On a clear, crisp February evening in Dorset, the quiet hubbub of clinking glasses and tuning of instruments is building up to what will be become a rip-roaring affair!
Step in out of the cool blue night and into the warm electric vibes of “the best pub on the planet”: The Square and Compass, perched atop the picture-postcard beauty of Worth Matravers, a village existing in its own microcosm on the Jurassic coast. A place where time matters little and you can take a rest from your troubles for a while. Four musicians take to the stage by the hearthside to record their live album, the appositely entitled ‘Eva Abraham Band Live at The Square & Compass 13th Feb 2018’, entirely funded by a legion of fans and admirers of Eva’s phenomenal canon of work via a Kickstarter campaign launched last November. It’s a beautiful thing, a powerhouse performance by Eva and the band of original material (sprinkled with select covers) which draws upon of rich and varied spectrum of influences. From trad to folk to country to jazz to blues to roots to soul to…well, pretty much any music which is pure, real and rooted in truth. Think of the long summers of the 60’s and 70’s Laurel Canyon harmonies of CS&N, the lyrical echoes and homage to Joni (of course!), the soul and spirit of Stevie Wonder, Bobbi Humphrey, Gil Scott Heron, Minnie Ripperton, Nina Simone, to name but a few. Eva delivers her characteristically adept performance with such great passion and playfulness that it’s impossible not to be swept along with her and the Band on their journey into unique and, frankly, divine, musical experience – we kid you not! She is flanked on stage by Drew Salida, whose soulful vocals, funky flute sorcery fiery flamenco tinged guitar skills blend seamlessly with Rick Foot’s mystifying double bass wizardry and the affably cool Stefan Pitillides, holding it down with his gutsy tight Cajón playing, rich vocals and evocative 12 string licks. So do yourself a favour, won’t you? Step into the warmth and enjoy a pint and a pasty or three and get lost for a while as four go mad in Dorset. We’d love it if you could join us. Written By Jane Beattie 2018 |