Benjamin Francis Leftwich- Live at KOKO, London

It is no surprise to any of my friends or blog readers that I am a MASSIVE Ben Leftwich fan so when I heard of his upcoming tour, I did not hesitate and bought a pair, faster than you can say Jack Robinson (shameless Kiss Kiss Bang Bang quote!). It goes without saying that it was the wisest £30 I have ever spent. There is something so unbelievably unique about his voice. Unlike many other artists, his music actually transports me. It takes me out of my own city life of PR, stress and socialising and takes me to a place where I feel like its only me in the room. 

I first discovered Benjamin Francis Leftwich through a song I heard on my favourite TV show, Grey's Anatomy. From there, I have avidly followed him and his music and tried to see him live at every possible opportunity. Although many people may have never heard of him, KOKO was literally jam-packed with avid fans. He played some of my favourites including ‘Pictures’, ‘Butterfly Culture’ and '1904' but I was a little disappointed because my favourite of all his songs was his encore, "Atlad Hands". It was beautifully sung and he experimented by playing it with no amplification at all. If you were fairly near the front, I can imagine it would have been phenomoneal but I was fairly near the back bar and all I could hear where the clinking of glasses, opening of ringpulls and annoying chatty bar staff!!!!



But all in all, his set list really showcased his talent beautifully and he worked his magic to transport each and every one of us. 

FACT FILE:

• Ben was boring in York in 1987 to South African and Australian parents!
• Ben had a fairly nomadic childhood, spending just as much time in Sydney as in his native U.K.
• Ben taught himself to play the guitar at age ten, inspired by Elliott Smith and Bruce Springsteen
• Ben once fronted an indie pop band called the Nicoles before embarking on a solo career
• Four of his tracks have been featured on ABC's hit show Grey's Anatomy

A few links for you!

Firstly, Benjamin Francis Leftwich- Pictures!

And lastly, my cover of Atlas Hand (complete with cheesy picture slideshow):

Atlas Hands by Olivia McMonagle