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Jack Johnson Brings Mellow Hawaiian Warmth To Camden

REVIEW: Star performed old favourites & new tracks at iTunes Festival...

On the day his new album Jack Johnson and his band took the stage at the iTunes Festival to lull fans with a repertoire of his best-known tunes, and a sample of new, already-loveable tracks.

After the dramaticiTunes countdown, Jack arrived on stage solo and quipped“After all that buildup it’s just a guy and an acoustic guitar.” Eleven years after hisfirst album’s runaway success, it 's clear he's as unbothered about the fame machine asever.

Feeling: Support act Bahamas set the tone with their similarly soothing sound before Jack appeared.With zero pretence, he quickly brought the crowd into hislaid-back easy world, playing a 1.5 hour set that fans lapped up.

The intimacy of the Roundhouse played the perfect backdrop to the cosiness of Jack's recognisable sound, and it felt as though we were joining him in the familiar surroundings of his home, just having a jam with his mates.

Look: The stage was dressed with a coat stand, a giant pendant lampshade hung over Jack’s head and the band sipped out of mugs creating a home-from-home feel.

Large dimmed spotlights lit the stageadding a retro vibe, while a backdrop of giant doodles featuring plants andplanets and beach scenes settled the dreamy atmosphere.

In a casual t-shirt and blue jeans,tanned and serene, Jack hardly looks like he’s aged a day.

Tunes: Opening his set with two best-known love songs, Jack described writing Do You Remember about meeting his wife,before dedicating I Got You to thehail storm in London that afternoon.

Playing a mix of the tunes that made himfamous – including the timeless Flake, as well asBubbleToes, Taylor and Banana Pancakes, Johnson’s voice was as comforting as ever.

Jack picked up an electric guitar for Radiate, livening things up, while aguest rap interlude in Staple It Togetherfelt slightly bizarre, but got the audiencebuzzing and demonstrated the singer's desire to break out of the mould he isso well-recognised for.

Banter: Jack chatted about his songs and introduced quips into some of hisclassics to paint a picture of his family life. He was clearly much more comfortableon stage and better at engaging with the crowd than when this reviewer firstsaw him somewhat awkwardly perform at the NEC in Birmingham seven years ago.

He teased and surprised theaudience with intro chords from some of his most popular songs before delving into others, and when the crowd went crazy for an encore, stamping theirfeet, Jack returned to the stage and simply said: “you knew I was justkidding.”

Sweat Factor: Warm andtoasty – like pulling on your favourite wooly jumper.

Set List

Do You Remember -(Jack solo)

I Got You -(Jack solo)

Good People -(Jack solo)

Washing Dishes

Taylor

Sitting, Waiting,Wishing

Flake

Shock Reverse Shock

Fortunate Fool

Radiate

Bubble Toes

Wasting Time

Don't Believe a Thing

I Say -(with Bahamas)

Banana Pancakes

Tape Deck

Staple It Together

At or With Me

Encore:

Gone -(Jack solo)

Ones and Zeros -(Jack solo)

Angel/Better Together -(Jack solo)

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MTV Rating:

By Leigh Gower@mtvuknews

Pictures:© iTunes Festival

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