The Wooden Sky

Friday 12 October

I was so excited for this gig. The Wooden Sky had played at one of the first Old Friends Bookends nights a couple of years ago, during a spectacular snowstorm whiteout (not that it phased these Canadians). OF/B was kind of my introduction to the local music scene. Held in Independent, in Sunderland, every month or so the organisers would put on some great local musicians and a headliner from out of the area. Tonight was to see the end of an era as this was to be the last OF/B, as the old place was being demolished and moving to other premises. It was only fitting that The Wooden Sky should be playing for the last time at their 'second home' - Inde.

First to take the stage was singer/songwriter, Joe Banfi accompanied by Annie Rushworth on bass and backing vocals. He played a selection of his own songs and finished with a great track from his 'Iron' EP.

Next up was Matt Stalker and Fables. These guys were probably one of the first local bands that I started to follow. As Matt was one of the OF/B organisers, I thought it really nice that they had the opportunity to play one last time. I was really enjoying singing along to such great songs as Apostrophe Catastrophe and Barnacle to Bow, as were others in the crowd.

The next support, Evening Hymns, I felt would make an impact on the the attentive gathering. This band have been supporting The Wooden Sky on their European tour, and as I had seen them the previous evening at Hartlepool's Studio, I just knew the crowd were in for a treat, especially as The Wooden Sky formed part of the band on some of the songs. Singer/songwriter Jonas Bonnetta marries heartfelt words from life experiences, with beautifully crafted music. Inbetween he borrows the ear of all in the room as he tells tales behind the meanings of his songs. I was totally absorbed into the thrilling music and the harmonies of Jonas and Sylvie just had me rooted to the spot.

The Wooden Sky took to the stage like humble returning heroes. Usually a four piece, it was great to see the addition of violinist, Edwin Huizinga, as he hadn't played with them before in Sunderland. They opened with a track from their new album, Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun, then went on to play songs from previous albums, If I don't Come Home, You'll Know I'm Gone and When Lost At Sea, of which I definitely recommend you check out. Their unique combo of country tinged indie/folk is a refreshing change from traditional folk or indie music, and they do it so well. They finished with Something Hiding For Us in the Night. After cries of 'more', the band suggested everyone venture downstairs, to the garage, where they would play a couple of acoustic tracks. As everyone filed downstairs, Jonas and Gavin, guitars in hands, Ed with his violin and Andrew and Kip each carrying a drum, followed. They performed an Evening Hymn song followed by one of my favourite songs, Oh My God, which went down a storm with the crowd, who were clapping and singing along. It was a truly magical moment and I could see how thrilled the guys were at this. They went on to play one more song and then left to the sound of rapturous applause and cheering. I can honestly say that it is always an imense pleasure to see them play and the night has to go down as one of my top 5 favourites of the year.