A Wandering Heart
More Tick, Less Boom
This week has been a re-balancing of emotions, as I get back into the routine of work (after a week off) and the chaos of the last couple of weeks calms (for now at least). In doing so, it’s reminded me of why I not only love and appreciate but need a degree of variety in life. Go down one rabbit hole too far and it’s hard to get back. Become absorbed by one thing and it can sap your energy. Better to tick along nicely from one thing to another, as I do now. Having learnt that compression comes with a singular focus that leads only, in the end, to a (self-)destructive boom!
Tick, Tick… Boom!
My use of this metaphor is not random. The reason I’ve chosen it is because I went to see said production at Theatr Clwyd over the weekend. The writer, Jonathan Larsson, who went on to write the classic musical RENT, captures perfectly the angst I felt in my late-twenties. When I thought I had to have life all figured out. And, when it wasn’t, feeling like I had wasted my chance. My early thirties have been about unpicking that mindset. The result being that, now, I try to approach everything with a sense of purpose. Serving and creating in my little corner of the world. Knowing that I need variety (see above) amongst it all.
The Wandering Hearts
One of my favourite things to do, of course, is attend live music gigs. And this week has been no different. My wandering heart has taken me back to Manchester, to the Stoller Hall no less, to see The Wandering Hearts. Ten years, they announced, since they formed. And like The Shires and Ward Thomas before them, it seems such a milestone calls for a more-stripped back tour. And this was the perfect venue for it. Just the three of them; acoustic guitar, mandolin, keyboard and tambourine. Starting off acapella front of stage with ‘I Feel It Too’, and producing more than a few magical moments throughout, this was a very different but no less enjoyable TWH concert. With snippets from their latest album, ‘Deja Vu’, peppering this look-back over all their previous work. A fitting tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Artist Spotlight #5
It always feels like I’m getting two-gigs-for-the-price-of-one when Demi Marriner is the support act. She may have only done half an hour before The Wandering Hearts but it felt like a full set such is the satisfaction left by her music. She is one of the UK Country scene’s brightest and most engaging stars. Her infectious personality matching the quality of her songwriting and delivery. This track, ‘Distorted Desires’, is one of my all-time favourite tunes from a UK Country artist. And you can read my review of her new-ish EP here.
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