An Unforgettable Night with Honey Ryder: A gig Review
A flashback to the 23rd of May “A great evening with Honey Ryder”
I travelled to Stoke, with my wife, on what was a clear sunny day. It was a wonderful picturesque journey, through the Peak District, passing through Bakewell, leak, and along the main road where the rock formation called the Roches, stood silhouetted against the sun.
We arrived at the Venue around 7 pm. The place was buzzing with activity as the bands were still sound-checking. The bar was getting busy as the guests arrived, a nice mixed bunch, who were enjoying a good pint, and a chat before the show started. The Artisan Tap is a nice music venue, that serves a good selection of drinks, and hosts regular events, it is a friendly and safe environment with nice management.
Who is Honey Ryder?
The band is a four-piece, with Lindsay O, Mahony, and Sara O, Mahony sharing vocals, and Matt Bishop and Jason Huxley on guitars. They released their first album in 2009 called “Rising Up”, they had two top 40 hits from this album called “Numb”, and “Fly Away”. The band has supported various well-known musicians such as Texas and Michael Bolton. Their music style is described as a blend of Rock/Folk, and Indi. Honey Ryder has released a new album called “Blood Red Moon” that is available from www.patreon.com/honeyrider
How did the evening go?
The concert room began to fill up around 8 pm as Honey Ryder fans, and I were eagerly waiting for the band to appear on stage, the drinks were flowing, and the atmosphere was friendly and full of smiles. The stage is small, well-lit, and looks nice and cozy, a very intimate setting.
When the band arrived on stage there was great applause Lindsay O, Mahony looked happy to be on stage, smiling, dancing, engaging well with the audience, and having a good banter with the onlookers. Bishop, and Huxley on guitars were laid back, having fun with the crowd’s responses, while dropping in the odd comment. They were happy to let the ladies lead the way. The band gelled well together in their deliverance of some great music. They shone on stage and after a few songs I appreciated the level of professionalism, they were able to keep me and my wife engaged, and the crowd too.
Standout performances
“Power of a Woman, and “Marley’s Chains, are great songs that showcase the musical talent of the band, “O, Mahony” involved the audience during the performance of “Power of a Woman” by having everyone shout back W.O.M.A..N Power of a Woman, the crowd loved this and so did I. Marley’s chains is the title track to the album of the same name. this is a great track in their repertoire, I was happy they played it. When the band performed this song, “O, Mahony and Eker” were wonderful on vocals, and sang in perfect harmony with Bishop and Huxley on guitars crafting a wonderful melody. The audience enjoyed themselves too.
Overall, I enjoyed the evening Honey Ryder performed well, they enjoyed interacting with their fans, and the spectators showed gratitude by making some noise, and joining in with the show. I recommend going to see them you will not disappointed. Their next show is September 26th at the Horn, St Albans.
Review and photos by James Woollen
