Super Who?!

This blog may be a little late in coming, but our total love for this gig is no less diminished. Where to start off in an evening of so many wonders. One of us was lost completely; in the zone, gone with the moment with head turned and focused upon a stage which bought out one amazing performance followed inexplicably by even more trance inducing, jaw tiring (from all the dropping) performances. On the other hand, the other struggled to keep calm and refrain from causing the forementioned friend severe bruising with the constant digs and jabs that would have resulted from hysterical, barely contained excitement…

The Royal Festival Hall is a beautiful venue, and by the time we got there the atmosphere was bustling pleasantly with friends gathered chatting, drinks in hand in excitement of the imminent musical extravaganza. There was a great seating area set on the floor of the Clore Ballroom where we sat wishing university was like so. Happy thoughts of the RFA were cast even before we reached our seats, at which point it was decided we would come back to sit in the wondrous balcony seats we likened to being a bit space age and slightly Star Trek.

The concert began with a warming, hearty video of none other than Laura Marling and friends. It was the perfect opening  to the evening and it was truely great to watch footage of such a caring and close knit group bonded by friendship and music. It was a video that signified the importance of the social side of music – how playing, writing and showcasing music with others can bring people together and it became obvious that none of them could do what they do without having the support of the people around them.

After the video, Laura Marling walked on stage to give a brief introduction to the evening which was then followed by a new song of hers; ‘Oh Mama How Far I’ve Come’. A truly lovely song which filled the venue perfectly. We were absolutely astounded by the acoustics in the RFH, they made everything sound a million times better (which we didn’t even think was possible!).

The night was divided into two parts; each musician played one song of theirs which was then followed by a new song by Laura Marling in between. A short description of each performance can be read below:

Pete Roe: Clearly such a talented musician and much loved by all of them. Pete played ‘The Devil’s Dancefloor’ which is always a crowd-pleaser. His sheer talent at folk guitar is so enviable and he was a brilliant start to the night. Pete Roe also plays in Laura Marling’s band and joined her on-stage throughout the night.

Ethan Johns: It was our very first time hearing and seeing the well known record producer and songwriter, Ethan Johns. He played a song called ‘ Hello Sunshine’ which was fantastic. He frequently popped up on stage with Laura Marling too, playing a multitude of different instruments such as guitar, drums and what I think was a dulcimer (but my eyes could have been deceiving me). Johns has worked with artists such as Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Ray Lamontagne and Rufus Wainwright! Laura Marling can now be added to that amazing list as he’s just finished producing her much anticipated second album (Due for release in February 2010). 

Peggy Sue: It was an unfortunate performance for Peggy Sue as they were experiencing guitar problems which was a terrible shame as ‘The Sea, The Sea’ is such a brilliant song. But! luckily, Laura Marling insisted that they repeated the song as part of the encore for the night which completely made up for it.

Johnny Flynn: Amazing, amazing, AMAZING performance. He played a new song called ‘Will I Pray’. If it is possible to have a performance steal the night in a show of such brilliance, it most definitely would have been this one. Johnny Flynns presence on stage in the absence of a band was simply mesmerising; the acoustics of the RFH amplified the great beauty of his voice,and you could sense around you the atmosphere of an audience captivated by the fantastic music produced by this gentleman.

Alessi:  The magnificance of Alessi’s singing will bring a smile to you every time. She’s such a lovely musician and hearing her sweet voice in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal Festival Hall was truely special. Alessi sang her wonderful song ’Hummingbird’ and was joined by Benji from Mumford & Sons.

Sons of Noel and Adrian: Their performance of ‘Indigo’ was completely mind blowing. Seeing over 10 members of a band on stage at one time is always exciting and I very nearly fell out of my seat whilst watching them. Although the other artists were so, so amazing, it was still a nice change to witness such a large band come on stage. Jacob Richardson can seriously play a mean nylon stringed guitar and we were fascinated by the string section. Definitely one of the highlights of the already incredible night.

Andrew Bird: Possibly the most well known of ‘friends’ to join Laura Marling on the night. Andrew Bird was joined by Laura Marling and Marcus Mumford for his performance of ‘Headsoak’. It was a rather endearing performance and quite amusing at times – We’re almost certain that the whole audience was quite taken aback as well as immensely impressed at Andrew Bird’s whistling skills.

Mumford & Sons: The last performance of the night (before the encore). Mumford & Sons performed their song ‘Thistle and Weeds’ and of course they didn’t disappoint (but could they ever?).

…And last but definitely not least, Laura Marling. It seems an age away that Laura Marling was terrified of an audience not even a quarter of the size present at the Royal Festival Hall. Though still slightly awkward at times, her stage presence remained strong throughout and even Laura herself said the night was going surprisingly easy. The whole meaning of the night was to showcase music with friends, but it was also the perfect opportunity to present her new material to her fans. If you thought ’Alas, I Cannot Swim’ was an amazing album, then you’re definitely in for a treat for her upcoming second album. Marling has completely stepped it up a gear – Youthful songs such as ‘Failure’ have been cast aside; ready for a whole different sound altogether and man, are we excited ;)