In 2000 we went to The Grove in Leeds for Sunday lunch with my parents. The Grove is a lovely old pub just to the south of the city centre - it is quite a strange sight now because large multi-storey office blocks have been built around it. It is definitely overlooked but standing its ground. Anyway there was a young blues guitarist playing that lunchtime and we were very impressed with both the food and the music. So much so that we bought this album and got it signed. We saw her several times following this unexpected introduction, encouraging friends to come with us.
'The Guilt Trip' is a wonderful mixture of her own compositions and blues standards all accompanied by her exquisite guitar playing. If you can seek out a copy of the album check out 'So Much More', 'Matter of Luck' or the Robert Johnson classic 'Love In Vain'.
Emily released a couple more albums, being championed by none other than Mike Harding, but never really got the attention she deserved. Shame but typical of a music industry obsessed with image, gloss and frippery.
I had a similar experience, also sometime in the early 2000's, at Cheltenham Literary Festival. Jawdroppingly good. Bought the CD, didn't get it signed, unfortunately. No matter. Agree with everything you say about it.
ReplyDeleteHi Matt,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read my blog. I'm not sure where Emily is these days but if I ever see here performing I'll definitely get a ticket.