Typically in music, there’s a sure fortune in discovering a brand new artist, however it may simply change your life. I recall a few years in the past reserving to see James Morrison play in Brighton and he was supported by an artist that may grow to be one among my favourites, a sure Newton Faulkner. This was cemented when just a few weeks later I went to see Keane play the O2 enviornment to find the identical assist artist. At that time I knew the Gods of Music had been sending me a message. They had been proper; I nonetheless love the music and artistry of Newton Faulkner and see his superb reside units each time he excursions.
I booked to go to Omeara final weekend as a result of Marie Naffah was the supporting artist and I firmly imagine that she is going to grow to be a really profitable artist having seen her headline prior to now and loving her music. I had not found Henry Grace at this level however as a result of I really like the venue and needed to see Marie, I booked tickets and hoped to find a brand new artist. I duly delved into Spotify to listen to as a lot of Henry’s music as I may and did a little bit of analysis about what he’s all about. What I discovered was an artist who had launched his debut album, ‘Alive in America’, final 12 months and who created music which managed to be each stark and cinematic, an artist who needed to make use of music to assist in the struggles towards psychological well being points and who made music that jogged my memory very a lot of Springsteen’s latest ‘Western Stars’ launch. Each information are harboured in a spot of honesty and self discovery and subsequently are each massively emotional to hearken to.
Born and raised in London, Henry had moved to the States when he was 21 the place, over the following 5 years, he managed to interrupt freed from his demons. His music moved from folks to Americana and he began to promote out venues. Now, having returned to London, it’s time for Henry to shine. I wasn’t anticipating final Saturday to be as inspirational because it turned out to be as I watched an artist rise phoenix-like from a shaky begin with some sound points, to finish with the
viewers hanging on each phrase and enthusiastically and loudly greeting each music. It felt just like the time Henry spent on stage was nearly a reside illustration of that 5 12 months journey and I hope the triumphant climax was as uplifting for him as an artist, and as a human being, because it felt for me. Welcome dwelling, Henry.
Henry’s music definitely brings to thoughts his American influences however I actually felt there was one thing of David Grey in his tone and supply and his ardour for the fantastic guitars he used on stage. A specific excessive within the set was ‘Junkyard Junkie’ which was clearly very private and delivered with actual emotion. He performed as a part of a 4 piece and the music was very tight with palpable camaraderie and as soon as the early sound points, which Henry instantly recognized, had been rectified, the gang at this splendidly intimate venue close to London Bridge fell underneath the spell of an artist who by the point he sang ‘Can’t Be Your Lover’ had them hanging on each phrase. My private favorite music ‘Tennessee Mud’ was delivered with such type and panache that I knew these Gods of Music had been at play once more; I’d found an artist who has already
grow to be an integral a part of my listening.
The album that Henry has launched is out there to stream and I might encourage you to provide it a hear. Recorded reside at Rockfield Studios and blended by Oliver McKiernan, it actually won’t disappoint. I can’t wait to see the route this younger artist takes and wouldn’t be stunned to see him flip up at one of many Americana or Nation music festivals within the UK the place I do know he would go down a storm. Regardless of your music style, the honesty and emotion of the lyrical journey within the report will resonate far past style.
Specific point out ought to be given to Izzie Yardley who stepped as much as assist Henry when Marie Naffah needed to pull out with Covid. She sang with eloquence and honesty and proved the proper introduction to a night of discovery. I left the venue feeling completely satisfied that I’d discovered two artists I can be following with actual pleasure for the longer term. It was nice to see Izzie having fun with the event regardless of having to step in at such a late stage. Properly carried out Izzie, nicely carried out Henry and get nicely Marie. I’m positive I’ll be seeing you all reside within the close to future.
