Elles Bailey and co. Music Minds Matter. Lafayette London. Gig review.
We do like the Lafayette in London’s Kings Cross, and it was the perfect setting for this musical evening in aid of Music Minds Matter from Help Musicians.
The fact that the 10th October was also World Mental Health Day made the evening even more poignant, as crowds of fans poured into the Lafayette for what was to be a night of fantastic music and awareness.
Organised by Henry Grace (who also performed) and the charity Music Minds Matter, he, Elles Bailey and Jamie Lawson; plus special guest Blaine Harrison took to the stage to deliver three fabulous sets to an adoring crowd who turned out their pockets to show their support for the charity.
Each performer touched upon on mental health and the crisis that needs to be tackled, speaking of their own experiences and the importance of charities like Music Minds Matter. Every penny made from this evening went straight to the charity.
Henry Grace
Henry Grace took to the stage first with special guest Blaine Harrison and treated us to a set showcasing his singer-songwriter skills and with more than a nod to Americana. The Londoner credits his move to the USA when he was 21 and after a difficult period of depression as one that saved his life. His songs are poignant and deeply personal.
Elles Bailey
Elles Bailey was joined on the Lafayette stage by co-writer Ash Tucker on acoustic guitar and gave us a set that featured songs from 2017’s ‘Wildfire’ and the chart topping ‘Shining In The Half Light’ from last year.
The Planet Rock Radio host has supported bands from across the musical spectrum – Jools Holland to Van Morrison and King King, and has gleaned a huge amount of attention in the meantime.
Opening with ‘Soul to Rest’, the stripped back versions of these songs really caught the imagination of the crowd and fitted perfectly with the theme of the whole evening. The beautiful harmonies of Bailey and Tucker carried us through both ‘Halfway House’ and ‘The Game’ from ‘Shining In The Half Light’, as well as three brand new songs, which was a treat for all. ‘Blessed’ and ‘Afraid to Bleed’ were beautiful, but the highlight was the finale, which came in the form of a completely acoustic (no monitors, no microphone) version of ‘Turn Off The News’.
“I’m gonna end on a sad one – sorry” said Elles, before adding that this was one of the “most proud songs I’ve ever written. You take on the weight of the world and sometimes it’s okay to let it go” . This was part of a lovely emotional speech before this song that tacked the issues of mental health, her own depression around watching the news and what a privilege it is to be able to turn off the news and escape it when so many human beings around the world can’t do that.
Jamie Lawson
Jamie Lawson finished off the evening with a set of great songs that showcased his fantastic voice and songwriting skills. This was his first show in four years, as he revealed he hadn’t played live during that time due to anxiety. From the reception he received, we hope the rest of his tour, which includes dates in London, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow will see him regain some of his confidence.
People working in the music industry are three times more likely to experience mental health challenges than the general public.
Music Minds Matter is an organisation that offer free 24/7 support for those who work in the music industry: https://www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
Over the past two years, calls to the charity have increased by over 200%, and costs are expected to exceed £1.3m this year.
You can support them by visiting their website, or by texting MUSIC MINDS to 70450 to donate £5.00.
Elles Bailey and co. Music Minds Matter. Lafayette London. Gig review. @Rocknews
