Elles Bailey plus support from Demi Marriner

First on is Demi Marriner, who with only a limited time tonight, again shows she is a fantastic singer with a sweet but powerful voice. Having released her own debut album, ‘The Things We Didn’t Say’, last year, which is well worth checking out, and getting the attention of Whispering Bob Harris, and today having her new single played on Planet Rock, from the reaction of the crowd, it won’t be long before she’s headlining herself.

We have been waiting for this night for a while now, after seeing Elles Bailey last time rocking a full large tent at Black Deer Festival in July, which seems like a lifetime ago. Elles has been on an upward trajectory for a few years now, with arms full of awards, great sales and fantastic live reviews – including ours – a number one album, playing Glastonbury, radio presenter on Planet Rock, UK Blues Hall Of Famer, You name it, Elles has had it and done it, and with her new album, ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’, incidentally another cracker of a record by the way. Elles comes onto stage tonight in a sparkly jacket, and as usual no messing about, full throttle and in great voice, she immediately has the crowd in the palm of her hands and never lets them go. With a display of absolute confidence not only her own talent but the quality of her material. Yes, it was always going to be a showcase for her new album for the first time live but with songs like, ‘Enjoy The Ride’ and ‘Ballad Of A Broken Dream’, it’s obvious that these and more new numbers from ‘Glow’, will become part of scenery in future.

Although Elles has a bluesy soulful voice, she switches musical styles with ease. Backed by a cracking band and joined on stage by her good friend, Demi, who grins like a Cheshire Cat at Elles, they love this. Every time she comes to her part of the stage, these two together are a formidable force. After an hour and half of top class, musicianship, singing and songs, it was time for the crowd to exit into the cool night air, but like Demi Marriner, with big grins on their faces. Until next time they and we get to have another dose of the ELLES!

Photos by Geoff Griffe
Review by Jenny Griffe