MATT CORBY was in town recently to play a few shows. Awesome! One problem though, tickets were rarer than smiles on the Tube and went quicker than a …
So, when the opportunity came to get along to his London secret garden gig in North Harrow I was out the door before I’d even figured out where North Harrow was. After some quick map consultation I was on my way.
Corby’s secret garden gigs have become feature of his tours with fans and friends around the world playing host to the artist in their backyard for an intimate gig and very unique musical experience.
Upon arriving at the address given we walked through to the backyard which was festooned with cushions, blankets and appropriately, given the dodgy weather, gazebos.
Plonking down in a spare spot we enjoyed Ella Padley and then Scott from the band Evanjack who both played some sweet, cruisy acoustic tunes which fitted the mood.
A very relaxed affair we were quickly meeting people and sharing snacks and stories. There was a definite Australian contingent in the crowd proven when one girl from England declared Marmite to be same as Vegimite and at least a dozen heads tut-tutted their disapproval.
With the special guest about to start the rain decided to show up. Cue 20 minutes of madness as everyone pitched in to rearrange the furniture and turn the makeshift stage 180 degrees to protect from the elements.
Matt then took the stage/porch and got into the music. Opening with the mournful ‘Light Home/Winter’ he then worked through a set including ‘Beggars and Thieves’, ‘Untitled Song’, ‘Brother’ and a few covers including the amazing rendition of the Black Keys ‘Lonely Boy’.
The whole thing nearly came unstuck halfway through the set with Matt suffering very cold hands hindering his guitar playing. Luckily the owner of the house (onya Dad) was able to rustle up a heater for him and with the encouragement of the crowd, he battled on.
This was like no gig I’ve been to before as the lucky 50 or so people crammed into the backyard enjoyed his music and he interacted with the crowd on such a laidback, friendly nature.
He did say this was his first London secret garden gig and probably his last because he was too much of a wimp and couldn’t handle the cold. When he’s back, pray for warm weather because it was an amazing day of music.