Elles Bailey Band
Support Caitlin Krisko
Warwick Arts Centre – 20th March 2026
Decisions, decisions: drive to Coventry, drive to Leamington, or stay home and save that expensive fuel? Both venues offered a great night—an earlier finish at Leamington, and earlier to bed… but no, I was off to Coventry for a busy night at the Arts Centre, actually part of the Coventry University campus. A jazz trio was performing in a crowded area of the foyer, whilst another theatre was hosting Brian Cox’s roadshow, hence the huge pantechnicons outside. Surely he could have squeezed everything into a black hole, or maybe that’s in one of the trucks? I’m sure Elles’ troupe was much more conservative, despite being swollen by brass bling.
First, Caitlin Krisko and guitarist—her husband, Aaron Austin—from Carolina delivered their rootsy rock. Currently touring as a duo, they’ll be back in the autumn with the full Broadcast band. By tonight’s showing, they’ll be well worth seeing.
Now, I have to say, Elles was in sparkling form—a multifaceted diamond polished to perfection, with a glint in her eyes. Or maybe it was from the neon glow? Whatever she’s on, I want some! Both Elles and Demi Marriner had discovered a stash of Mary Quant 60s gear—boots and miniskirts—ready for the catwalk. Elles does a lot of moving and grooving, using the extended apron of the stage to the full, almost overdoing it—stepping back and nearly going backwards over Joe Wilkins’ monitor, much to the amusement of Jonny Henderson on keys. The two Matts, Waer and Jones—the rhythm kings—seemed unfazed; Joe had his head down—maybe no one noticed.
If that wasn’t enough, we had brass, inspired by the latest—maybe best—album to date, Can’t Take My Story Away, with trumpet from Paul Jordanous and tenor sax from Sophie Stockham-Brown. On the menu were songs from the new album, Neon Glow, and previous releases—a sort of smorgasbord of growing roots, driven by a constant need to keep going. Just let it burn before you take a step back. We couldn’t miss a tribute to the late Matt Long; given the current scenario, we’re all hoping for better days. I always feel Elles glance in my direction, asking, ‘What’s the Matter With You?’ Plenty—but I love this song, full of fire and attitude.
A brilliant evening, with some outstanding solo leads from Jordanous’s trumpet, Joe’s Telecaster, and Demi’s cowbell! Elles’ finest album, and arguably one of her finest performances. Was it worth the trip? Damn right it was.
Words & photography Graham Munn
