Having recently enjoyed reviewing Elles Bailey’s fourth studio album, “Beneath the Neon Glow“, I was thrilled to spot her playing just a thirty-minute drive away. However, while looking forward to seeing Bailey, I hadn’t realised just how fantastic pretty much everything about the night would be. I had never been to The Fire Station in Sunderland before and was pleasantly surprised at how brilliantly the Edwardian building has been transformed and extended into the stunning venue it now is. The bar and lighting were impressive, and with the auditorium accommodating both seated and standing attendees, all housekeeping boxes were ticked, and the rest was up to the music.
An understated Bailey, in leggings & a t-shirt, personally introduced the first of the two support acts. Demi Marriner, who we were to see lots more of later as a musician and backing vocalist with Bailey, is an incredible artist in her own right. She performed four of her own numbers, showcasing her huge voice, big songs, and excellent guitar playing. It was a fabulous treat. Bailey returned to the stage to introduce the next supporting act, her friends, Ida Mae. This husband-and-wife alternative rock duo took the place by storm with their simple yet effective set-up. With interesting vocal dynamics, a couple of sensational, flashy guitars, a tambourine and a stomp pedal, the audience was treated to something just that little bit different.
After further refreshments, the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” rang out as Bailey herself took to the stage. (I think it was an incongruous walk-on song, but as stated earlier, it was only “pretty much everything” about the night that was fantastic.) With her trade mark smoky vocal suffering from the effects of a toddler-related virus, Bailey still managed to perform the whole of “Beneath the Neon Glow“, profusely thanking the audience for helping get the album to number twelve in the UK album chart, and interspersed it with songs from previous album releases, including “Shining in the Half Light“, “Road I Call Home” and “Blacktop Companion“.
A split vote by the audience resulted in Bailey’s cover of John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery“, where Marriner took a verse and duetted beautifully with Bailey, and “What’s the Matter With You” both being performed. The latter, whilst a little reminiscent of “I Put a Spell on You“, has a great sound but perhaps too much organ. The keyboard player played some great piano, as did Bailey herself, which gives, for me, a much more transparent sound and punch to most songs, than the organ. But, I guess that is down to personal taste.
Elles Bailey has a distinct sound and image, with her husky vocals and hippy dress sense adding to her vibe. Other vibes, though, creep in from time to time, such as in “Hell or High Water” from the “Road I Call Home” album. It is a hugely atmospheric song with an Appalachian yet Bon Jovi spirit. Meanwhile, “The Truth Ain’t Gonna Save Us” has a sultry Fleetwood Mac vibe, backing up a comment an audience member had called out earlier in the show, likening Bailey to Stevie Nicks.
Bailey benefits hugely from the terrific band she has behind her, each member bringing their all to the party. Co-writing partner and guitarist Joe Wilkins gave some thrilling guitar solos, while drummer Matthew Jones was superbly sensitive throughout. Four of the five talented band members also contributed to the backing vocals, so the overall sound was consistently wonderful. Bailey led, and the band blended beautifully, not least thanks to the amazing sound control and quality.
There were many highlights throughout the evening but I’m singling out two, mainly for their beautiful dedications: “Leave the Light On“, dedicated to Bailey’s husband, who stays at home so she can go on the road, and “Silhouette in the Sunset“, movingly dedicated to absent friends. Both are from “Beneath the Neon Glow“.
Although she is approaching the end of her tour, there are still a couple of chances to see Elles Bailey before the end of the year. If you are close to Wolverhampton or Leeds, make the effort. You will enjoy a fabulous night of superb songs and musicianship.
