Otto – Clwb Ifor Bach (20.08.22)

(Photo by Martin Beesley)

When we wrote in 2019 that Otto’s song “Boxer” was world class and with songs of that quality he should extend his reach beyond Wales little did we anticipate what would happen next. Within 6 months he won a global song competition judged by Dave Stewart which resulted in him meeting and working with the great man himself. The subsequent single “Amelia” could have been the end of the connection. However, Stewart was so impressed by Otto’s collection of over 80 songs that he decided they should record an album together. This is now complete and features a seasoned collection of musicians who have played with the likes of Neil Young and Dolly Parton and to top it all off it’s just been mastered at Abbey Road.

For this hometown gig much of the material was new to the audience so it wasn’t surprising the biggest reaction was for ‘Amelia’ & ‘Boxer’. However, the songs from the forthcoming album have huge potential and will grow in appreciation with repeated listens. Otto is a great story teller and following a shoot-out near Dave Stewart’s house where he was staying his immediate reaction was to write a song about the experience. The resulting song “Star Crossed Lovers” was a highlight of the set. Other stand outs included “Hearts” and “Stay Awhile” with the latter sounding like a future hit.  This was a triumphant hometown return and if we can make another prediction Otto seems bound for international recognition in 2023.

 

https://soundcloud.com/igobyotto