Gilad Atzmon Presents Artie Fishel & The Promised Band
Chester Alexander’s
26th October, 2006

View: front left, behind two annoying tarts

Instructing the audience to “laugh when not appropriate”, ex-Blockhead Gilad Atzmon’s self-proclaimed spectacle of political incorrectness saw his Scouse-wigged alter-ego, Artie Fishel, embark on a two-hour lesson in how not to hold back your opinions, however controversial. Entwined with improvised multi-layered comedic interludes, the first half included song parodies Hoy Hoy Hoy Hoy Blackbird, West Bank Story and What A Mellow Goy, from his “soon to be banned” eponymous album. Donning combat gear, Gaddafi shades and Che T-shirt, Artie’s opinion and music forced the multi-cultural audience to examine their consciences – should they really be laughing? The initial whirlwind frenzy, including a tongue-in-cheek If I Were A Rich Man, was replaced by a more measured approach from Atzmon as musician. Accomplished clarinet and sax on Ballade and A Knight Into Nietzsche. You, & The Night & The Music rounded the evening off nicely with a drum solo, before My Favourite Things. A musically rich, provocative poke in the eye.

Reviewed by Richard Hogg
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