Back in 2021 Salt House played a gig in the area under difficult circumstances. The team behind the music at Thimblemill Library were not still unable to host live music in their home venue due to post-pandemic restrictions. In a valiant attempt to get things underway they hired the upstairs room at The Bear Tavern in nearby Bearwood to host shows. At least those tricky days are behind us and it was wonderful to invite this folk trio to play a return show in less turbulent times. The tag Scottish used to geographically describe the trio but in a recent personnel change Anna Hughes from north-east England has replaced the hugely acclaimed north of the border fiddle player Lauren MacColl. Big shoes to fill but on the evidence of this show progressing neatly.
The original pairing of Jenny Sturgeon on keyboards and Ewan Macpherson guitar are still in place guiding Salt House to fresh pastures of recorded music in a style that elegantly blends traditional sounds with contemporary themes. The songs evolve from multiple inspirations many from the natural world. The key takes from seeing Salt House live is the harmonious therapeutic music drifting across pin drop venues such as Thimblemill Library. The fiddle breathes most serenity while the voice of Jenny Sturgeon adds some Celtic gloss. In combo, the new line up oozes with uncomplicated grace and the softly spun stories add extra flavour to the mix.
Further enhancing the Thimblemill folk experience was an opening thirty minute rendition of unaccompanied song by local vocalist and musician Michelle Holloway. She launched this solo venture in addition to fronting raucous band Bonfire Radicals at the Library a year or so ago, and the evidence now suggests something improving in finesse and delivery.
Salt House's return to West Midlands proved a far more fulfilling experience. Obviously the class has always been there but this time a more conducive environment played its part in allowing unrestrained musical entertainment to run its course.