Grapevine at Bedfords with Swallow and the Wolf, Raevennan Husbandes, Andy Kirkham. 15 October 2014. Review, videos, photos by Richard Shashamane (c) all rights reserved.
Steve once again nailed it with a superb line up of artists who complimented each other perfectly, and all of them having the special bonus of being wonderful people with kind souls that absolutely shone through.
Dickie Hartt was standing in for Stuart on the sound desk this month and did an excellent job, all the performers sounding wonderful, with the exceptionally talented Andy Kirkham setting the evening’s music on the way. He played a set of Israeli klezmer, Malian desert folk and blues, a hint of Eastern European, some classical guitar, and of course some of his own compositions including the profoundly moving Little Shoes. Andy is so modest and unassuming and just gets on with the business of singing and playing guitar which he does brilliantly and makes look effortless. A perfect guest for a Grapevine night. He can also be seen playing locally with one of his other projects, the always entertaining and fun Moxy Gerbanzo.
Andy Kirkham
It felt like way too long since I’d last seen Raevennan Husbandes play live, and I unfortunately missed her recent (excellent) EP launch at the Bicycle Shop due to yet another gig clash so I was delighted to see that Steve had added her to the Grapevine bill. We chatted a bit beforehand and caught up. She is now based in London but clearly has much affection for Norwich and that feeling was obviously mutual. She has a voice clear and pure, a lovely guitar finger picking style to go along with her beautiful songs. She really is an exceptional talent and also has one of the easiest, friendliest stage manners I’ve ever come across. So incredibly likeable it is impossible not to warm to her and be drawn into her world. The fact that her songs, voice and playing also are so good means that she deserves every bit of success that comes her way. Absolutely wonderful and I was smiling from ear to ear.
Raevennan Husbandes
Raevennan Husbandes
(c) shashamane
This was my first encounter with Swallow and the Wolf, another Steve recommendation although I had also heard about them via Natalie Lake a while back. A very quietly confident and talented duo, they surprised everyone by starting (and ending) the set playing acoustically without the PA amongst the audience to the delight of all. Between these acoustic set bookenders they performed a really moving series of atmospheric songs on guitar, piano, and exquisite harmonies. Very friendly and lovely people I am sure they’ll be back in Norwich before too long.
Swallow and the Wolf
(c) shashamane
Swallow and the Wolf
Many thanks to Raevennan Husbandes, Andy Kirkham, Swallow and the Wolf, Simon and all at Bedfords, Dickie, and of course Steve and Jan. Yes, once again Grapevine at Bedfords was a special one. The only sounds from a totally rapt audience was the rousing applause after each song. A beautiful evening of music from lovely people.
Words and photos, richard shashamane (c) 2014 all rights reserved. Photos not to be used without permission.
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Norwich: Music City, UK 