Capturing the moment can be the highest accolade paid to any live performance. Your mind doesn't long for past glories or wander into a world of 'what ifs'. Ellie Gowers has been on a musical journey for a few years and will continue to have a flourishing one long into the future. The trio format serves her well alongside being the vocal front of Filkin's Ensemble and one third of acclaimed folk outfit The Magpies. The Hare and Hounds Birmingham on one May night was all about the solo side. Pitch perfect sound, exquisitely paced set, alluring aura and an audience at one. Take this evening as a mutual gift. A show to treasure on many fronts and a moment truly captured.
Heads were turned when this show was announced six months ago. The Kitchen Garden across the road would have seemed the logical fit especially if the plan was to play solo. Her previous show there had been a near sell out and the style of music suits the venue from numerous perspectives. The bold move paid off with a turnout likely exceeding the capacity of the neighbour. Extra stage space and additional lighting enhanced the impact with a mix of seats and standing accommodating all. The trump card was played late in the day when Mia Kelly was invited to open the show.
On numerous occasions over the last twelve months, the Canadian-native has graced Midlands stages in a shared or support capacity. Such is the growth of interest and strength of impact, a headline Mia Kelly tour is surely on its way. She has it all: infectious personality, engaging stories and songs that propel forward packing a punch. There is also a growing catalogue to support longer sets than the generous forty-minutes afforded to warm up a Hare and Hounds crowd. Two absolute gems from the latest album lit up the room. The country credentials of 'Meaning Well' were up there with the best and 'South Went the Bird' is a glorious metaphor of a break up. Brilliant writing and likewise delivery.
The voice breadth is one aspect of Ellie Gowers' armoury, songwriting is another. The bulk of the set came from 2022's DWELLING BY THE WEIR, a record packed with astute observational writing. The title track set the ball rolling and the inevitable encore was the reserve for a crowd assisted version of 'Woman of the Waterways'. More evidence of the folk credentials came in the historical significance of 'Ribbon Weaver' with its Coventry heritage and a passionate response in 'A Letter to the Dead Husband of Mary Ball'. The latter was stunningly sang a cappella creating a jaw dropping moment.
While folk is driving multiple lanes of the Ellie Gowers' career, the revelation of 'I Can Be Right For You' from the latest EP is an elegant dip into pop. Classy with a glance to future style diversity. Also shared from 2024's YOU, THE PASSENGER were 'A Moment' and 'Testing the Water'. Away from albums and EPs, 'The Stars are Ours' was put out in multiple single versions and the countryside side passion comes across in a live version inviting audience participation.
Although this gig wholly owned the present, a brief moment took the mind back to a festival field in 2020. Yes, one did run that year - Beardy Folk with the infamous Beardy bubbles. A young solo artist by the name of Ellie Gowers caught the attention. Sometimes your instincts are spot on.