The Georgia Shackleton Trio, Cara Winter, Ralegh Long at Grapevine @ Bedfords, Bedfords Bar, Norwich 24 June 2015
Bedfords was deservedly busy on this balmy June evening for a fine line up on Grapevine @ Bedfords night, in midsummer and being quite possibly my 100th gig of this year so far.
The opening act was Ralegh Long, who came to Steve’s attention via Grapevine regular Dan Whitehouse’s recommendation. Playing piano, guitar and singing with an expressive voice he was also joined by the superb Jack Hayter on pedal steel and also acoustic guitar for one or two numbers. An intriguing set which included covers of James Bond themes and Neil Young’s Harvest Moon it was on his own compositions that provided the set’s highlights with good storytelling and introductions.
Ralegh Long with Jack Hayter
(c) shashamane 2015
The middle set fell to the delightful Cara Winter, another Grapevine regular, alongside her two outstanding musician friends, Nicolas Cooper and Stuart Pringle who provided cello and percussion perfectly. I’m so glad Cara made it here having not long ago had a freakish and rather nasty accident in a way that probably only she could. Slicing off a chunk of her big toe with a gravy boat whilst making rhubarb crumble is comical and scary in equal measures … she showed me the pictures!! We joked about a future song called Gravy Boat Blues.
Part of her charm though is her easy and good natured chatter, slightly bonkers, very funny, and utterly charming and delightful, her introductions are as much a part of her set as the songs themselves, which are brilliant. She has a lovely warm voice suited well to the melancholy themes over delicate piano. Just beautiful, and lovely to hear again some favourites such as Butterfly and Let Me Get My Things. I’ve seen her at least three times now and it’s always an absolute pleasure to hear her play, I look forward to her next visit to Norwich.
Cara Winter
(c) shashamane 2015
Cara Winter
(c) shashamane 2015
Fresh from their recent EP launch at The Bicycle Shop the superb Georgia Shackleton Trio (all of them members of Addison’s Uncle) provided the perfect way to close the night with a mix of bluegrass, traditional folk and some of their own songs too. The tempo was varied and the set very well chosen. Georgia on fiddle and lead vocals, Nic on mandolin, and Aaren on guitar have a fantastic dynamic and play amazingly well. A really compelling, captivating and enjoyable set that made one want to stamp along. A great way to end another wonderful Grapevine with an audience who listened and loved all they heard throughout the night. No wonder recommendations are being sent Steve’s way and people want to come back again and again, artists and audience alike.
The Georgia Shackleton Trio
(c) shashamane 2015
Georgia Shackleton Trio
(c) shashamane 2015
Georgia Shackleton Trio
(c) shashamane 2015
Georgia Shackleton Trio
(c) shashamane 2015
Many thanks to all the artists, Steve and Jan, Stuart on sound, Simon and Johnny and all the Bedfords staff.
words and photos (c) richard shashamane 2015
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