Chequerboard – The Sugar Club – Live Review
by Killian Laher

The Sugar Club – March 9, 2024, 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Photos by Allen Kiely

This postponed show for John Lambert aka Chequerboard now coincided with the release of his new album, serving to launch the album.  Support came from Unshaped Form, a duo consisting of looped cello and textured guitar.  Playing a continuous piece they created a tremendous sound, with some interesting imagery as a backdrop.

John Lambert was joined by Barry O’Halpin from the Crash Ensemble on guitar and Lioba Petrie and Mary Barnecutt on cello.  They opened with some selections from his new album Souvenir.  Koyo and The Art of Friendship were, if anything, enhanced by the addition of cello.  Lambert played Red Admiral solo and it was a joy to listen to him handle the intricate guitar patterns.  The set wasn’t only new material, Lambert and O’Halpin played a medley of older tracks, Leaf to Light and in particular a haunting 20th Century Artillery.

Dunes is a signature piece for Lambert and it provided a high point of the set, followed by an interesting, slowed-down rendition of True North.  The cellos took centre stage for The Raised Glass before they finished off their set with a soaring version of The Unfolding.  Chequerboard live performances are a relatively rare occurrence so this was a great opportunity to hear the music live.