The Smoke Fairies (Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies) came to my attention after hearing them on Marc Riley's show on BBC 6music. They do a two part harmony which covers British folk and Southern swamp blues. Totally infectious and very different. Apparently the name alludes to the summer mist that collects in the hedge rows of Sussex's narrow country lanes.
Smoke Fairies have been getting loads of attention and have toured with Richard Hawley, recorded with Jack White and even come to the attention of the mighty Bob Dylan.
I bought tickets for this gig having only heard three songs and really had no idea whether they would cut it live. Let let's just say that they were utterly sublime. For two seemingly shy country girls they absolutely command the stage, building great songs with intricate dual guitar and those gorgeous harmonies. I was surprised to find how rocking this band actually is, with excellent backing from violin, bass and drums. The crowd was rapt, silent and attentive throughout, which for a gig like this is an absolute must.
Judging by the feeding frenzy after the gig at the merchandise stall, Smoke Fairies are destined for big things and they'll go down a storm at Glastonbury. An early tip from me is that they'll be close to headlining the Park stage which Emily Eavis curates at Glastonbury this summer.
Opening act Sea of Bees (Julie Ann Bee) from Sacramento, USA were also superb and I was chuffed to discover they are supporting John Grant in Leeds in March, when hopefully they'll do a longer set. Endearingly kooky with strange vocal tics and mannerisms, Jules really caught my attention.
During the gig I had a chat with Ash the promoter from Iron Wagon who is one of the guys in Leeds bringing these outstanding bands into the city. Top guy and hopefully he'll work his magic on Michael Taylor (Hiss Golden Messenger) and get him on the bill in Leeds somewhere over the summer.
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