The art of song was splendidly celebrated in this co-headlined gig blessed with many differences and similarities. Away from the day job, Thimblemill Library challenges its community to engage with music, theatre and forays into spoken word. This evening it mixed and matched with a captivating display of unaccompanied song and a multi-facetted performer choosing to juxtapose the presentation with their solo take on musical song. The dovetailed sets of South London vocal duo Ben and Dom and Birmingham's very own champion of music diversity and inclusivity Katy Rose Bennett sparkled as entities and twice came together to share the wonder of collaborative song.
It was back to the good old days of a packed library turnout. Whatever the motives, memories are laid and habits formed. From the first vocal harmony on the stroke of 7:30 to the final simple chord strummed just shy of 10, a packed show of mutual engagement illuminated the art decor environment and reminded us of the magic of live performance.
Both acts are linked through choir leadership, though the domains are a distance apart. Ben and Dom was the act on tour and this stop off in the borough of Sandwell came hot on the heals of an album release. They were soon in innovative mode relying on effortless harmonies, slick functioning individual vocals and adopted minor instrumentation that lent towards everyday practicalities. A million miles away from convention.
This pair are instinctively tuned into the folk tradition, while unafraid of seeking inspiration from the wider more contemporary world. They also practise the art of songwriting to give their material a sense of personal ownership and in some cases a humorous slant on the world. Wherever Ben and Dom took you on their vocal journey, you couldn't fail to be more than one step behind. They were at ease with a receptive audience and thrived on a sixth sense of quiet engagement.
Katy Rose Bennett has long had a significant presence on the Midlands independent music scene. Whether through communal engagement, multiple record releases or tapping into other spheres, she brings an air of distinctive performance through her music. The direction can fluctuate across a wide spectrum, most recently demonstrated in a commissioned experimental digital release that sought new avenues and receptive ears. Perhaps the most common style to her repertoire is crafting the thoughtful singer-songwriter song that emanates in folk, and more recently Americana quarters. Additionally, her a cappella vocal work, schooled and honed in choir environments, advanced into more commercial waters prior to the pandemic with live shows and a record. Despite this having most synergy with Ben & Dom, she chose the staple live route this evening of sharing guitar accompanied songs through a trusty acoustic, and more enterprisingly via a fetching Gretsch.
