Mostly Autumn - The Stables Wavendon (Milton Keynes)

Mostly Autumn probably qualify as my most neglected band.Let me try and explain in a way that makes some sort of sense. Bands that I really like I tend to see a lot. Mostly Autumn fit into that category most certainly. Yet I think this is only my fourth time seeing them . One of those was in 2016 when they supported Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. I remember chatting to founder of the band Bryan Josh, outside the Y Theatre in Leicester back in 2011. So why such absenteeism on my part? The answer is I really don't know? It's a dull answer I grant you, and I must try harder as my old school teacher used to say. That said we are here at The Stables MK, or Wavendon if you prefer. A venue that I am no stranger too, and regular readers know I have a love/hate relationship with. I'm not going to go into all the fussy bits I find frustrating, so please don't skip this bit. I settle down with a nice pint of the local Tring Brewery Festive Ale 'Santa's Little Helper' (4.8%). I shall be in need of help myself If I have too many of these....

We take to our seats.There were very few available when we booked. The good thing about The Stables is that you are guaranteed a great view wherever you are. We were almost on the back row directly in front of the 'Mixing Desk' centre stage. The tannoy gave It's usual warning that any recording of photography is strictly prohibited. For someone who just wants a few snaps it is frustrating. I've incurred the wrath of the seasoned commissionaires previously. I shall keep any attempts until close to the end. If I get thrown out then It won't be so bad. I'm sure the band would only be too happy for the extra publicity. It is what it is as they say. 

'In for the Bite' and 'Into the Stars' kick start the set. The sound isn't quite right and Bryan shouts up to the Engineers for a bit more 'oomph' I think is the technical term. It does the trick, and 'Spirit of Mankind from the latest album 'Graveyard Star (2021) sounds great. That said singer 'Olivia Sparnenn' is struggling with a throat infection. Full credit to her for adopting 'the show must go on' policy. She still sounds amazing though even with the throat issues. Not surprisingly Graveyard Star will feature heavily in the set list. A heartfelt reflection of living through the pandemic.

Mixing Desk behind us

The first set finishes with 'Silver Glass' followed by 'The Night Sky from ' All we Shared (1998) A really enjoyable set. I love to see Brian play, the Gilmour influences are obvious. The band has  gone through various lineup changes over the years, although two of their founders remain in Guitarist/vocalist Bryan Josh and keyboard player Iain Jennings. Having both male and female vocals is a massive plus. Olivia becoming the lead vocalist in 2010. Aside from the Pink Floyd influence there are many other Celtic and Folk infusions. The seven band members gel perfectly and create something very special. We are back in business with 'Tomorrow Dies' from 'Sight of Day' (2017).

Another song from the 'Sight of Day' album that I love is 'Changing Lives'. a song written and brilliantly performed by 'Chris Johnson'. I'm noting all sorts of influences, not least 'Fleetwood Mac'. Intentional or not. Parts of 'Winter Mountain' reminds me of 'Iron Maiden' from the 7th Son album. Listening to 'Back in these Arms' is heavily influenced by the pipes of Troy Donockley. It was almost like listening to the amazing Nightwish. I can give no higher compliment. The picture to the left was posted on the Mostly Autumn  FB page. It is a particularly good one of the back of my head. 'White Rainbow completes the second half of the show.

It's a brief hiatus, and they return with the extremely moving 'Heroes Never Die'. Something I believe they play in every show, either at the end or as an encore. It's a fantastic tribute from Brian to his Dad. A wonderful thing to do. It wouldn't be a Christmas show without a few Christmas songs to end the evening. The first of which is the Greg Lake classic from 1975' I Believe in Father Christmas'.  The band have all donned Christmas hats and the crowd are on their feet. One of my Christmas favourites comes next . 'A Spaceman came Travelling' by Chris De Burgh. The final song of the Christmas trio needed no introduction. My wife's all time favourite 'A Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues. A fitting tribute to singer Shane Mcgowan who sadly passed recently. Feeling slightly braver, I've even risked taking a couple of photos and got away with it.  I must also thank Kieran Chapman who kindly let me use his photograph (the one with the red lighting)  . 

Mostly Autumn, all seven of them, take their final bows as the evening draws to a close. Brian is presented with the most deserving pint of Beer which he gulps down gladly. It has been a superb night and some mixed feelings for me. Extremely glad to have seen them again but annoyed for missing so many potential gigs in between. One thing is for sure though, It won't be long before I see them again. 

Full Set List

Set 1

• In for the Bite
• Into the Stars
•  Spirit of Mankind
• Western Skies
• Skin of Mankind
• Passages
• Heart Body and Soul
• Silver Glass
• The Night Sky

Set 2 

• Tomorrow Dies 
• Winter Mountain
• Broken Glass
• Changing Lives
• Dressed in Voices
• This Endless War
• Back in these Arms
• White Rainbow

Encore

• Heroes Never Die
• I Believe in Father Christmas (Greg Lake Cover)
  
• A Spaceman came Travelling (Chris De Burgh Cover)
  
• A Fairytale of New York.(The Pogues Cover)