I’ve seen Beth too few times since hearing songs from Little Dreamer Radio 2 back in 2008, a couple of gigs at Birmingham’s Glee Club, then nothing. A Laura Mvula gig around 2012 at The Institute had Beth in support, then quiet again. Then, at a gig in Moseley with the launch of the astounding Gota Fría album, followed swiftly by the Mars Bar / Vera whizz around party quickly with age, then pops a double gig at Temperance in Leamington Spa, I had to go.
Since those earlier times, Beth has rolled out two albums, Pale Jewel volumes 1 & 2. I’ve yet to hear, but the evening started with beautiful heartfelt, topless, with guitar Tom Kraus accompanying Rowley.
“Trying To Get Home” was a lovely start, guitar was understated, Beth’s voice beautifully attuned to the spiritual opener. I have no religious leaning, but if Beth was up there singing, I could be almost persuaded, think that might come later, meanwhile I’ll just, “Wade In The Water”. This is proving to be the most intimate of gigs, everyone transfixed and totally immersed in the moment. The rapport between stage and audience defining so key, harmonica, selection for “This Train”, reflecting the cosy ambience. There’s plenty of original songs to air, “Bronze” from Gota Fría, opening the back catalogue. Time for that bluesy, “Almost Persuaded”, with Beth at last adding a touch of harp, superb in its stripped-back rendition. Temptation is a cruel hand, I’ll settle for a pair of pecan slices!
“Can’t Stop Tomorrow”, comes from 2013 EP, Wretched Body. I think, just maybe Trump could change all that! So live for today, on with the music and a gorgeous, smoky, “Forest Fire”, written during an extended stay with Ron Sexsmith, one of few recorded to date from the stay. (Gota Fría). Winding the clock back to 2008, “I Shall be Released”, starting with a reggae version, favoured by the label, before we slipped into Temperance mode, slow, bluesy jazz, sublime, so there we have it, safe in the forty reggae for the heat nightmare.
This is the spiritual home of The Swaps, and Beth Brooks had opened with guitarist James, now double vision, with both Beth sharing the fabulous, “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”, trading leads, and harmonies; truly a rare and precious moment to savour. Makes a change from always being my fault. Fresh from the pen days ago, “Angel”, reflecting on the life stirring within that changed her life.
Fascinating was Beth’s involvement in the opening bluesy soundtrack to, Strike; she was permitted to form it into the complete song, we had the privilege to enjoy, “Walking Beside You”. Lovely song, brilliant series. Back to Little Dreamer to close what had been a wonderful afternoon session, the atmospheric “Only One Cloud”, with just a little harmonica.
Oh yeah, Gota Fría, that’s a Spanish term for the torrential storms created as cold fronts crash into the warm Mediterranean air, or something like that.
Words and photos: Graham Munn