David returns to make a lasting impact

10:46am Friday 15th February 2008

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THE last time David Celia performed in Worcester the crowd was small. Fortunately for those who were there, the Canadian singer was unfazed, and fortunately for those who were not, he is now planning to return.

"I've played at the Marr's Bar twice before and had a lovely time," he said.

"The crowd was small but the reception was wonderful."

While some have described Celia's music as "roots-rock with hints of folk wrapped up in a pop package", the man himself sums it up as "a lush mix". And quite right too.

Oft-labelled one of Toronto's finest singer-songwriters, Celia offers music lovers something pure, honest and all-round enjoyable.

While inspired by older music, he does not shy away from modern songs.

"I tend to like music that will last," he said. "It started in the basement. I was first on the drums at 10, then guitar at 13.

"Judas Priest was the sound for years. I loved the B-sides. I'd lift every song I ever heard from then on.

"I've never had a desire to be on stage. It still frightens me. I love that unplanned feeling of playing a song."

Celia, who can count BBC Radio Two DJ Bob Harris as a fan, enjoyed the experience of a lifetime last July, performing in front thousands and sharing a bill with Elvis Costello and Badly Drawn Boy in Lucerne, Switzerland.

He is similarly proud of playing with folk-rockers Ian and Sylvia Tyson, and here in the UK supporting the Divine Comedy as a solo artist.

When Worcester-based reviewer Toxic Pete saw Celia in 2005 he was full of praise for the "affable and quietly spoken" musician. "David Celia has something very cool about his whole approach and execution," he said. "Somehow he manages to sway haters of country into his camp and sends them away with more than a little to think about and remember.

"I know I came away needing to listen once again to Organica - to satisfy a base level of musical greed for just a little more of that, please!'' Celia's latest album, This Isn't Here, has proved a popular follow-up to his debut Organica. The record is described as engaging, not to mention bursting with whimsical harmonies, roots-pop and hints of folk.

If local music fans have any sense, they will turn up in droves to experience Celia live when he plays the Marr's Bar on Sunday, April 20.

Lauren Rogers