A musical week
This week has been a very musical week for me, on Tuesday Shropshire Accordion Club, on Wednesday The Brothers Gillespie, on Friday Will Barnes Quartet.
The first time picking up and playing an accordion, after going to their show before Christmas and wanting to try it, it was much heavier than I thought, and the sideways piano part that I couldn’t really see was quite hard to get my head around, the notes went down as you go up the keyboard, and up as you go down, which to a flute and whistle player was a bit of a mind-boggle.
It was satisfying to play Edelweiss at a reasonable pace, reading music already definitely gives an advantage, however I am truly respectful of those who can play by ear, it’s something I’m slowly learning, albeit with trial and error (which I’m pretty sure is how that works)
The Brothers Gillespie were outstanding, enchanting and just a delight to watch, their voices had such a range between low and high, I’d heard Sam play at The Dreaming of Oak and Ash storytelling retreat I went to in 2023 and knew that he would be an absolute treat to hear again, his otherworldly voice and music playing was so heart-opening for me and inspired me to start playing my flute (and consequently the penny whistle) after 16 years. Together, they were so in sync in a way that went beyond words, James’ anecdotes whilst Sam warmed up his banjo at the end made us all laugh, their soft Northumbrian accents which carry through into their songs are dreamy and kind. The blessing for children song (I can’t remember which one) which we all joined in the chorus, was so sweet I had tears in my eyes, not for the first time that evening. I left feeling I had witnessed pure musical spirit channeled through one being.
https://thebrothersgillespie.com/
Last night I went to see Will Barnes Quartet with absolutely no idea what to expect, me and my friend’s attention was captured by Erin Hughes’ marbled collage/prints on the poster, promising the launch of their album Source of the Severn, with live visuals from Erin.
I had done a quick google and thought it might be a brass band with older men but I was pleasantly surprised when they walked up to their instruments, which were a beautiful double bass (which was inherited from his Grandma), a guitar, a drum kit and a keyboard.
I was enamoured with the flowing dance of the music off the Source of the Severn album, it was so nice to feel the music that had come from a river I’m very familiar with, accompanied by Erin’s flowing, spinning, multicoloured droplets projected onto the wall above.
They had such a vibrant connection between them, with generous solos and an improvised encore, it felt rude not to be dancing (music should not be enjoyed in rows of seating, in my opinion), we were thinking of where and how we could dance but in the end we jiggled in our seats instead.
I found some of the parts a little overwhelming, I’m quite sensitive to noise, even with earplugs in, but I found with my fingers over my ears I could hear the music better. I’ve never really encountered much live jazz before but I’d definitely recommend them to anyone who enjoys that.
https://willbarnesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/source-of-the-severn
I, personally, enjoy music without amplification but I understand it’s an industry standard to amplify music. I do find sometimes that music is so loud it’s not enjoyable.
I have extremely sensitive hearing, and I wear earplugs at most events, foam earplugs are my favourite as they provide the most noise reduction, I don’t really enjoy the silicone ones I find they still let a lot of sound in.