Tapestry: A Tribute to Carole King, Live From The Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room – Review
Liverpool has been enjoying a thriving surge in intimate tribute shows recently. Seasoned musicians, some of which are already on the scene with their original music have been re-creating their favourite albums in delicately crafted shows with a focus on more layered, nuanced performances rather than the high-energy sequinned covered nights we might associate the word ‘tribute’ with.
With a welcomed return in the demand for live music there is a booming market for these events which sees musicians flocking to the stage to play sets inspired by their own personal influences. Which is why when Samantha Shields and Daniel Ryan of Visions of Albion asked to host their tribute to Carole King’s Tapestry with Liverpool Acoustic’s Graham Holland at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room it was one of the “easiest” decisions he’s made, says Holland.
The packed out room settled in for the first of two shows with an opening set from support act Helen Maw who performed piano ballads evocative of Carole King herself. Helen delivered a half hour set of original songs on piano and acoustic guitar with her band who carried just a hint of folk with the addition of a ukulele.
Dreamy melodies and a crystal clear voice that cut through the packed room placed Helen among the likes of Nora Jones. The Liverpool born musician closed her set with Growing Pains which teased a hint of Joni Mitchell before joining Visions of Albion and their band on stage for the main event.
From this moment on the six musicians on stage had the audience wrapped up in a 70s sonic haze. Fan-favourite It’s Too Late opened the show,flawlessly true to its original recording, filling the room with a lush, warm sound that took us straight to California’s Laurel Canyon.
The band capably carried their parts with no note delivered hesitantly. Every section effortlessly transitioned from piano to electric and acoustic guitar to saxophone with intricate attention to detail throughout the twelve numbers whilst Samantha’s earthy, warm vocals soared out into the sold out Music Room. Delivering justice to King’s distinctive voice but with just enough of her own glowing originality.
As the show came to its end the band’s comfortable rapport on stage was enjoyed by the relaxed audience, both the room and the band visibly loosened up for the livelier number, Smackwater Jack. Feeling more confident Samantha went on to playfully quip how King mused over allowing James Taylor to have her track You’ve Got a Friend by saying “I’ll think about it” in a scouse accent, before leading the band into their version of the classic.
Allowing Samantha to have a breather and comfortably familiar with the stage by this point, Helen took to the centre stage again with solo renditions of the album’s title track, Tapestry, and another definitive King track made famous by The Cherelles, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow which brought the room to a sway in nostalgic bliss.
The band finished their set on a high with Earth Move for which the audience were invited to get up and dance and band were introduced before engaging in a well-deserved jam for which Samantha validated herself as the perfect fit to perform the songs that came from one of the most distinctive voices of the 70s.
To hear these old songs and stories of their time revoked by a new generation in this way is a reminder of how music can be enjoyed decades after its release, creating fresh memories and stirring those from the past. Hopefully these tribute shows will continue in the future, the question is which album is next? Long live the classics!
Naomi Campbell
