Frazey Ford - 22/11/2021

Despite pandemics, unmasked English people and a standing gig, Frazey Ford trumps all three issues and so I found myself masked and distanced as best I could in an old prison converted to a music venue in a Bedminster industrial estate. She had a five piece band with Frazey on vocals guitar and keyboards, Darren Parris on bass, Leon Power on drums, Craig McCaul on lead guitar and Caroline Ballhorn on backing vocals. From moment one Frazey's compelling vocals were immaculate and inspiring. No one sings like her, squelching almost every word into a vocal cry. I loved every song and every minute. Shame on the people at the bar who had come to drink and talk! Early on she played my current favourite track from 'U kin B the Sun' which is 'U and Me'the power in those incomprehensible lyrics and simple chord changes is uplifting. The backing vocals from Caroline are just superb and on occasion the bassist and drummer chime in as well. A great vocal soundscape. Frazey played 'Done' of course which got a big response but much as I enjoyed that the finishing tracks of her set and the encore were stupendous. The penultimate song from the main set was the outstanding 'September Fields' followed (I think) by 'Holding It Down' and then the encore was the perfect 'Weather Pattern' followed by the best track on her first album 'Firecracker' and then the elegaic 'U Kin B the Sun' - poor spelling but a beautiful song. In essence a genius gig. I'd love to hear her in a quiet seated venue - maybe one day!