Mostly Autumn, Amy Leeder.

Lev 2. Esquires Bedford. 13th November 2010.

It's not often that a stadium hugging band step on the level 2 stage but, sure enough, that's what happened tonight. Making their Esquires debut are York's MOSTLY AUTUMN. Heavily influenced and having their roots in classic seventies soft rock. This gig is a real coup for promoter Jerry Bloom whose hard earned efforts garnered an enthusiastic, almost fan club worshipping audience. A solid sized crowd are treated to a mammoth two hour set split into two halves. It's an appropriate time to welcome Mostly Autumn who, at present, are busy promoting their brand new album called "Go Well Diamond Heart". It was released at the start of the month. The band reveal that they have undergone some line up changes, with blonde haired Olivia Sparnenn taking over permanent vocal duties. Well known to Esquires is guitarist Bryan Josh who visited here last year. He is still the heart and guitar of Mostly Autumn.

This is a band who, in their thirteen year career, have supported (amongst others) Jethro Tull, Ritchie Blackmore and Uriah Heap as well as appearing with Bryan Adams back in 2007 at Scotland's Murrayfield stadium. Their curriculum vitae is impressive. With new songs to showcase, it is inevitable that they feature highly, of which "The Sound of the World" gets an early airing. This weighty seven piece seem to utilise every inch of the Esquires stage. A retrospective nod is given to "Passengers" which is the title track of one of their older albums. Apparently it has been remastered. It may be at times the spirit of the past, but this clued-up crowd sometimes seem to be one step ahead of the band! They have to be one of the most respectful and knowledgeable crowds we have seen here for a long time. "Ice" tells succinctly of relationships and the problems that they sometimes bring. There is a hush as this song contains not just some tinkling keyboards, but a beautiful solo from a flautist who deservedly earns loud applause.

"Questioning Eyes" is, I feel, a landmark song for Mostly Autumn tonight as it brought back some band members from previous incarnation Breathing Space. The lyrics tell about dealing with loss. "Just close your eyes" implores Olivia. The piano sounds add a moody dramatic effect. A sudden full power blast closes this atmospheric composition. They may have been through an unsettling past few months, but Mostly Autumn are back and recharged. As an antidote to the past moments of depression they bring us "The Song". As the cheers die down they deliver more thoughts with "For All We Shared", the first track on their new album. For a triumphant Mostly Autumn, it's about reunification and "When the War is Won". A thirty minute encore is highlighted by "Heroes". It is especially for those people in the cosmos!

Support tonight arrives with Bedford's leading little lady AMY LEEDER who, at present, has a new EP to promote. Entitled "If Looks Could Kill", copies have been selling well. In fact, Amy has an even newer song to bring us tonight. As yet it is untitled. "Any ideas?" asks our bubbly performer. None are forthcoming, but an audience predominantly unfamiliar with Amy's relaxed style give her a good reception.