A nice quartet tonight for this gig with John, Graham and Andy joining me for Bristol based Elles Bailey. It’s my first time seeing Elles and it’s a release party for her third album, ‘Shining in the Half Light’ tonight and we were nearly caught out by the early start to the headline show around 8.45pm but the Harvey’s best was going down very well in a local Borough boozer.
I listened to the new album in the morning and it’s certainly got a more soulful gospel edge to it and not as bluesy as her first two releases. Indeed Elles references this with the addition of two backing singers Izo Fitzroy and Andrusilla Mosely in the band tonight who provide the gospel tinge to proceedings.
There’s a genuine warmth from the crowd and it sometimes felt we were gate crashing a friends party but such is the relationship Elles has with her fans she is an honest humble raconteur between the songs and by no means comes across as a privileged ‘star’. Maybe a bit less chat though and a couple more songs.
Onto the music and obviously the whole new album was played that perfectly showcases that bluesy, slightly, gravelly voice to a T. Ably supported by her backing band who provided the rhythm throughout to drive these songs along. There’s some choice covers included in the set with a particularly great version of ‘Crowded Table’. The acoustic segment half way through with just her and her guitarist was another high point from the evening.
So rack this up as another great night at Omeara which is fast becoming my favourite small venue in London, and whilst warm inside it wasn’t the usual unbearable heat you experience there. I will definitely check Elles out again where I can hopefully hear some of those early tracks too.
Keep on bluesy rock and rollin y’all