We knew that this would be a special show but even with our expectations primed by a slew of already-classic albums and universally glowing notices for his first solo LP proper, I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the astonishing show that Simone Felice turned in with apparent ease last Monday night.

After Simi Stone’s riveting support slot set the scene, Felice and his band took the stage and played an hour and a half of literate, heart-breaking, life-affirming music that took in most of the (fantastic) new album alongside selections from both the Duke & the King and Felice Brothers back catalogues plus the obligatory crowd-pleasing covers.

Although his writing frequently taps into the seedier side of life and he specializes in tales of the helpless and hopeless, Simone does so in a way which is never maudlin and his stark character sketches lend his protagonists a depth and realism that cannot fail to move the listener.

Already almost a mythical figure himself and blessed with a voice and stage presence that never fails to do his unique songwriting justice, Simone Felice left no-one in any doubt that they were witness to an uncommon talent at the very top of his game.

I very much doubt I will see a better gig this year. The recording we present here is one of our best; Simone was gracious enough to let us record both from the soundboard and with ambient mics and we have mixed the two together to give the best possible approximation of the heady atmosphere of the night.

Stream “The Morning That I Get to Hell”:

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Download complete show in mp3 format (click here)

Download complete show in FLAC format (click here)

Setlist:

1. New York Times
2. You & I Belong
3. Summer Morning Rain
4. Charade
5. Shaky
6. Stormy-Eyed Sarah
7. Don’t Wake the Scarecrow
8. Gimme All You Got
9. If You Ever Get Famous
10. Hey Bobbie Ray
11. The Morning That I Get to Hell
12. Dawn Brady’s Son
13. Radio Song
14. Wish You Were Here
15. One More American Song
16. Your Belly in my Arms
17. Knocking on Heaven’s Door

If you download and enjoy this music we would fully expect you to support the artist by buying their records and attending their gigs. Simone Felice’s official website is here and his releases can be purchased from record shops of quality and distinction such as Piccadilly Records.