Laid Bare album launchesĀ at Brixton’s Upstairs at the Ritzy

Dreuw performing at Upstairs at the RitzI was privileged to be invited to the launch gig for LaidĀ Bare’sĀ first compilation album at one of my favourite Brixton venues, Upstairs at the Ritzy.Ā Iā€™ve attended many Laid BareĀ musicĀ events over the last year so I knew this would be an evening of unmissable and eclectic performances.

There is an intimacy and cosiness about this room that enhances any performance. It almostĀ feels a little like a gig is being put on in your own living room.

The host and founder of Laid Bare, RamiĀ Radi, has an infectious enthusiasm for music that only adds to the consistently high calibre of the musicians that contribute to his nights.
The night began with a performance from alt folk singer songwriter from Swindon ā€“Ā Dreuw (above). His voice ranged from aĀ beautifullyĀ sharp falsetto to lowĀ gutturalĀ delivery, perfectly echoing the gentle strumming building up to heavy pounding to build a wall of sound as a crescendo in his songs.

Isabella Cross performs Upstairs at the RitzyThe next performer was new to me and a true perfectionist. Despite a room pleasing performance,Ā Isabella Cross (right) couldn’t help but share her concerns with the audience over whether herĀ instrumentĀ was in tune. The deep, bass heavy,Ā finger picking beautifully complemented her staccato, cropped vocals. The contrast here accentuating the clear crisp delivery of her lyrics.

The first contributor on the album to performĀ then brought a veryĀ chilled vibe to the night. With an effective mix of strumming and intricate finger picking, Connor James’Ā rendition of ‘AintĀ No Sunshine’Ā definitelyĀ left its mark on me.

connorjamesJames’Ā vocals (right) incorporateĀ a compelling mix of clarity and John MartynĀ styleĀ of running words together. He also performed his own compositions.

The evening then took on a slightly more upbeat feel. Ralph Taylor, who partnered with AlexiaĀ ChambiĀ for his track on the album, performed solo on this occasion. DemonstratingĀ hisĀ prowess with looping, he doubled up his vocals to great effect.Ā RhythmicĀ guitar strumming, with delicateĀ andĀ almost fragile accents to his vocals, added toĀ his energetic stage presenceĀ andĀ completed this interesting blend. His final song really had the audience transfixed ā€“ opening with spine chilling spoken word and building into a hip hop vibe before looping his strumming and coaxing us into a beautifullyĀ melodic song.

Chisara Agor performs Upstairs at the RitzyChisaraĀ Agor (left) charmed her audience with her relaxed friendly chat and humble delivery. On ukulele and voice she soothed the room with heartfelt lyricsĀ and soulful vocals. AnotherĀ contributorĀ to the album,Ā she performed herĀ trackĀ ‘Seasons’Ā as well as other self penned songs.

Luke Carey performs upstairs at the RitzyA definite highlight for me was a visit from Luke Carey (right), the final performance from an albumĀ contributor. With his playful banter,Ā assuredĀ beat boxing and inventive use of looping, along with powerful vocals andĀ humorousĀ lyrics – you can see why the room loved him. He even persuaded us all to join in
Seraphina Upstairs at the RitzyWhat a perfect way to end the night with the
appearance of Seraphina (left). Singer accompanied by a guitarist withĀ melancholy dark themes within the lyrics. HerĀ abilityĀ to produce deep resonant vocals one moment, and then reach to clear falsetto highs, produced an almost hypnotic delivery.

So I left The Ritzy with a copy of the album tucked under my arm. Definitely lookingĀ forwardĀ to exploring these sounds a little more this weekend.

 

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