For my birthday Gerry, my wife, got tickets to go see Mostly Autumn at The Brook in Southampton. The show was last night and you certainly get your money’s worth.
Let me say straight away that I did enjoy the show. But, I think they are too big for The Brook. By that I mean that physically they are too big for the Brooks stage but also I think their sound needs a bigger venue to give some separation.
There are six members of the band and with all their equipment they looked cramped and with various members of the band leaving then returning to the stage at different points during the show it was distracting as they had to squeeze through.
The description on the Brooks website has this to say about them….
“Their musical palette is diverse and while they draw on influences from the golden age of seventies’ rock, they have developed their own unique sound and style that both captures some of the essence of that heady era and yet looks forward into the future.
Bryan Josh is that rare beast – a hugely talented guitarist who knows how to play with feeling and for the song. His soaring guitar, always drenched in pure emotion, at times recall the golden era of guitar heroes such as David Gilmour but never outstays its welcome, always leaving the listener wanting a little more. Lead vocalist Olivia Sparnenn is a true talent, the range and beauty of her voice is world class. The magnificence of Iain Jennings on keyboards, complimented by a rock solid yet fluid rhythm section – Andy Smith (bass), Gavin Griffiths (drums), Liam Davison (rhythm guitar) and the delightful vocals and multi instruments of Anne-Marie Helder make Mostly Autumn a band that will enthrall you and awaken memories of what real music is really about.”
Certainly there is much about them to bring memories of the 70’s rushing back. I was reminded of early Hawkwind, Pink FLoyd and so much more if for no other reason than the soaring guitars of Bryan Josh and Liam Davison. At times their solos gave not so subtle references to Echoes and Shine On You Crazy Diamond, so much so that with your eyes closed you could be at a Floyd concert. Mix in the ethereal flute playing of Anne-Marie Helder to give a hint of the Moody Blues and you begin to get some idea of where their music is based.
The band has a huge library of original songs with over a dozen CDs and DVDs released. Last nights show featured a selection of songs from all of them spread over two sets each about an hour-long. The last was then followed by two, or was it three encore songs followed by the group taking their bows as Supertramp blasted out over the PA . All of their songs are original, this is no covers band.
The strongest songs of the night, for me, were “And When the War is Over…”, “Ice” and “Evergreen”. The vocals are shared between most of the band members but the lead is shared between Bryan Josh and Olivia Sparnenn.
My recommendation is, if they are performing near you, go and see them. You won’t be disappointed and they are well worth the money. In the meantime, take a look at the recordings available on YouTube
Thank you Gerry for a splendid evening. We won’t mention what you did at the petrol station.
WrAnTz 