Joined by ADAER and Hoy Chorale, this was a night of communal feeling spirit and wholehearted positivity from the crowd and the musicians alike.
Words: Otis Hayes
Lando Manning performed his latest headline set at Paper Dress Vintage on 20th September surrounded by fans and friends alike. The London based folk musician was joined in support by ADAER and Hoy Chorale who both played equally beautiful sets. ADAER taking to the stage first showcased their ambient music which brought on a pulsating sway throughout the room like a wave forging through the crowd. Hoy Chorale followed with a mixed bag of instruments, from clarinets to saxophones, playing through a set of songs with delightfully non-uniform structures that incorporates blues, jazz and country along the way.
Now time for Manning to play. The crowd were called back inside from the beer garden, quickly finishing their cigarettes and conversations and making their way upstairs to the venue, where vintage shirts hang from the walls for its daytime function as a clothes shop. Manning played electric versions of his songs on a black Telecaster, joined by a full band, giving a different perspective to the acoustic studio recordings on his 'Brighter Days' EP. Playing through some older and some newer songs, including one unreleased track, the crowd reciprocated the tender energy Manning's music generates with wide smiles and positive energy abounding.
The power of venues such as Paper Dress Vintage is watching musicians perform stunning music whilst not being afraid of the possible imperfections that can happen when playing a live set and the reciprocation of a crowd coming together to support them wholeheartedly. These imperfections are what connect the crowd to the musicians on stage, sharing in their vulnerabilities and observing how they are like anyone else often looking for connections and a way to express themselves. It cannot be understated how important grassroots venues like Paper Dress Vintage are, serving as practice grounds and not proving grounds for musicians trying new things and evolving in the process.
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