AMY DX/HYMNS TO HORSES/NEW AGE GRACE
Firebug 20th March 2026
What a terrific night of music last night at Firebug... 3 quality bands each playing at the peak of their game... an absolute joy to be there.
First up was New Age Grace, but with a difference as this was an acoustic performance by just two of the band, Amy and Kenny... and they were outstanding.
Kenny playing great acoustic guitar, driving and strong, perfectly matching the mood of the songs and Amy singing superbly... the extra space left by the lack of the rest of the band gave full scope to show what a great singer she is... singing with power and passion throughout... and bringing out the sheer quality of the songs.
They concentrated on their original material, with one cover which i didn't know anyway!!... and what great songs they are!
Absolutely great performance setting a really high bar for the remaining bands... absolute quality.
Following were HYMNS FOR HORSES, a very different band, they describe the music as grunge folk, a mix of modern acoustic folk and grunge... and very good it is. At times they reminded me of Jethro Tull, but this is a totally original band delivering high quality songs in their unique way... led by acoustic guitar and vocals, supported by cohan and electric lead guitar... three high quality musicians delivering their superb set with passion and assurance. The music ranges from delicate to powerful and is at all times exciting and high quality... another really great set by a really great band
Headlining the evening, after an absence of several months, was Amy Dx and it was wonderful to see Amy and the band back and in blistering form.
Amy is at the front playing keyoard and singing with more power and assurance than ever... her superb voice filling the room while the band add masterful accompaniement on guitar, bass and drums.. always driving along, but always in total empathy with Amy's superb vocals.
Half way through the set Amy discarded the keyboard to deliver an absolutely masterful performance of the only cover of the set, Doris Day's "Que Sera Sera", which she said she had sung in a choir as a youngster... and it was a real powerhouse of a performance.
The band delivered a mix of familiar Amy favourites, starting with a superb "Parasite" (a recent single) which set such a high standard for the set... and some new material. The standard never faltered as Amy continued to give every ounce of passion in every song.
A slight surprise was in the middle of the set we had her first ever politically motivated song, written out of anger at the state of the world... a poweerful song with Amy almost bursting with passion as she delivered it.
An absolutely magnificent set, perhaps the best i have ever seen her play, by a superb artist with a superb band
Absolutely wonderful gig... to repeat.. three great bands playing at the peak of their powers... superb evening
Keep music live... keep music real... support your local venue
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