Union Square

UNION SQUARE

The Donkey 29th October 2023

I fancied an afternoon of music so went to The Donkey Venue to catch UNION SQUARE

I cant say this is amongst the greatest bands i've seen, but i did enjoy the afternoon.

At the beginning they set out their intention of playing a relatively laid back set, with a Van Morrison sort of vibe, and heavier rocky music in the second set...

Union Square are a covers band and distinguish themselves by going for a number of well know but not that often played pieces, many of which are very well known.

Second piece was the Doors "Light my fire" before going on to Bill Withers (Aint no sunshine) and a couple of Van Morrison songs (into the mystic/moondance). As the set continued i felt it needed a spark.. and that came with some pretty nifty guitar work in Fleetwood Mac's "Need you love so bad" before going onto Ray Charles' "Unchain my heart" which was delivered no little spirit.

The first half did lack some spirit... no problem with the musicianship or song choice of the band, but for me they lacked a sparkle... there was no real attempt to engage the audience and they left what at times were interminable gaps between numbers, where they could have talked to the audience, this lack of rapport i thought made it difficult to stay with them.

The second half started with far more energy with the Stones "Dead Flowers" but the issue of lack of communication persisted though the music this half had a lot more zip and " ooomph" about it... and featured some more fine guitar work on another Fleetwood Mac piece (Black Magic Woman) and a couple of Jimi's songs... (Little Wing/Red House).

Sadly I felt both sets lacked real joy and energy, though as I said the musicianship was good... but it was only in the last three pieces... Route 66, 20 Flight Rock and Rockin' in the Free World that they found the spirit and pazzazz needed... and delivered pretty fine versions of all three.

All things considered... i think a bit more stage craft and communication could make this band a pretty good covers band... but i did enjoy the set and am glad i went

Keep music live... keep music real... support you local venues