Vashti Bunyan @ The Union Chapel (Review)

The Union Chapel is a grade II listed church found just off Highbury Corner in Islington, North London. Constructed between 1874 and 1877, it is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture.

Such are the atmospheric qualities of the Church, both in terms of its external appearance, and the grand beauty of its interior; it is of great fortune to the non Church goer, that it also serves a purpose of hosting live music events.

Last Sunday the Arctic Circle, who are also responsible for the excellent and free Daylight Music events at Union Chapel, put together an evening of music which successfully met their ambitions of creating a show that was a “once in a lifetime event.”

The evening was divided into three sets, with each musician very much representing artists at different stages of their career. That is not to undermine any of them, as it seemed appropriate within the context of the evening for there to be a generational tier between them.

As such, the opening act and exceptionally talented cellist Danny Norbury took on the mantle of the up and coming musician. With his use of looped sounds, he created highly emotive and melodic music offering both a sense of hope and warmth. Fast becoming a staple name in the modern classical, ambient scene his music also incorporated delicate melodies that built over the course of the songs before finding a peaceful conclusion. In what was to become a theme of the evening, Danny was joined by special guest Nancy Elizabeth who provided a piano accompaniment. In fact the final song of their act saw them play piano together, creating a gentle yet mysterious build up before breaking into a delightful duet between piano and cello with the piano’s keys providing support to the cinematic qualities of Danny’s fully bowed string play.

The middle act was provided by singer song writer David Kitt. Very much the stalwart musician with six albums to his name, he also appeared as a conscious performer. Not afraid to admit to the crowd that he had had little time to breathe since his show the night before, or that he had trouble tuning his guitar, Kitt successfully overcame these imperfections by playing a variety of songs from his archive, supported by the night’s second surprise guests Michele and Romeo Stodart from The Magic Numbers. Providing both backing vocals as well support on piano, melodica, bass and a host of other instruments the trio performed songs like “It’s Yours” from his latest record, as well as covers of Womack and Womack’s “Teardrops” and Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

The final act, and centrepiece of the evening came from the mesmerising Vashti Bunyan, encompassing the role of the musical veteran. In what was a rare, luxurious treat for the audience, we were guided by Vashti through her career and life story. Entering the stage with a cup of tea in hand, there was a homely and motherly sense that emanated from her presence. One can speak of her enchanting voice and the delightful backing sounds of violin, glockenspiel and guitar that supported her but the real draw to the performance was the extra dimension she gave her music by providing a detailed context behind each song.

Whether learning about recordings that only were given airtime on pirate radio like 1966’s “Train Song” or her naivety in falling in love told through the music of “If In Winter,” we learnt about the struggles of a career that was so thankfully rescued over the last decade.  Her songs were connected by the theme of love, be it through past relationships, settings or family. “Against the Sky” was based on her affection for a farm house, “Glow Worms” a love for spring time, while “Wayward” was born out of the frustration of becoming a housewife and her longing for the road. In a dedication to the late Robert Kirby, who composed the arrangements for the 1970 album “Just Another Diamond Day,” the final surprise of the evening came with the introduction of a quartet of recorder musicians who accurately replicated “Rainbow River” as per Kirby’s original score. The performance concluded with a much deserved standing ovation.

In a reflection of the concert’s performers, the mixed generations who made up the crowd mingled as the night came to a close. Older members of the audience reminisced on their youth, while the younger sections buzzed at their fortune of hearing one of folk music’s preserved treasures.  All the while the oldest head of all, the Union Chapel, towered above the musicians and guests alike, revelling in its role as host for a night that will serve long in the memory of all who attended. – Review by Josh Atkin for Fluid Radio