A Mesmeric Evening with This Is The Kit: A Serenade of Subtlety and Charm
Tonight, Bar le Ritz played host to an evening of musical enchantment courtesy of This Is The Kit and opener Sam Amidon. The sold-out venue had a real buzz around it from the outset, with our own Martha Wainwright turning up to witness one of England’s favourite folk artists.
Before all that though, we were treated to a short set by Beth Orton’s husband, AKA Sam Amidon. I worked out that it was 16 years since I first saw Sam play in a tiny cafe back in the UK, and in the intervening years, he’s lost none of his charm. Armed with just a banjo, a violin, an acoustic guitar and a plethora of songs from the ages, he quickly wins over the crowd and even has them enthusiastically singing along.
His cover of Arthur Russell’s “Lucky Cloud” is a particular highlight, as is his own song, “Wedding Dress.” Hopefully it won’t be another 16 years before I see Sam next.
Fronted by the serene and captivating Kate Stables, This Is The Kit wove a tapestry of sound that enraptured the audience, showcasing their mastery of melody and rhythm with an effortless grace. The room, to quote Stables, was “chock-a–block.”
Stables, with her gentle demeanour and infectious smile, led the ensemble with the poise of a seasoned conductor. Her performance was akin to a mesmerizing dance, each strum of her guitar and pluck of her banjo adding to the ethereal atmosphere of the night. As she traded instruments with a playful flair, her bandmates followed suit, their synchronicity a testament to years of musical camaraderie.
As she introduced her band, I realized that playing bass was Rozi Plain, whose 2023 album, Prize, was one of my faves of that year.
The setlist, a careful selection of old favourites and new delights, unfolded like a musical journey through the band’s illustrious career. Tracks from their latest offering, Careful of Your Keepers, resonated with a palpable energy, each note ringing out with clarity and precision. While the absence of saxophone and horns was noted, the band compensated with ingenuity, infusing each song with a renewed vitality that captivated the audience from start to finish.
Moments of levity and introspection intertwined seamlessly throughout the performance. From the bluesy strains of “Moonshine Freeze” to the haunting melodies of “Take You to Sleep,” each song carried its own distinct charm, leaving an indelible impression on the listener. Stables’ solo rendition of “The Turnip” was a particular highlight, a poignant reminder of the band’s rich musical heritage and enduring appeal.
I’d forgotten that Stables was now living in Paris, so I was incredibly impressed with how much French she was talking between songs, especially as someone who speaks hardly any French after 9 years in Quebec. Her use of the language only made her audience love her more.
As the night drew to a close, the band bid farewell with the soul-stirring anthem “Keep Going.” Stables’ final lesson reverberated throughout the room as the audience joined in a chorus of voices, allowing the music to unify and inspire.
Review & photos – Steve Gerrard
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