Review: EZRA AXELROD: Songs From The American Motel – Leicester Square Theatre
EZRA AXELROD
SONGS FROM THE AMERICAN MOTEL
Leicester Square Theatre
Accompanying the launch of his album, American Motel, this show takes us on an intimate journey through Axelrod's 25 years, from growing up as a nerdy kid in La Grande, Oregon through to his life as a singer / songwriter and gay rights activist living in London’s Soho district, with some eye-opening tales of love and lust along the way (such as the ethical minefield of a student/teacher affair, or arguing with his boyfriend in the middle of a South American hurricane).

The songs are catchy and Axelrod displays an impressive vocal range, perfectly complemented by a superb supporting band of Dwayne Washington and Tim Oxbrow on supporting vocals, Tom Parsons on additional vocals and bass, Willemijn Steenbakkers on violin, Patrick Rowe on guitar and Fernando Medina on drums.
A few numbers stand out over and above the others. Pornstars and Broken Hearts is an insanely catchy ode to the adult entertainment industry, while 10 Million Lights is a deeply poignant number about finding the one person you want to settle down with in a busy, but lonely, city. But the one that stuck in my head all the way home and made me buy the album is the title number, American Motel.
A month-long residency at a central London venue is an unusual way to launch an album, but one that affords this unique artist the opportunity to show off his genuine personality and musical gifts in a fun and entertaining way.
Ezra Axelrod plays Songs From The American Motel at The Lounge, Leicester Square Theatre,6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX until 03 March. Tickets £15 from http://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/126519098/events