FAR FROM SAINTS ORAN MOR GLASGOW 25th MAY 2023
Far From Saints is the new project involving Stereophonics front man Kelly Jones plus Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker from The Wind and The Wave. The band are set to release their debut album, which is a blend of country rock and folk music and are out on the road to promote this with a mini tour and a number of summer shows including a few as support with Paul Weller.
Supporting tonight at Oran Mor is local lad Murdo Mitchell, who’s brand of acoustic music could be described as busking on stage, as he was discovered busking on the streets of Glasgow City Centre. It’s just him and an acoustic guitar yet he packs a powerful punch, his songs tell a story of life and his set was well received by the crowd, a perfect warm up for the evening ahead.
When Kelly Jones had his solo tour in 2019, he was supported back then by The Wind and The Wave. Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker from that band just clicked with Jones, and collaborated on a few tracks which grew arms and legs and developed into a full album’s worth of material, written in nine days. However, it was shelved due to the Corona Virus, but now is the time to revisit the music, unleash those tracks and release the album.
The music is a far cry from the loud rocking guitar music you would expect from Jones and his Stereophonic friends, this is gentle, subtle, soft country rock, which actually suits the gravelly voiced Welshman perfectly. Combined with those of Lynn, they work wonderfully together, with great harmonies and powerful solos.
There were many highlights on the night to leave one eagerly awaiting the album release. Opening track Screaming Hallelujah was the perfect toe tapping opener, Let’s Turn This Back Around, Take It Through The Night, Gonna Find Whats Killing Me, all tracks sung with emotion, with power and passion, music to close your eyes and drift away in the moment. The music being showcased this evening served to highlight the vocal capabilities of both singers, with the musicianship of all those on stage without question.
A storming end to the evening saw a couple of covers, firstly The Ronettes Be My Baby before closing the evening with the Tom Petty classic American Girl. Just simply wonderful.
The forthcoming album promises much on this evidence. The obvious talents of those involved cannot be argued, however together they make something unique, a perfect blend of many styles to suit many tastes. Written over four years ago in backstage dressing rooms and jam sessions, the album is finally about to be shared. Let’s hope the collaboration continues to album two.
Review and Photographs by Stephen Wilson
