Collaboration of an international nature is the order of the day when Samantha Whates and Ida Wenoe team up to share and speculate their music. Both artists have accrued praise from a solo standpoint alongside miscellaneous ventures they have undertaken, but it is the duo format providing the greater focus as the industry readjusts to the changes thrust upon it. Whates - a London based Scot and Wenoe - a much travelled Dane - had played a successful Midlands show just before live music shut down and without hesitation they were rebooked, albeit at a different venue, when time came for the duo to hit the road once again. This show at Thimblemill Library was one of the final dates of a short tour that took the pair of singer-songwriters across both homelands leaving a stream of content punters to marvel at talents best exemplified by vocal prowess.
For this show it was Whates taking the lead for the first set; an agreement nightly rotated we learnt. Each artist also ably supports the other, whether in an instrumental or vocal capacity with the latter a mix of backing and harmony. Subtle synergies and compelling contrasts were aplenty as those present were gently guided through a pair of sets bathed in song serenity.
Samantha Whates is a cosier and softer listen. Acoustic guitar and occasional flute were her chosen accompaniments, although both pave the way for crystal vocals to leave the finer mark. Ida Wenoe brings the most delicate of atmospheric electric guitar to the party aided by a vocal style that edges into a more explorative direction. Additional instrumental inclusion saw the triangle briefly added to a single track and a mini organ support a closing number.
The pair were eager to promote a recent EP that saw a quartet of existing songs reworked. One of these is entirely in Danish and for this evening's version, Whates politely gave her continental friend the sole spotlight. Throughout the show the pair shared plenty of experiences, inspirations and warm chat emotionally grateful of being blessed by a friendship extending into a performing capacity. The audience had a small but sufficient exposure to what makes the two artists tick and it wasn't difficult to slip into a contentment zone for a sound that softly echoed around a room decked out for life's quieter moments.
Samantha Whates and Ida Wenoe gorgeously curated the art of collaboration. Their live performance was cathartic and framed the sensuality of the simple song. Musical nights can take many forms and sometimes a reassuring bout of gentle song can hit the spot. This was one of those nights.