Kevin Mark Trail concert review

By Angharad Williams

Jazz Cafe London

At only 23 years old, Kevin Mark Trail has set tongues wagging amongst the music press through performances across the UK and his debut album ‘Just Living’. Kevin’s Caribbean soul tinged vocals were showcased on The Streets ‘Let’s Push Things Forward’ and also on ‘Same Old Show’, and he went on to perform with Mike Skinner in front of thousands in the UK and abroad. On this particular night, he was to perform at the more intimate and world renowned Jazz Café to showcase his unique sound and his debut single ‘Perspective’.

Jamie Scott led the way by opening the night with his silky sound that resonates the Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone vibe of lyrically full music backed by astonishing talent. He played tracks from his own debut album including ‘Just’, backed by a live band. He may hope for the same success as his female counterparts, but whether the Surrey native can cross over is another matter. Tonight though, he came across as an accomplished, versatile and talented artist.

Kevin came to the stage looking cool and casual. The audience suddenly seemed to double in size - they were out for a good night of music, and Kevin did not disappoint. This young man on the verge of dropping his debut single on an unsuspecting UK chart, lapped up experience as a headliner and smiled throughout. His Jamaican peppered soul was concocted in his North London bedroom and brought to life by a full band in the studio and here on stage. Mark’s flexibility was clear as he delivered tracks like ‘Lion By Trade’, which had an energetic Afro Caribbean feel, and the seductive and soulful track ‘Breathless’ which was graced by silence from the crowd during the song and then rapturous applause.

Some songs held the imagination, while others were average and not really a match for his voice. A tinge of inexperience was clear, however the intimacy of the venue would make any artist nervous. Kevin asked the crowd’s permission before taking his place behind the keyboard and comparisons to neo-soul masters such as Dwele are apparent. Tracks like ‘City Boy’ demonstrate his uniquely British sound that is a breath of fresh air in acclimate of UK soul acts who sound as though they’re straight out of Philly.

Kevin has the sort of voice that fills a room and you can’t ignore. The audience were begging for more by the end of the night, which he delivered. Kevin Mark Trail is certainly a name who will be grabbing the attention of the music buying public in months to come, but should he not, at least I can say I am one of the lucky few who bared witness to his talent.

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