So, it was to be an evening of two sets, one dedicated to each band, and first up was The Cary Grace Band. And I thought that their set this evening was an inspired choice of tracks from the bands back catalogue, and one which gave Cary the opportunity to really utilize her voice, which has a stunning range. Cary's vocals are distinctive, powerful, strong and clean, yet diametrically delicate and magical, perfect for delivering her well constructed poetic lyrics, and, man, can she hold a note! It's not just notes she holds, it's your attention too, there's an intensity in her delivery. As I've mentioned before, she's a mesmerizing artist. The set felt different in style to the ones we've been used to recently, with more tracks and those chosen were shorter, punchier and delivered in a harder rockier style. I'm not complaining, mind, it's all good. The opening track 'cyanide', is off the fantastic 2015 'Tygerland' and is a powerful number with an air of menace, and one that allows Cary to show of her manifest vocal talents. Cary's voice was complemented on the harmonies when joined by Victoria who also has a wonderful voice. On tracks like 'Without a trace', one of the bands most recent releases, their combined vocal talents blend sublimely, it's like honey to your ears. Victoria's doesn't just deliver wonderful vocals though, no, she's fabulous on keyboard and even found time to add some oboe to the mix. On drums David is a regular powerhouse who, whenever we've seen him perform, has fair beat the crap out of those drums to blisteringly good effect, and this evenings performance was no different. The rhythm section is the foundation of a band, upon which beautiful things are built, and in the Payne/Budge combo the band have a rock solid construction platform on which to build. Andy B, as is the way of the master bass practitioner, looks cucumber cool most of the time, vibranium fingers plucking out groovy licks and riffs with clear intent. Tonight though he was totally rocking out, clearly loving the chemistry and enjoying every moment of it. The whole band looked like they were really enjoying performing, as much as we were enjoying the performance. David and Andy B heavily contributed to whole 'rockier' vibe to tonight’s show. One of the magical elements of The Cary Grace Band is hearing how guesting band members effect the sound, putting a unique flavour to familiar and well loved tracks, crafting one off magic moments. This evening there were two guest faces, on Mellotron and lead guitar. Andy T was on Mellotron (lovely sounding instrument) and synth, he made a groovy addition to the mix, adding nicely to the overall musical texture of the evening which was deep and richly woven. On lead guitar Gregory was faultless, his rendition of TCGB's tracks was perfect, as if he'd always been in the band. Whereas, this was only their second live performance together! That my friends must be the mark of a great guitarist! Gregory too definitely added to the rockier feel this evening, and along with Andy B and David formed a potent rock trinary. The band delivered every track beautifully, the sound was tight and clean. It was a real treat to hear tracks from earlier albums get an airing (check out that back catalogue, man, it contains gems). The set finished with an interpretation of the Stones 'Paint it Black', which did justice to the original by bringing new dimensions to it. The audience showed their appreciation for what was all round a fabulous performance of the type we've come to expect from The Cary Grace Band who never fail to deliver; tonight sprinkled with added Thompson and Curvey magic.
During the intermission there was an opportunity to chat to band members, all lovely folk, all having a fun time, and happy to chat to their gibbering fans. The intermission was short and it was soon time for The Luck of Eden Hall set.
Now, I'm ashamed to say, I'm a late arrival to the Luck Of Eden Hall party, 'The Acceleration of Time' was my first album. Though what an introduction to a band, the album is an absolutely sublime listen (an extensive, and rather groovy back catalogue is also available). So, imagine my joy to hear some of those tracks included in tonight's set. Like Cary, Gregory is a wonderful lyricist, who's words are well chosen and often convey pertinent topics, take 'The Happiness Vending Machine', as an example, is definitely a song for our times. The quality of his writing both musically and lyrically are right up there, each track is beautifully crafted. Gregory's a really fine guitarist who undoubtedly knows how to get the best out of a guitar, and he's versatile too. During the TCGB set his style was clean and rocky, as the tracks required. Though now on musical home turf you could really hear TLOEH's familiar warm, more psychedelic, guitar sound coming through. As with the first set, the Payne/Budge combo remained in full effect, to great effect, constructing firm footings for the others to build on. The rock trinary was still strong. Victoria's keyboard work was perfect, and along with Cary who twiddled and fiddled studiously with her analogue synth to stupendous effect, and Andy T's mellotron magic, crafted a fabulously rich tapestry of sounds and textures, through which Gregory's guitar could flow and dance. And Gregory made that guitar sing magnificently, whilst delivering some of his wonderfully insightful lyrics. For me the highlight of the TLOEH's set, had to be a live preview of the the bands forthcoming single, the totally epic, 20 odd minute long opus, 'make way for the mighty machines'. Man, epic is just what it is, so many different elements at play, so many diverse musical styles blended beautiful to create a fabulous whole, it's horizons huge. Elements of psych rock and punk sensibilities flowed through undertones of prog grandeur, it's a vast canvas and every inch bathed in a myriad of musical colour and flavour. I see the track as an anthem for positivity as disobedience to the prevailing negative mainstream narratives as projected through a corrupt corporate media, a rallying cry in the face of the developing storm born of capitalisms failings. It's immense, in sound and in scope, it's message salient. Our culture needs more musicians who give positive focus to our feeling of disenfranchisement, 'we're the resistance, we wont give in, to corporation blight' one lyric goes. It's a bloody musical masterpiece, man! Well, that's how I see it anyway. Even at over 20 minutes, it was over all too soon, as, sadly, was the whole set; time must have accelerated. Rapturous applause followed and was well justified; the audience had loved that. Gregory then kindly performed a solo number as an encore, which he'd arranged for his acoustic set in London next week. Lovely. All members of the collective delivered stellar performances, magic was created in that back room tonight. In both sets there was a tangible chemistry between all musicians. And, the quality of said musicians was testified to by their ability to, not just play the others music, which must be hard enough, but to be able to do each others music justice. I'm sure you'd agree, no mean feat, though one they appeared to have taken in their collective strides. In particular I doff my cap to TCGB for their parts in 'make way for the mighty machines' were outstanding, kudos all round. What a performance, a unique evening to remember. If a recording was taken, I'd have a slice of that, just saying. Big thanks y'all.
If you've not yet, you've got to catch The Cary Grace Band, you really must, they're group of consummate musicians. We seen a few gigs now, and I can honestly say, I have never been disappointed. In the meantime you can pick up the bands releases here. As for Gregory he's soon back state-side, though hopefully he and The Luck of Eden Hall will be returning next year,
and be assured, they'll be gigs not to miss. In the meantime check the
bands bandcamp page and pick yourself up a copy of something groovy, like 'The Acceleration of Time', a real must have album. Thanks for coming over and playing Gregory, man.
Again, massive thanks to the King Arthur for consistently putting on the finest of bands and events. The sound's always great, the atmosphere's always great, great staff and clientèle, have I mentioned it's great? My one complaint (a recurring one), where was everybody? Two great bands, a respected musician comes all the way from the states to play for us, and although the room was by no means empty, and all who were there were appreciative, it should have been rammed, man. We need to support bands and small venues, or we'll lose both and be the lesser for it. Anyway, thanks to all involved in creating this most memorable evening.
Again, massive thanks to the King Arthur for consistently putting on the finest of bands and events. The sound's always great, the atmosphere's always great, great staff and clientèle, have I mentioned it's great? My one complaint (a recurring one), where was everybody? Two great bands, a respected musician comes all the way from the states to play for us, and although the room was by no means empty, and all who were there were appreciative, it should have been rammed, man. We need to support bands and small venues, or we'll lose both and be the lesser for it. Anyway, thanks to all involved in creating this most memorable evening.
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