Ready, Willing... and Stables

The wonderful Kate Stables writes, records and tours her music under the name This Is The Kit.

She's currently touring in support of her third album, 'Bashed Out', with a band featuring regular collaborators Rozi Plain (bass), Jamie Whitby-Coles (drums) and Neil Smith (guitar). Kate, herself, plays guitar and banjo.

Spokes and I saw them tonight at Leaf and we were both moved by the warm yet ethereal experience. At times the music was almost transcendent yet Kate and the band were clearly down-to-earth, fun, people with a real rapport with each other and the audience.

The current album, produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, has attracted very positive reviews and with good reason. The songs, and Kate's voice, are things of timeless beauty. You can check out the video for the title track here www.youtube.com/watch?v=yME_52X20N8
 
A word, too, in praise of the support band, the French/Portuguese/Spanish/English four-piece, Cristobal and The Sea, www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjjoJUqb-d8 who qualify as one of the best support acts I've ever seen/heard. Which puts them in pretty good company. A random selection of support acts I've seen over the years (several of whom I’ve then gone on to see headlining their own shows) includes:

Blur
Teenage Fanclub
Belly
Cornershop
Eliza Carthy
Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy
Blue Aeroplanes

It was great to have the opportunity to say hello to Kate and Rozi after the show, as well as to Leila and Alejandro from Cristobal and The Sea. Particular thanks to Kate for posing for today's Extra photo! 
 
I left the gig on a real high, feeling both euphoric and serene. That's a pretty special combination. I urge you all to give both bands a listen at your earliest convenience!