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| Johnny Dankworth |
The roadworks that caused us problems this time last year don't seem to have improved. Thankfully we left early this time and are one of the first in the car park. An army of Hi Viz clad Stewards guide by torchlight ensuring we do not deviate from the road. Reminiscent of the brilliant 'An American Werewolf in London' film.'Keep off the Moors' moment. Safely parked up there is time to admire the lights in the trees. The statue of 'Johnny Dankworth' guides us into The Stables. There always seems to be a shortage of chairs no matter how early you arrive? They seem to cater for about a dozen people to sit in the reception/ bar area. We can't seem to get a drink at the moment either. Some last minute 'Health and Safety' Training is taking place. It's all these sort of the things that makes this venue so quintessentially twee. They seem to have dispersed with selling the raffle tickets to win a CD voucher now though.These are not criticisms at all, merely observations and I wouldn't like to see it change.
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We take our seats which are close to the stage to the right hand side. Last year we were right at the back in front of the sound guys. There isn't such a thing as a bad seat here though, and the sound is always excellent.I take the opportunity to get a photo of the stage while I can. The venue is notorious for clamping down on such things. Something I always find strange unless the band specifically request it. The first sets starts off with 'In for the Bite', followed by 'Into the Stars' from the superb 'White Rainbow' album. A brave soul at the end of the row is only taking a picture...My heart quickens knowing what is in store. It is all dealt with very discretely at the end of the song. Politely told to pit it away and not to get it out again. A bit like the BBC to Gregg Wallace recently. Highlight for me from the first set would probably be 'Passengers' followed by 'The Night Sky' which took us to the interval. A wonderful atmosphere too , lots of expectations and the odd surprise served up for good measure.
Come to think of it 'Western Skies' was rather special too. Some lovely Flute work from Angela Gordon. Olivia (Sparnen-Josh)is sounding great too. I remember last year she was struggling through with a heavy cold. The second set kicks off with the slightly dark 'Tomorrow Dies' from the 'Sight of Day' album.From the same album we also have 'Changing Lives' which is another big favourite with Chris Johnson on vocals. It virtually goes without saying just how talented each individual band member is. Everyone plays their part to perfection and the result is something quite astounding. I still think they very much go underground and deserve a much bigger profile. That said it is great to be able to see them up close in venues as intimate as The Stables.It was also my wife's Birthday!Her favourite song 'Heart Body and Soul' also gets an airing much to her delight. Each song is accompanied perfectly by a backdrop of mountains, snow scenes and spectacular skies.It all adds to the drama of the content. The second set ends with the two epic pillars of 'White Rainbow' and 'Heroes Never Die'.
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We weren't sure if it was bit early to go with the Christmas stuff? Quips Brian.It's only December the 1st! Hats at the ready and they are off with the Greg Lake classic 'I Believe in Father Christmas'. It feels like Christmas 2024 has officially been launched. Next up is a Spaceman came Travelling with Chris Johnson leading on vocals . Sounding very much like Chris De Burgh too and no mistake. The final seasonal offering is 'Fairytale of New York'( The Pogues ). By now everyone , with a little encouragement is up on their feet getting into the party mood. Seeing Mostly Autumn at The Stables now very much feels like a Christmas tradition for us already. A fantastic night once again and looking forward to the same time next year! Big thanks to John Gillespie and Kieran Chapman for use of additional photos. Also the Mostly Autumn Facebook page for the last one.
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