Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul

Academy, Glasgow

IT’S a measure of the star power emanated by Bruce Springsteen that a person as uniquely magnetic as “Little” Steven Van Zandt should achieve fame largely through being his sideman. The famously expressive guitarist with Springsteen’s E- Street Band throughout their career together, Van Zandt appeared here with his own backing group the Disciples of Soul – an expansive ensemble f eaturing a f ive - piece horn section and a trio of energetic backing singers and dancers – and took on the role of frontperson all by himself.

While this wasn’t quite the arena spectacle Van Zandt’s used to in his other job, the still- dynamic 68- year- old – his bandana and flowing silk scarf a stylistic diversion from the look favoured by Silvio Dante, the mobster he played in The Sopranos – delivered a night which was still amongst the first order of old- school rock ‘ n’ roll shows you’re likely to see these days.

Fo c usi ng on Summer of Sorcer y, his f i rst album of new music since 1999’ s Born Agai n S ava g e , Van Zandt ventured into both his own more extensive back catalogue from the 1980s and a short tribute selection to fellow Springsteen- affiliate New Jerseyites Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, including his own co- composition with Springsteen, Love on the Wrong Side of Town.

The unexpected versatility on display was impressive, from the flute solo which permeated Vortex, to the Caribbean-percussion tribute to West Side Story Bitter Fruit and the joyous main set finale Forever. There was also a sense that Van Zandt and Springsteen’s own political songwriting is in perfect alignment, with his I Am a Patriot dwelling on “the difference between true patriotism and blind nationalism,” and more than one moment of thrilling excitement as his familiar guitar style wound its way around a song.