Summer had ended, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness was upon us so it was only proper that Letham Nights 32 should prove to be a soulful occasion. Not for us the vulgar drums and profane, thrusting basslines of evenings passed, but instead a more sophisticated melange of singers, songwriters and acoustic loveliment. Up stepped the local girl, the backwoodsman and the Southern grizzly to deliver an enchanted night of sings and strings.
We like nothing more than welcoming old friends back to our hallowed hall and we were delighted to have two such return performers on the bill for LN32. First up was Stella Reilly. Stella last lit up our stage back in February as part of local band Sienna. Now performing solo, any doubts that Stella might struggle to fill a stage without her old pals were soon knocked into a cocked hat as she delivered a rollocking set of original gems and pitch-perfect covers including a great version of Paul Simon’s ‘Call Me Al’.
Check out Stella at: https://www.facebook.com/stellareillymusic
We also made a new friend in the shape of Canadian singer-songwriter, Scott Cook. With his gentle finger-picking and whispered vocals like wood-smoke in an autumn dusk, Edmonton, Alberta’s very own prairie balladeer reminds one of a lumberjack Mississippi John Hurt. Scott’s own ‘Pass It Along’, was the highlight of the evening and, with its message of the lifecycles of things we use and places we belong, is sure to become a Letham Nights anthem.
Don’t miss Scott Cook at: http://www.scottcook.net/
Another returnee to our castle of creativity was the irrepressible Jez Hellard. We first met Jez at LN26 in October last year and he’s lost none of his wit, wind or withering put-downs (no out of time foot-stamping here, or else). Jez created a Letham Nights first by leaping from the stage to perform a fully acoustic (no amps, see?) Miners Picket Song on the harmonica; a song he had not so long ago performed to the remains of one Margaret Thatcher (another story). His version of Boo Hewerdine’s ballad of dustbowl migration, ‘Harvest Gypsies’ was another highlight in an evening of great music.
Catch Jez at: www.jezhellard.com
Don’t forget that the Clap and Tipple bar is always on hand to quench your thirst and soothe your tastebuds together with the Doorstep Bakery with pizza or bready snacks!
