St James’s Church Woodside, Horsforth, Leeds – 2nd November 2023
Reviewed by Sal E Marino
5 *****
Last night I sat in a church that was celebrating it’s one hundred and seventy fifth birthday through various events, and one of those was hosting a gig performed by the fabulous folk band, Granny’s Attic. St James’s Woodside church in Horsforth is simply beautiful in both it’s architecture and, more importantly, it’s very warm and welcoming community. As a newcomer and alone, I had no awkward moments of feeling like Billy-no -mates as various people welcomed me like I was their friend. That’s rare and special now in a world that appears to immerse itself in technology during social events rather than actually ‘talk’ to one another and so I’m glad to say I experienced the opposite of that at the bar before the main event.
Granny’s Attic, where do I start …? This young and vibrant trio were not just outstanding, phenomenal musicians and performers but also, so funny! And I mean funny as in a laugh-out-loud stand-up comedian act. I chuckled at every song introduction at the group’s quick wit and banter with the audience and between themselves. It was like I was having the opportunity of seeing live music and a comedy act in one.
Back to the music, and the voices of the band were so rich and soulful that you were taken to various places across timelines and through a myriad of emotions that ranged from sheer joy to compassion for oneself and others. The instrumentals were exceptional, and it was hard to believe that these three young people could perform easily on a par with folk players I’ve heard before who have had at least sixty years or more of folk gigging experience.
What made it more than just a gig was by the end of the performance, I felt I knew the band (George, Lewis and Cohen) as they made a relationship with us, the audience. We simply bonded which is hard to explain but go to one of their gigs and you will know what I mean. We (the audience) and Granny’s Attic had ‘in-jokes’ by the end of the night and of course we were by far the best audience they’ve ever played to before! Whether you’re a folk fan or not, you will enjoy an evening with Granny’s Attic – the music and the band’s energy uplifts you (I guarantee it) and you’ll laugh lots (you can’t fail to) so it’s a win-win event.
The world is in a state that no one can deny is becoming tragic. We have come to a point in humanity where we are destroying one another: in war, greed and in conflict through various forms and not just in person but attacking one another about various issues online in the narrative of ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’. However, there are times and places and through mediums like music where we can come together in unity and as one, such as what I experienced last night. I feel it’s so important to get out and support local events as the more we do this, the more we raise the vibration of the collective and make a positive frequency change to our home, the Earth. Through the arts we can experience beauty that touches us inside and then comes out into our magnetic fields which connects us to others experiencing the same and so we magnetise, and that’s when we feel and know that we’re all connected and that last thing we want to do in that state is hurt one another, we want to exchange a smile instead.
It was a very special evening at St James’s Woodside church in Horsforth and was made so by its very lovely members and vicar Jonanthan Cain – and it was cool! Cool is not a word one usually associates with church, but I do now. Granny’s Attic are very cool and very, very talented and so I hope to see them again soon on their tour next year as I know it will be a great night of music but will also feel like I’m seeing a good and fun friend