Katie Spencer is emerging from the mists of lockdown with renewed vigour and an enhanced state of assuredness. She is an artist unmoved by the fickleness of convention and driven to hone in on what inspires her musically. Attending one of her mesmeric shows is a step into a calming world of serenity where the luscious tones of a meticulously strummed guitar create an air of warmth and crafted mindfulness. Drifting within a song is permissible, but stay alert for the nuggets of context and inspiration that are an increasingly core piece of her song performing repertoire. The musical arsenal of this Yorkshire-based singer-songwriter is in the throes of further expansion as the latest record hits the airwaves. It is a case of more of the same in light of overall ambience with the bonus of the live shows getting a greater pool to choose from.
Unsurprisingly, Katie is featuring her new album prominently on this latest run of dates where familiar places rub shoulders with some new outlets. Exactly in line with the material as the older tunes dating back to some of the earliest ones written slip seamlessly into a parade of numbers evoking the crystal nirvana of an artist in tune with their intuitive soul.
Where else would a young musician melt their own sumptuous compositions with the works of John Martyn and Bridget St. John. The former is right at the heart of where Katie is taking her music. Observing the impeccable execution of two of his songs on sparse electric where you could be forgiven for thinking the tamed beast was playing itself was jaw dropping. Mere mortals aren't meant to understand, just sit back and savour.
There is a blossoming uniqueness to the evolution of Katie Spencer; an artist rippling the folk world in an unassuming style. No fanfare just the magical potion of an extraordinary way to conjure up some thoughtful tunes that encompass the world around her. One mainly of a natural persuasion but not totally free of human influence.
The live arena is currently the domain of a solitary performer. If you are already acquainted with the awesome horn segments built into the new record, a vivid imagination will bulge with opportunity as the relevant tracks glide across a pin drop venue. The guitar sound is real, while space afforded to a drifting mind can fill the rest. Katie Spencer truly nails the concept of less is more.
For the time being (and maybe a lot longer), the live show is likely to be the heartbeat of Katie Spencer's music. The wastelands of compulsory isolation are fast becoming a blip in history as artists re-ignite with the true connecting world. When nights like this permeate the smart choices of the humble gig goer, the moving power of music to illuminate the artistic landscape both shimmers and glows. Vocals, songs, guitars, imaginary brass and a performer operating on a different plateau all make smart choices like this even more pertinent.