It’s a solo show, and, bereft of his Southern Vultures, Montalban plays guitar over backing tracks and sometimes adds vocals too. But thankfully, he doesn’t need a band for his playing to shine. Favouring the ‘more is more’ approach to the guitar, a flurry of notes fly from his fingers with such ease it’s as if the battered Fender Strat is somehow wired into his soul. There is incredible technique but more importantly, feeling.
Clearly a talented writer and gifted interpreter, it’s a night of two halves; the first showcasing his original work and the second a crowd pleasing selection of covers, if only there was a crowd to please! Bohemian Rhapsody is twisted into something altogether different, Freddie Mercury’s vocals obscured by weeping guitar, the second half sounding far too big to be the sound of one musician. Hotel California follows, but Sultans of Swing is the highlight. Montalban reflects on his time busking in Oxford Street and it’s not surprising to hear that the YouTube video of him playing this track has racked up millions of views. Knopfler’s licks are beautifully translated with his own Latin flair, a startling performance.
