Luke Ritchie launched his new album ‘The Water’s Edge’ at Bush Hall last Wednesday to a rapt and appreciative audience. His softspoken charm and emotive songcraft was ably backed by a seemingly ever changing line up of musicians. His regular band would come and go along with a string section, other guests, Ritchie himself would alternate between guitar and keyboard. It leant an air of constant novelty to the evening, as the songs would develop from achingly beautiful folksy Ballads to foot stomping acoustic rock. One of the guests was Ritchie’s own sister Charlotte (‘Oregon’ from Channel 4’s hilarious ‘Fresh Meat’), she and her friends sang perfectly arranged backing vocals.
Swaying from the melancholic to the uplifting, songs such as ‘Northern lights’ and ‘Shanty’ filled the room with the spirit of the album.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening of accomplished musicianship and Ritchie’s soaring passionate voice, in the lush environment of the Bush hall; it was the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
The Water’s Edge is out now.
Words and Photos: Mark Wiliams
www.markwilliamsphotography.com
