Elles Bailey – The Caves – Edinburgh, Scotland – 16th March 2023 Review

17th March 2023 0 By Jon Deaux

When I heard Elles Bailey was playing The Caves in Edinburgh Scotland I jumped at the chance. Not just because I’m a bit of a fan, but my Airmiles need using and it’s rude not to spend time in my favorite city.

This was the 1st time I was to experience Elles live with a full band and she certainly didn’t disappoint.

It’s a Thursday night and The Caves are rammed, and the place erupted when she took the stage and kicked the night off with The Game closely followed by Stones. We’re only 2 songs in and I’m drenched in sweat already. I bloody hate getting old.

Tonight is a celebration of her genre-defying and what is quite possibly her best album to date Shining In The Half Light as this is the 1st time she’s really been able to tour the album in a year and secondly a deluxe 19-track version of the album is due to drop.

A brief reprise came with the track Spinning Stopped. An absolute tear-jerker of a song. It’s Elles story of becoming a mother during the lockdown. It’s a track that does give you all the feels and can be found on the deluxe version of Shining In The Half Light.

Then we’re back down to business with the heartbreak tale (or Brexit tale) of Halfway House followed by a superb rendition of the politically infused Cheats and Liars. This is one of my favorite tracks as it showcases the smoky-voiced talent of Elles. Hearing this live also reminded me of WHY I fell in love with her voice. Elles is an emotive singer and live it’s obvious that she feels every word and every note coming from the band.

There are times when she reminds me of Janis Joplin with her stage presence and her Elkie Brooks vibe vocal. Elles is an amazing talent and it’s no wonder that she’s won as many awards (including UK Blues Artist of the Year 2021) as she has.

Hole In My Pocket is a cheeky little number which is another belter that then brings in the slow side of the set with a John Martyn cover of Over The Hill and the Creedence Clearwater Revivals Long As I Can See The Light which she encouraged the audience to shine the mobile phones torch light.

We’re then back into full swing with Medicine Man. Another favorite of mine as it strikes a chord of being screwed over numerous times. The Muscle Shoals tribute Help Somebody is followed by the show closer Riding Out The Storm.

There was something special about The Caves show last night. I can’t put my finger on it I think that Elles and the band felt that too. They’re all obviously in love with the music they create and Elles herself sings every word with such passion and emotion that it’s hard not to have that connection with her.

Fingers crossed it won’t be long before she’s back in Edinburgh. It was an incredible show.