Last night in West Hollywood, Bar Lubitsch was the stage for a number of musicians to perform on what could have been called Troubadour Tuesday at the Russian-themed bar. I, however, was there to see my second favorite Brit behind Steven Gerrard, Bestnewbands.com favorite Will Knox.

Whenever the singer/songwriter is in town, I’ve made it a habit of seeing him play. The venues have varied, but what has not has Knox’s heart-felt, entertaining performances. On stage, Knox brings out the intensity of his introspective lyrics, while in between songs, engaging audience members. Last night was no different.

Performing songs of his latest comic book themed EP, Lexicon, in addition to old standards (“Belly of the Beast”) and new material as well, Knox along with banjo player Adam Tressler, captivated the crowd over the entirety of his 30-minute set.

The room was dark, but the mood was certainly light. Clad in a jacket and tie, Knox was his usual charming self. Tressler’s banjo filled out Knox’s vocals and guitars unlike any show I’ve seen him play before. The banjo sound gave the singer an element that enhanced and made his songs fuller than I’d heard before.

As the song progressed, the dark room filled up with people. Knox fed off this energy, even if the audience wasn’t necessarily his. He did a fantastic job of mixing banter and music and won over a few fans, which is a feat in itself a venue not exactly known as a venerable music hall.

Having seen Will Knox play all over the country, this show probably was my favorite. Combining his self-deprecating, British humor with his earnest songs in an intimate setting, everyone in attendance will agree that the singer was on his A-game last night and it’s a shame the set couldn’t go on for longer.

 

Knox and Jon Solo are on their Tour Pacific until November 16, here are the remaining dates:

11.9 – LOS GATOS CA @ Blvd Coffee

11.11 – SAN FRANCISCO CA @ Brainwash

11.12 – CHICO CA @ Cafe Coda

11.13 – PORTLAND OR @ The Mississippi

11.14 – SEATTLE WA @ Rendezvous/JewelBox Theater

11.15 – ELLENSBURG WA @ Raw Space

11.16 – SPOKANE WA @ Gonzaga Uni (Students Only)