BRAVE RIVEL/GREG BRICE
Musician Pub 22nd September 2023
Opening the proceeding was Greg Brice. In the couple of years during which i have seen Greg he has developed from a great guitar player and singer into a really great artist. He plays old time blues with an authenticity beyond his years as well as his own songs in the same style and some fine covers.
The covers this time were Paul Simons "Still Crazy" which with Gregs bluesy styling was superb, as well as a version of "Hallelujah i love her so" which he said he had nicked from someone else, but he made it his own
No two ways about it... Greg is a brilliant accomplished and confident performer... brilliant guitar player and fine singer... this guy is terrific!!! Gregs set was worth the visit on it's own!
Then on to the main event... the awesome Brave Rival... to edit an old phrase... they came, we saw, they conquered...
As the interval ended the music being played was cranked up to 5 times the volume and after a few seconds Donna (Drums) Billy (Bass) and Ed (guitar) came on and settled into their work to great cheers... then singers Lindsey & Chloe came on to join them to even greater applause... the warmth and energy of the band ensured instant rapport with the audience.
They immediately signalled their intent with a loud proud and wonderful slice of powerful rock'n'roll. They carried on playing material from both the forthconing second album as well as the brilliant debut album, "Lifes Machine". The whole set was a highlight.. but there were ultra-highlights along the way... first up being a simply magnificent guitar solo where Ed was front and centre stage and the band stepped back while he mesmerised the audience with his playing.
Midway through the set came the acoustic "church sessions" set... three songs played in an acoustic setting with Ed playing acoustic guitar... and the singers delivering the lyrics with style, and emotion bringing out the qulity of the lyrics. Highlight of this set was (nd i suspect always will be) their version of Paul Simon's "Sounds of Silence". A song that always affects me which haad extra poignancy as Lindsey spoke of both Matt Long and Chlioe's sister battling cancer (ref the line "Silence like a cancer grows")... but this performance of the song was simply beautiful... beautifully sung.. highly emotional and stunning... you had to be moved by it...
Not only are this band brilliant musicians and singers they are one of the most exciting dynamic rock bands i've ever seen.. but beyond that, the rapport between the band members themselves and with the audience, and the fact that they are all clearly absolutely loving what they are doing and having a real craic on stage is a real joy.
This band is dynamite... absolutely wonderful... it cant get much better!!
Keep music live... keep music real... support your local venue
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