Saturday 19th March Review

Radio Humberside had declared this the ‘Gig of the Week’, and it certainly lived up to that prediction, with a capacity audience and amazing music from Leanne Burton, 'Sea Fret' and 'Circus Envy'.

Bridlington’s own Leanne Burton kicked the night off in style, looking, and sounding like, an angel. She started off her set with Hallelujah, over used by X-Factor a couple of years ago, but Leanne brought something fresh to the song, making me like it again, her beautiful voice effortlessly soaring to the high notes. She finished her set with her own composition about a night out in Bridlington, which had the audience clapping along with her. A few of the audience were disappointed that Leanne did not have a CD they could buy: well the good news is that she will be recording her first CD at South Beach Studios this summer – drop us an e-mail if you want to be one of the first to get a copy.

 

 

Next up was 'Sea Fret', a recently formed Flamborough duo, who there is a great buzz about at the moment. Harry, on guitar, we have seen at 'Acoustic @ The Spa' before in his previous duo, 'Harry and Me', and he is an amazing guitarist, effortlessly note, and rhythm, perfect. For one so young to be so good, he must have being playing since he was born! Singing with Harry was Jack; sexy Jack. With a voice like a cross between Joe Cocker, Paolo Nutini and Ben Ottewell, as if he's had a lifetime of whisky and cigarettes- clearly not the case in this teenager, just natural talent. Jack looks and sounds like he should be fronting a rock band, and a duo with Harry should not work, but it does, Harry’s perfect guitar is a counterbalance, the calm eye of the Sea Fret storm. The audience loved them, shouting out their favourite songs, and wouldn’t let them go without an encore.

Our headlining act 'Circus Envy', were one of the reasons we were persuaded to continue with 'Acoustic @ The Spa' in 2011 – although we had some wonderful acts on last year, 'Circus Envy' were my favourite gig of the whole year, and I couldn’t wait to hear them again. They did not disappoint. This five piece band from Hull have been together a few years now, and have a strong, loyal fan base, many of whom had traveled to see them in Bridlington.

Leigh’s voice is like honey poured on a trouble soul - I could listen to him all night, and when one, or all, of the rest of the band join in with perfect harmonies, I get goose bumps all over. They are all accomplished musicians, with guitars, bouzouki, mandolin, piano, bass and cajon weaving a perfect tapestry of sound, and bringing a traditional sensibility to their intricately crafted harmony-led modern songs. In the first set they played songs from their current EP ‘A New Dawn’ and earlier material, but after a short break, they played songs mainly off their forthcoming new CD, and I, like many fans, am looking forward to its release (date not yet set), so I can hear them again!

They finished with an encore, including their lively version of the traditional song ‘Three Score and Ten’ (as played on Radio 2), which had everyone singing and clapping along.  This is a band on the brink of making it big, and over the next few months will be performing all over the country, (including headlining at ‘Fruit’ in Hull on 7th April, as part of 'Beverley Folk Festival Presents', where they will be supported by ‘Blackbeard's Tea Party’ and 'Sea Fret') - see them when you can.

Many thanks to Leanne Burton, Sea Fret and Circus Envy (and our audience) for great night.

The next 'Acoustic @ The Spa' is 'The Coast Concert' on Friday 3rd June, when we are privileged to have the wonderful Boo Hewerdine, supported by David Swann and 'Hissyfit'. We look forward to seeing you then…

Jean Illingworth

MC Acoustic @ The Spa

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