It goes without saying that The Howard Assembly Rooms is one of Leeds’ most stunning venues for hosting music. Not only do the acoustics cocoon you in the perfect blanket of sound, but the wooden clad space allows you to be transported away from the city centre to wherever the genre at play desires.
On Thursday evening I was fortunate enough to bear witness to one of the most memorable music events I have ever been prithee to.
The evening opened with the melancholic tones of South Shields born singer-songwriter Brooke Bentham. A deep, rich power effortlessly delivered and amplified by the cavernous concert hall made the hairs on the back of my neck immediately stand upright. Here they remained for the entire evening.
Bentham channels personal frustration, relationship trouble and emotional turmoil into beautiful, dense lyrics. Her hypnotic voice harks the angelic qualities of Stevie Nicks along with the gentle folk of Laura Marling. Alone on the stage with just an electric guitar at hand, her vulnerability and strength collided to carve out an honest and mature performance.
Finishing with her aptly named ‘Heavy and Ephemeral,’ this young artist left the packed out crowd in awe of her breath-taking artistry. I genuinely look forward to seeing where Brooke goes and would love to see what collaboration with other artists could add to what is already a formidable sound. Definitely worth having a listen:
Brooke was followed by the mastery of John Smith. Within the first 10 seconds of John’s set you know you are in for a treat. The most common of names does not reflect in the slightest the complex mastery of Smith’s work. His delicate grit (I am aware this is an oxymoron) and intricate musicality make him a true craftsman and his supreme control of voice, pedal, guitar and microphone made the audience putty in his hands.
From pacey songs like ‘Undone,’ reflecting the broken cracks in our lives to the more legato ‘Desire,’ Smith’s music ebbs and flows, rocking you, riling you and reeling you into his charm. Gentle banter kept the audience hooked until the next number lifted us into another narrative.
http://www.johnsmithjohnsmith.com/
I implore you to have a listen and to go and see both John and Brooke!
I came out of this performance feeling like I had just been for a massage. My mind was clear, my entire body relaxed and I felt the city moved to a whole new rhythm. And that is what you want from a night of music!