version of "King Of Soho". The audience were in a frenzy as Jack's voice reverberated around the hallowed walls of the gaol.


This was followed up by "Amsterdam", "Superman 2" and Tom Waits' "The Piano Has Been Drinkin'". What happened next was an incredible moment that needed to be witnessed live. Jack produced his accordion decked out in Christmas lights and played a jaw dropping rendition of "Stardust" as he walked up and down the aisles. The audience were stunned in silence where again the venue amplified Jack's vocals superbly. You could hear a pin drop or evidently a hand dryer in the toilets.


After the crowd recomposed themselves, they were treated to "The Sunset Is Blue On Mars", "Georgie", "Little Man" and "Deeper Down The Rabbit Hole". Jack took his leave and the crowd demanded quite loudly that they wanted more. More is what they got as Jack came back down the stairs to play "Magic Days And Magic Ways", the crowd favourite "Sky News Blues" and a very fitting "Folsom Prison Blues".


It's safe to say that every member of that audience left the building with a smile on their face and a memory that will last a long time. It was my first time seeing Jack L live but I'm now part of his converted. Jack L returns to Dundalk on April 24th 2020 at the Spirit Store. I imagine all of these people plus many more will pack out that venue too.


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