Tilting Sky Presents Morganway, Addison’s Uncle, SJ Mortimer, Liberty Popey for the Morganway EP launch of Ain’t It Just, at Norwich Arts Centre 7 July 2016

Morganway

The Woodland Creatures

One of those special days of music in Norwich started late afternoon with a fish and chips supper from the Grosvenor Fish Bar on St. Gregory’s Green listening to the ever delightful duo that is The Woodland Creatures as part of the summer Head Out Not Home events. As their set finished there was even time to catch a performance by The Vagaband on Gentleman’s Walk before heading to the NAC for tonight’s gig. With a full line up this was an early start with Liberty Popey (lovely name) being the first act onstage at 7:40pm.  She’s just 16 I believe and there is no doubting her powerful voice, it will be interesting to see how her music develops and I look forward to her really making that soulful voice her own as her she continues to stamp her own style and identity on her work as much of the set is covers, I’ll be interested to hear how she sounds on more of her own compositions.

Liberty Popey

Liberty Popey

This was my first time of seeing the full SJ Mortimer band from Cambridge although I have seen SJ herself guesting on a song or two with Morganway in the past.  I can’t believe how quickly this set seemed to pass by which shows just how much fun it was both for band and audience alike. Obviously with their own followers in the audience this made for a good atmosphere, guitars, fiddles and banjos and lots of fun.

SJ Mortimer

SJ Mortimer

SJ Mortimer

SJ Mortimer

Addison’s Uncle were playing what in all probability could be their last high profile gig in Norwich unless they decide to go out with an absolute bang and a farewell gig.  As hugely entertaining as always, filling the stage with guitars, fiddles, and James constantly on the move rocking out on his uke.  I think it dawned towards the end of the set on both band and audience that this could be the last time we experience this and hear the likes of B1159 live, everyone just made the most of things, the band were on fire and the crowd had a blast singing and dancing along. It remains to be seen what Philip’s future music plans are but of course the rest of the band have various other projects on the go, notably The Georgia Shackleton Trio, all three of whom are part of Addison’s Uncle, and Mammal Not Fish featuring James Maas.

Addison’s Uncle

Addison’s Uncle

There was a great sense of anticipation and occasion as Morganway took to the stage in front of a just about full NAC and I also felt this gig made something of a statement, the band rightfully taking their place amongst the city’s finest. After the recent addition of Simon on drums the line-up has been further augmented by bass guitar and everything now feels complete.  I’d been much looking forward to hearing them on the NAC stage with their full and expansive sound. Mid-tour and after a string of festival appearances the band are tight and with a good chemistry. Yve was in sensational form, looking fantastic in light summer dress adorned with dreamcatchers and sounding magnificent. Yve is the perfect focal point but the boys too were having a ball. The atmosphere was superb which made for that lovely exchange of energy from stage to crowd and back again, the band obviously taken aback by it all. Undoubtedly the best performance I’ve seen so far from Morganway who have really stepped up several notches and made themselves big favourites of mine.

Morganway

Morganway

Their tour continues although as I write I have just heard that Yve will be performing at The Cottage in Norwich with Boweevil on Saturday evening.

Morganway

Morganway

Addison’s Uncle

Liberty Popey

Morganway

Morganway

Many thanks to Morganway, Tilting Sky, Norwich Arts Centre and all the acts.

Morganway

Incidentally, later that night on the other side of the city an East European store was attacked and damaged. Help can be offered via this pledge page:  https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/helpthevillageshop?utm_id=108&utm_term=NqDdm9dbE

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/shop_owner_describes_arson_attack_at_eastern_european_store_in_magdalen_street_norwich_1_4608759

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