This was possibly the first all-female line up at the Greenbank with the Blue Sequoias being supported by the Straw Birds (formerly Straw Dogs). Unfortunately I arrived too late to see this duo. They played at the Performers Night a few weeks ago and do a great guitar/snare drum/vocal harmonies set consisting of covers and original material. My favourite is that spooky song from the film "O, Brother Where Art Thou?" - the one where the guys are being lured by Sirens. It would have been good to have seen them perform with the bigger Friday night audience, but no matter. Let's hope they return soon.
The Blue Sequoias were about to kick off. Eirlys, the main singer, is a powerful solo performer in her own right (another Performers Night favourite), but the addition of Rowan's violin and keyboards really takes the music to another level. The Greenbank is a lively, noisy place on a Friday night, and bands have to compete with the chatter of the crowd, but even so, the Blue Sequoias can stop you in mid-conversation with their sheer musicality. I think the material is mostly original with a few covers. One of these is Jam by Michelle Shocked,a song about the pleasures of jam making. They finished their first set with this number and then gave out home-made jam and cakes to the audience. I'm hoping this will start a trend among among other bands. Due to the effects of alcohol, the second half of the set was(to me at any rate) a blur of song, fiddles, keyboards and dancing of the enthusiastic audience. Another great Greenbank night to try and remember. The Blue Sequoias are a band with very local roots but, who knows, they may outgrow Greenbank. Do see them if you get the chance.
Update: Blue Sequoias CD available