Tuesday 10th March 2020, a date forever etched into my gig memory bank. When Ross Wilson departed the performing space at the Kitchen Garden after another successful Blue Rose Code show the storm clouds were already gathering. It was to be another six months before live music briefly surfaced in the guise of a single outdoor festival and a solitary Kitchen Garden gig. Eventually it would be close on fifteen months before light appeared out of the cultural darkness of 20-21. It was little surprise to see Blue Rose Code back on the road as soon as restrictions eased, and a renewal of their growing love affair with a devoted audience frequenting the Kitchen Garden for what is now a regular tour stopping off point.
It is to Blue Rose Code's credit that they manage to make each show unique without any compromise of the quality. This was the fifth time seeing them play the Kitchen Garden and if you thought you had seen all the permutations Ross Wilson could bring to the venue then a pleasant surprise was in store. Obviously the full symphonic roll out isn't going to turn up but a four piece operation with drums, electric guitar and keys backing the esteemed front man is sufficient to push the surroundings to the limit.
Bounding onto stage with bundles of effervescent energy emboldened by the release from the shackles of the stream, Ross Wilson had one motive: to rip things up and dig deep into his vast canyon of Caledonian soul to remind everybody that Blue Rose Code were back and very much alive and kicking. Aided by the ever reliant Lyle Watt on guitar, Paul Harrison offering deft touches on keys and the mesmeric drumming of Glasgow-based Stu Brown, the exiled but forever Scottish Wilson conducted, caressed and carved out a sparkling band output to showcase Blue Rose Code in all their shades of mood-driven music.
Everything the band does is underpinned by Wilson's chiselled vocals that retain an earthy element while searching for a soulful significance. They land in the listener's sphere wrapped in an impish charm riding on the wave of an upbeat sound or owning the tenderest of moment. There was no holding back in the cacophony of emotions as spools of genuine gratitude spilled from the floor into a receptive crowd.
After a blistering opening set where chat was minimal but songs choice was sublime, Wilson promised a better second half. We had started off with recent Blue Rose Code in the guise of 'Red Kites', while ending in a redemptive grasp at owning 'Amazing Grace' for at least three minutes. You can take your pick of a favourite Blue Rose Code song but few would shy away from at least recognising 'Edina' and 'The Wild Atlantic Way'. Two peerless moments from the second set. At these moments the bared all soul of Ross Wilson challenges the mode which just wants to rock out.
Full on all-inclusive dance moments don't come along too often in this corner of Kings Heath. You sat in your seat at your peril for a barnstorming finale of 'Bennie and the Jets'. This crowned a set where the second half was a lot more revealing and candid, while the total cohesion of four talented musicians remained solid throughout.
The music of Blue Rose Code is balm to your soul. Ross Wilson proudly defines himself as a social animal. He needs an audience like this and it was reciprocated wholeheartedly from a band of followers smart with their choices. Therapy of the highest order was scattered with free flow as the clouds of Tuesday March 10th 2020 were banished for at least the time being!