Out and About at The Sunflower Lounge
Event Review
Sunday evening found me climbing from a taxi to enter a venue I had been eager to visit now things were opening up again. The Sunflower Lounge had been one of those venues that many friends, promoters, and even family had banged on about before the music scene was put into storage. So when the opportunity to tick of one of my ‘Brummie Bucketlist’ (Paton still pending) acts and visit a venue seemingly much adored by the local music scene I leapt at the chance.
Jessie Reid had first caught my attention after witnessing her superb lap playing on instagram. Blown away by her talent and then by her tracks I was very eager to get to experience her performance live. Add to this support from the brilliant Charlotte Champian who had just dropped her latest and incredible new single ‘Shimmer’ and the inclusion of one of my new favourite performers Lucy Shaw, the evening was lining up to be another one to remember.
So after making the trip downstairs, fresh pint of cider in hand, I took up a position right at the front and prepared myself for another stunning performance from Lucy Shaw.
Once again the young artist projected confidence and humble intention as she took position in front of the microphone. With each song she drew a hush from the crowd and this time I was even able to sing along to a few of them. Her comfort in her own music spread outwards causing each final note to be treated with an overwhelming round of applause. Though it was just her alone on the stage she filled the space effortlessly and for me, left me wanting more. As a bonus I had the pleasure of catching up with Lucy after her set and grabbing a photograph together. Once again another brilliant set that cemented my fanboying over her music.
During the short break between acts I had time to take in my surroundings and fully appreciate the nature of the venue. Located in the basement the performance area carried a cosy, even open atmosphere, not feeling like a basement conversion at all. Though the capacity isn’t the biggest in the city I could see why bands enjoyed performing here. After admiring the place I quickly popped back upstairs to grab a fresh drink before Charlotte Champian took to the stage.
In a more central position this time, I took in the stage as Charlotte and her two companions took up positions. Before that night I’d only heard Charlotte via her single release ‘Shimmer’ so was very much excited to witness another brand new artist, for myself, perform. It was stunning. Armed with her keyboard, she was also backed up by backing vocalist Ellie Vivian, and cajon wizard Isaac Vivian. Sadly her bass player Katherine Christie – Evans was unable to attend due to isolation. However this didn’t stop the trio lighting up the stage.
Charlotte proceeded to perform an enchanting and hypnotic set that had me hanging on to every note and word. Her voice moulded itself to the room and had many people nodding along with the music. Add to this Ellie’s effortless harmonies and Isaac’s fluid rhythm playing it became an experience I was glad to be there for. After their set I managed to once again catch up with Charlotte and get to know another brilliant musician from Birmingham.
Flying high after two great sets and already three pints in it was time to prepare for the jewel in tonights crown, jessie Reid.
Much to my excitement Jessie was joined on stage by several other musicians who had traveled all the way from London for the occasion. She was joined by Adrien Latge (Easymess) and Laura Reznik on percussion and violin respectively. She was also joined by her sister Rose Arrol who took up backing vocal duties.
To open her set Jessie silently picked up her guitar and ran through an outstanding instrumental performance that immediately gripped you in and was greeted by wild applause. She then went on to smash through several amazing songs, each one of them resonating with my entire body and the entire crowd. In that performance alone you could imagine her having the power to silence Wembley stadium at full capacity. Each song dripped with passion and was delivered like a gentle pillow around the head. Weird analogy but you get my meaning….it was awesome.
Mid way through her performance she handed the stage to her two guests who proceeded to perform two of their own songs. Again, each one blew me away and was such a pleasant surprise it felt like a bonus hidden track moment on an amazing album. Adrien delivered a heartfelt tune on the guitar and captured the audience with his gentle voice. Then Laura took up position and pulled you in with her low textured voice that played down your spine as she sung. Like I said, it was a great bonus to the evening.
Taking up her position once again Jessie brought the night to a close with another handful of driving and dreamy songs and left the audience calling for more, more, more. However with a humble smile and wave she left the stage leaving an atmosphere of electricity and satisfaction in her place. As you guessed it, I had the honour of chatting with Jessie and Laura after their set and they had me already reserving tickets for their next shows.
So there you have it. I not only got to visit a venue I’d heard so much about but I got to witness once again, a fantastic night of live music from some incredible artists. If you ever come across their names on any line up I advise you to snatch up a ticket and witness their talent first hand. While their recordings sound good, live they are amazing. I can’t wait to get out and visit more venues and witness more great music.
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