The Cary Grace Band @ The king Arthur 21.5.2016

I'd been look forward to seeing Cary Grace since hearing a promotional copy of her fantastic album 'Tygerland' some time back. So when I saw she was playing at one of my favourite venues, The King Arthur in Glastonbury, I, along with a couple of chums, jumped at the opportunity. We'd arrived hours ahead of the gig to ensure we got in, well, you can never be too careful. The King Arthur (as I've mentioned before) is real treat, great staff, lovely friendly locals, a great venue all round; you're always guaranteed a top night, just as you're always guaranteed an interesting conversation from one or more of the local characters. Tonight that character was Paul, a really nice chap, very funny, with plenty of interesting things to say. I love meeting nice interesting people, and Paul was certainly one. As has happened before at a Glastonbury gig (and I kid you not), for some unfathomable reason we were mistaken for members of the band, with Paul asking us several times 'are you sure you're not with the band'? Paul even got us to sign one of the free (amazingly good quality) gig posters, (I signed with the additional written caveat that I was not in the band) before bothering the actual band to sign it too. What must they have thought? Who are these other chancers who've signed this, probably.  Well, enough to say that the Arthur (as I understand locals call it) was, as always, a treat. So I'll say no more, check it out for yourselves one time. 

Now, as for the gig. Well, blimey! It turned out to be a gig of 2 sets; this has been a feature of a few gigs I've been to in recent years, Sentient, Magic Bus, Gothic Chicken, and I dig it. The anticipation and excitement I'd felt were not misplaced, as from the get go the performance was flawless, with every band member right on the numbers.  On the keyboard Victoria Reyes played some amazing keys, I have a particular fondness for keyboards and she really delivered. Victoria has a lovely voice too, when she joined with Cary on the harmonies, well, far out. Bass was provided by Andy Budge, who seemed to be having a whale of a time, whilst laying down some rich blistering bass, he really belted it out, good style. Although the evenings award for belting it out must go to David Payne on drums, man, did he give that drum kit a beating, particularly in the second set where he really let rip. Respect, that's got to be punishing. Guitar in the first set was delivered by Owain Hutchings and John Garden, both superbly proficient in their art, who with an understated presence (particularly John Garden who played from the shadows at the back, in ghostly fashion) brought some blissful noddling to the party. These really are some great musicians, who together created a nice tight musical sound-scape. As for Cary herself, she appeared intense and super focused as she studiously twiddled with knobs and pushed this and that on her analogue synth, (I love that sound, man). Carys lyrics are wonderfully poetic and she delivered them masterfully; Carys voice, man, so clean, and what a range, she really hits those notes. I found her whole performance truly mesmerizing. Between tracks her intenseness softened, replaced by smiles, which was nice to see.  It's always nice to see artists having a good time, and all the band appeared to be having a ball.

For the second set the band were joined by legendary guitarist Steffe Sharpstrings. The first set had been mainly tracks off Carys various albums (all good), and they were all fantastic, though I particularly loved 'Cyanide' off Tygerland and 'The Scarab' off Perpetual Motion, both marvellous tracks. I didn't recognize the tracks (other than the final couple which were nice covers) of the second set.  The second set was a far more jammy affair, with all of the band really letting go and taking the audience on a musical odyssey, blooming lovely!  As I said, David Payne fair beat the crap out of the drums through most of the second set, and along with Andy Budge created some fantastically solid baselines. Cary went to town on her analogue synth and other twiddly things (yeah, I'm sure they've got names, but I don't know them) conjuring up some strange and wonderful musical textures, whilst in parts her voice took on the role of an additional instrument, beautiful. John Garden continued to noodle exquisitely from the shadows, throughout both sets he appeared a quiet studious fellow. Then there was Steffe, you know when steffe plays it'll be top shelf, and of course it was. Steffe let flow with a stream of magical noodling laced with melting glissando (along with some great faces as he was taken by the music) and your jaw drops, transfixed, you're enveloped by the music. Together, they were far f*cking out! Victoria and Owain, who'd not been on stage, rejoined the band for the last 2 tracks (the covers), both of which were great and original interpretations. The whole ensemble looked blissed out, I know the audience certainly were.  Really, really, great stuff!

Then all too soon it was over, though the smiles on everyone’s faces remained, as will the memories of a top nights music performed by great musicians. A big thank you to you all!  I noticed some musical luminaries in the house this evening too, Mark Robson, Joie Hinton and Andy Roger all enjoying the performance. Oh, and I must give a big up to whoever was on sound, nice job! I've been to few gigs now at the King Arthur and they do seem to get the sound spot on, which is nice.

I can't wait to see Cary Grace again (probably at Kozfest). Check her out, she's very talented and creates music in a variety of styles, though all with her distinct signature.
https://play.spotify.com/artist/6Y79KJfUUd74tDD3wtnsAs