Concert Review - Hugh Laurie at the El Rey

It may come as a surprise to some that actor Hugh Laurie is a very accomplished Blues and Jazz musician. Actually, that's not quite fair, because after seeing him play live, "very accomplished" doesn't truly begin to describe the level of passion and ability which Hugh Laurie performs with.

Playing both the piano and guitar, along with singing lead vocals, Hugh Laurie delivered a wonderful set of Nawlins' style blues and jazz at the El Rey Theatre on May 24th. I've not been to this amazing venue nearly enough, but this was easily the largest crowd I've stood among at the El Rey.

And a very unique crowd it was. Featuring a mixture of PBS supporters who had their own separate admission line (I can only imagine tickets were a "thank you" perk for donating at a certain level), House/Hugh Laurie the Actor fans, jazz aficionados and a smattering of L.A. hipster types, who would predictably depart after three songs.

For those of you still saying, "wait a minute, Hugh Laurie is a musician?" I direct your attention to his absolutely fabulous album, Let Them Talk, released just over a year ago via Warner Bros. Laurie's depth of knowledge of New Orleans blues and jazz borders on the savant, as demonstrated by his delightful stories from the stage about many of the songs he played this evening.

It was from this album which the set list was comprised of, stretched out over an hour and 45 minutes with most songs featuring extended sections, replete with solos and plenty of improvisational moments.

As mentioned, the El Rey Theatre was at near capacity for the concert, with more than a few attendees a little surprised it was standing room only. And on that note, allow me to digress a moment.

(Begin soapbox moment)

If you are gifted with the height of a basketball player, please try and be cognizant of your concert surroundings and don't stand in front of someone less than half your height. Fortunately, the Hipster Tall Enough to be a Power Forward left after only three songs, allowing the very nice lady next to me, whom he parked himself in front of, to have a better shot at seeing the stage.

(End soapbox moment)

Actors who make the jump to being professional musicians often yield mixed results. Not so with Hugh Laurie. Beyond his knowledge of the music he loves and his playing skills, is the company he keeps. The Copper Bottom Band are each truly spectacular musicians.

In the intersecting scenes of Blues and Jazz you will find some of the most talented musicians in the world, very few of which will become side players for an actor's vanity project. Jay Bellerose (drums), Kevin Breit (guitars), Vincent Henry (horns), David Piltch (bass), and Patrick Warren (keyboard/accordion) played like they have been touring with Hugh Laurie for decades, not a few weeks, exactly as musicians of their caliber should.

One of the most priceless moments of the concert happened about three fourths of the way through the show, when Laurie took to the mic and told a story of how he and the band would christen each new venue they played by taking a drink of a 15 year old Macallan.

A roadie brought out a tray full of doubles which Laurie passed around the stage and after toasting each other, they toasted the audience. Plenty of musicians drink on stage, but this was about the classiest example of it I've seen.

As often happens with truly great live performances, it was over far too quickly. Hugh Laurie's skills as not just a musician, but an entertainer who engaged his audience on multiple levels, was impressive enough that if he were to play an even smaller venue at higher prices (the tickets were very reasonably priced this event) I would see him again without hesitation.

Hugh Laurie's North American tour was only a handful of dates, before he jetted off to perform in South America and Russia. He will be touring throughout Europe this summer. If Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band are at a venue near you, I can't encourage you highly enough to experience them live.