In the evening after a heavily hot day, with a much-welcomed cool breeze blowing through the room, the setting sun burst through half-open curtains behind the PAS stage. Amber light streamed through the hanging strands of Vashti Anna's hair, her dark brown locks flaring a vivid burnished copper colour in response. It crashed in silent waves onto Tom Fry's fantastically painted double bass, covered in trees, bees and geckos, as he bounced jazzily along to Vashty's (mostly) happy tunes.
Vashti's magnificent prelude to Henry Dingle's Platform was precisely what was needed after the heat of the day - not too energetic that you couldn't keep up, but energetic enough to enjoy, to move to, and to get you in the mood for some more music. Vashti's folsky blue-jazz style was wonderfully listenable, her great talent and delightful songwriting ability tinged with just that tiny hint of eccentricity that every artist should have. Tom's bass boomed along in support, the exceptional artistry and dextrous fingerwork bringing the whole shebang into the realms of genius.
Jack Sandham was up next, playing a mixture of acoustic folk covers and some of his own songs. Jack often uses a harmonica to accent his performances, playing with an easy-going familiarity and undeniable ability. There isn't much more to say when, like Jack did, you play a Paul Simon cover and most people think it's one of your own.
And so, on to Henry Dingle. Wonderful tunes aplenty spring forth from the mind of the tall man, every one with little gems of goodness hidden somewhere, whether in the perfectly weighted vocals, the vivid lyricism or the adeptly played guitar. Friendly, comedic banter crops up between songs to help with the laid-back atmosphere. You won't get any better for a dose of modern folk, and - for those of you who doubt the necessity of listening to this kind of thing - don't forget that folk and country music have inspired the vast majority of the greatest bands of the past century. If you're still not convinced, just listen to Henry Dingle play, and you'll see why. Catch Henry touring around the country in his minivan, playing wherever anyone will allow him.
Dave Knight
The Platform is part of the
Portobello Acoustic Sessions.
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The PAS Diaries: The Platform Presents Henry Dingle
The PAS Diaries: The Platform Presents Mia Silvas