I’ve only ever been downstairs in Leaf for a coffee and upstairs when it was Microzine (remember, they had that chair hanging from the ceiling and a sign on it said ‘don’t sit on this chair’. Why would you buy it?). So, my first upstairs at Leaf experience and it was a damn good one. This is such a good venue and one that adds a great amount to the chilled, sit-down vibe that Mellowtone are famed for. Hot beverages and contemporary furnishings add a comforting element to this show and make this a really palatable and enjoyable experience.
I was lucky enough not just to be treated to a fine venue, but also to fine artists and first up was Southend’s own M.G Boulter. With songs as plucky as his guitar work and a champions beard, it is easy to see why this cat is highly regarded among the cross-country folk scene. M.G wears his inspirations on his sleeve and explains the ideas behind a few of his songs before he kicks into them, a live trait that I really enjoy as an avid appreciator of storytelling and song meanings. Haunting song ‘Glenn Tiptonn’ closes the set and disconcerting lyrics like “I buried my first victim when I was nineteen” add a gritty edge to M.G’s gentle approach.
Fresh from a stint behind the bar in this very venue, Ian Dunn takes the stage and offers up a spritely set off string twanging, thumb thumping songs that got feet tapping in response from the seated, fruit tea sipping audience. Hailing from Liverpool, his scouse twang added a welcome element to his salty tones. Already a favourite around the city and playing to a crowd that obviously appreciated his work, I imagine this will be the first of many times I hear from Ian Dunn. He went straight back to work behind the bar following his set, now that’s commitment.
Heading the bill were Blue Rose Code, led by Ross Wilson on guitar and lead vocal and accompanied by a silk-throated dame, an energetic double-bass master and the earlier mentioned M.G Boulter playing some instrument that I’ve never seen in my life but one that made a very nice country sound.
The double-bass being played live in front of my own eyes was another new experience for me and the man behind it played it like it was his last day on earth. Such gusto is hard to find and will always receive high praise from me.
BRC washed me gently down-stream like the well behaved autumn leaf that they made me believe I was. A particular set highlight was the, soft as a mouse’s sneeze, ‘Ghosts of Leith’. Played so delicately that you could hear the till beep above the music.
After my first Mellowtone experience and having been to hundreds of gigs in my time, I am left humbled and shamed to say that I have never been to anything quite like this. Such a simple but brilliant idea of seated chill that I didn’t know existed outside of 90’s coffee shop New York.
I came away from this show wanting to dish out the recommendations to anyone who would listen. I would recommend M.G Boulter, Ian Dunn, Blue Rose Code, Leaf, Ceremony Concerts and Mellowtone to anybody no matter what their musical interest, just relax and accept it.
Krystian Hudson
I was lucky enough not just to be treated to a fine venue, but also to fine artists and first up was Southend’s own M.G Boulter. With songs as plucky as his guitar work and a champions beard, it is easy to see why this cat is highly regarded among the cross-country folk scene. M.G wears his inspirations on his sleeve and explains the ideas behind a few of his songs before he kicks into them, a live trait that I really enjoy as an avid appreciator of storytelling and song meanings. Haunting song ‘Glenn Tiptonn’ closes the set and disconcerting lyrics like “I buried my first victim when I was nineteen” add a gritty edge to M.G’s gentle approach.
Fresh from a stint behind the bar in this very venue, Ian Dunn takes the stage and offers up a spritely set off string twanging, thumb thumping songs that got feet tapping in response from the seated, fruit tea sipping audience. Hailing from Liverpool, his scouse twang added a welcome element to his salty tones. Already a favourite around the city and playing to a crowd that obviously appreciated his work, I imagine this will be the first of many times I hear from Ian Dunn. He went straight back to work behind the bar following his set, now that’s commitment.
Heading the bill were Blue Rose Code, led by Ross Wilson on guitar and lead vocal and accompanied by a silk-throated dame, an energetic double-bass master and the earlier mentioned M.G Boulter playing some instrument that I’ve never seen in my life but one that made a very nice country sound.
The double-bass being played live in front of my own eyes was another new experience for me and the man behind it played it like it was his last day on earth. Such gusto is hard to find and will always receive high praise from me.
BRC washed me gently down-stream like the well behaved autumn leaf that they made me believe I was. A particular set highlight was the, soft as a mouse’s sneeze, ‘Ghosts of Leith’. Played so delicately that you could hear the till beep above the music.
After my first Mellowtone experience and having been to hundreds of gigs in my time, I am left humbled and shamed to say that I have never been to anything quite like this. Such a simple but brilliant idea of seated chill that I didn’t know existed outside of 90’s coffee shop New York.
I came away from this show wanting to dish out the recommendations to anyone who would listen. I would recommend M.G Boulter, Ian Dunn, Blue Rose Code, Leaf, Ceremony Concerts and Mellowtone to anybody no matter what their musical interest, just relax and accept it.
Krystian Hudson