Weadmire.net Blog

 I went to see Ian Siegal at the Borderline Club just off The Charring Cross Road last Friday. A sell out by the look of things.

Siegal had a half way interesting voice but he is not a lead guitarist. Nor was the man on keyboards about to lead proceedings, similarly so the bassist. A bit too self conscious the bassist, me think he thinks himself handsome. The man who should have led proceedings was the drummer. All night I had this sense of willing him to let rip. On reflection in terms of attention I hardly noticed the others. The drummers name was Cody Dickinson. I found myself wishing he was more demanding and cantankerous, a bit more Ginger Baker in temperament and like Baker willing to be the lead instrument whenever the others were wanting or merely because he deserves to be the lead instrument. This band would have been in serious trouble on the night without Cody Dickinson. Dickinson's playing absolutely keeps the rhythm but constantly surprises with counters and fills. Marvellous stuff, I thought the equal of the likes of Baker and Jim Keltner in their pomp.

Three or four times Ian Siegal acknowledged Dickinson's contribution with the words what a privilege it was that Cody Dickinson has come to England to play "for" me... Self praise from Siegal by association, masquerading as self deprecation is how the word "for" in that context struck me. Cody smiled and I think he should have scowled. At the very least I think the word "for" should have been "with". Siegal's attire was suspect too. I think he wants to come across as an Englishman cum Louisiana swamp dog. Swamp dog guitar in a dark blue worsted wool pinstripe waistcoat with sun glasses?? I think he must be under instruction from the marketing types. Pity he apparently follows their advice with enthusiasm. In a crowded less than well ventilated basement music club you will inevitably become soaked in sweat, why add to your discomfort with a silly and meaningless wool waistcoat as a prop?

Half way through Friday's set I realised I had seen Dickinson before but had not clocked him properly. On the previous occasion the band he was part of were being fronted by John Hiatt on John Hiatt's tour to promote the album Master of Disaster. I was there to see Hiatt one night in 2005. The album Master of Disaster, one of Hiatt's best, was produced by Cody Dickinson's late father. From that album Love's Not Where We Thought We Left It and Ain't Ever Going Back are two of my Hiatt favourites.

Cody Dickinson will go onto our drummers t shirt today. Celebrate drummers generally and Cody Dickinson specifically - buy our newly modified Drummers t shirt.