Cary Grace @ The Assembly Rooms Glastonbury 28.12.2019

After writing an earlier post on gigs, I realised I hadn't finished, let alone posted my intended post on Cary's Assembly room gig back in 2019. So, still not at all finished (too much time elapsed), though tidied up enough to give an impression, here it is.

Well, what a  absolutely splendid evening of sublime music. I've missed far too many gigs this year, and am so glad that I made it to this one. Tonight was the album launch of Cary Grace's much anticipated fabulous new album 'Lady of Turquoise'. Cary's a mesmerizing performer and purveyor of quality compositions, check her page out, there's some beautifully work there charting Cary's musical evolution. Fantastic as her albums are, and they are, catching a live performance is something else; and tonight in Glastonbury's esteemed Assembly Rooms, a lovely venue, one with history, character and a great atmosphere; lovely staff and a great sound too. Tonight was going to be good!

 

It wasn't just Cary on the bill this evening either, no, tonight we were well and truly spoilt. First up was the wonderful Tim Hawthorn. It doesn't matter how Tim Hawthorn manifests, The Archytypes, The Anarchitypes or simply himself, his bardic magic never fails to engage and enthral; and tonight was no exception, a performer with range and presence. Tim was followed by Kangaroo Moon, those renowned troubadours of joy, whose performances are guaranteed to raise your spirits, and you to your feet...which of course they did. I heard Elliet say her violin is way over 200 years old, imagine that, it's been moving people for that many years, there's magic in that, man. Speaking of magic, one of the band's magical qualities is the alchemy created by transient members, tonight's transient was Hawklords bassist Tom Ashurst. Nice! Talking to Tom's affable friend Kav, they'd driven down from Wigan especially for the evening; I doff my cap to you sirs and salute your commitment. As you'd imagine Kangaroo Moon played a wonderfully set. 

 

Then the main event of the evening...The Cary Grace Band. It seems like an age since we last saw the Band perform, a collective of musicians of the highest calibre, who consistently deliver memorable performances and tonight was to be something special, the première of Cary's new album 'Lady of Turquoise'. Wow, Cary's surpassed herself with this one, what an album, and what a performance too! Cary's voice was on top form, as was her synthe, both magnificent instruments working wonders together. The bar was set for the rest of the band and as you'd expect, they rose to it. Victoria Reyes on keys contributed some lovely harmonies as well as Sax; her playing giving no indication that she'd only picked the instrument up a fortnight ago! Whilst John Garden looked so laid back delivering his masterful guitar, so much so that on several occasions he was reclined as if in repose on a chaise lounge. Underpinning it all a solid foundation brought by the formidable talents of David Payne (drums) and Andy Budge (bass) ensuring flawless rhythm; the two maestros really came into their own through the heavier segments. Talented folk all, whose talents shone throughout tonight's splendid performance; a magnificent job, this evening was the band's first time playing the new material live too. They all looked like they were having a good time (always lovely to see), there were plenty of smiles and looks between them as it all came together. I can say with authority that the audience absolutely loved it! Lady of Turquoise is a modern progressive psyche rock masterpiece, beautifully written and arranged, and tonight magnificently performed with a theatrical delivery perfectly pitched for the material.

What a lovely evening; what a splendid show, fabulous music, in a beautiful place, spent in the company of wonderful people...that pretty much ticks all the boxes of top evening. It was always fated to be a fabulous evening...which of course it was. You must check the album out Lady of Turquoise.