I've got a good feling about this

All day Friday Jim was saying “I’ve got a good feeling about this” and I like to hear that, but as we were approaching the venue I was beginning to question his sanity. Yes it was beautiful, rural Essex, with thatched cottages in painted pale colours and covered in patterned plasterwork. Yes it was a beautiful evening in the perfect setting to enjoy a beautiful evening, trees, rolling hills, fields of sheep, but when I’m about to play a gig I want fields full of tents, or smoky old cities. I want PEOPLE. So, situated in the middle of this bucolic backwater was the venue, High Barn, Great Bardfield.

Now I’ve been known to use the word ‘barn’ as an insult when talking about a venue. Sound tends to get lost in the roof or bounces around the place till it’s muddy and indecipherable. But when we got onstage for sound check I was blown away. The sound was incredible, so human and intimate, I can not remember the last time I sang into a system that perfectly set up for the venue. Lovely lovely lovely, by the time James the Sound had balanced our guitars and vocals my heart was beating like a drum.

My faith in Jim’s intuition restored we were given the next blinding bit of info… the night had SOLD OUT. 160 seats in a village that might not have 160 houses in it and the venue was rammed – how are these people getting it so right, tell me how? There were four acts booked that night, a bit of folk, something jazzy, a solo pop person with a show tune twist (nice hat Stuart) and Bruise.

What can I tell you other than it was proper? I’m serious, it felt amazing. Candles everywhere, a sound system that made us feel as comfortable as if we were on our own sofa. The audience was so attentive I could whisper into the mic and feel it impacting on the whole room, ooooOO. No one had a long set, no one needed one. We played 6 songs and when we got off stage strangers were quoting lyrics back at me, and you know you’ve made an impact when that happens. I think that was the most musical experience I’ve had this year, and unless we get booked to play the Barbican Center or possibly the Royal Festival Hall I cannot see us having a more musical experience this year.

If you’re interested in the Tec specs for High Barn check out this months issue of Audio Media, they’re front page. And if you’re interested in hearing us live check out the gig listings on our myspace and get yourselves in the audience! X