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Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Five years ago, the idea of a genuine singer-songwriter getting signed in the UK was a prospect possibly only reserved for the James Blunts of this world. In the time that’s elapsed, however, Britain has truly learned to sing again, producing an underground scene where talent can be nurtured and where voices can truly develop.

Possibly the most visible aspect of that scene has coalesced around the club nights hosted by Communion, an amalgam of right-thinking folk that includes Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett, ex-Cherbourg bassist Kevin Jones (now in Bear’s Den), and producer Ian Grimble. Communion assembles wonderfully democratic bills based on musical merit rather than any kind of snobbery.

In fact, as you read this, it will have hosted a bash at Maggie Mae’s Rooftop on Wednesday, with Bear’s Den on the bill alongside Marcus Foster, Nathaniel Rateliff, and the Treetop Flyers, among others. A second night follows tomorrow – more of which you can read about in tomorrow morning’s edition of the Chronicle. But one of tonight’s musical highlights is a performance by Communion acolyte Benjamin Francis Leftwich, a man who’s slowly carved out a formidable live reputation in the UK.

Now 22, Leftwich began doing what most aspiring musicians do: playing covers. In his case, he turned mostly to latter-day indie rock typified by his rendition of Arcade Fire’s “Rebellion,” sticking his version up on YouTube. There Leftwich began to realize that an audience wasn’t beyond him.

As his taste developed and stretched into the classicism of Bruce Springsteen, so too his ability grew, and the quiet York-born singer began writing his own songs. Playing live added to his confidence, and an appearance on Communion’s first album (a version of which was subsequently cover-mounted with Mojo magazine), while EP A Million Miles Out announced him to the wider world.

Since then, Leftwich has recorded and released his debut album, Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, which was produced by Grimble. An easy listen, the album’s divided opinion, certain critics viewing it as safe, OC-approved post-folk even as others applaud Leftwich’s burnished songwriting, his hushed, summer tones drawing distinct comparisons with José Gonzalez.

Certainly he lacks the musical bombast of his hero Bruce on material like “Pictures” and the outstanding “Box of Stones,” but Leftwich does little to hide his desire to follow in Springsteen’s footsteps and seduce the masses. Catch him tonight, and he may well seduce you, admittedly without sweating, rocking, or bellowing to the same extent as this year’s keynote speaker.

This article appears in March 16 • 2012.