Mediaeval Baebes at Leicester Cathedral, December 6th
It’s a sure sign that Christmas is
coming when the Baebes start appearing in the cathedrals of England. This year,
with a new album riding high in the classical charts, they’re on fine form,
performing two sets, which include a nice mix of popular carols, unpopular
carols and medieval tunes.
I’ve got copies of their set lists
in front of me, and I know I sat there and listened to the whole thing, but
remembering individual tracks presents something of a problem. Theirs is a
sound that envelops the listener. The combination of surroundings, songs and
stage presentation is hypnotic, and by the time the first set comes to an end,
time has been suspended and we’ve been transported back to a far simpler
period, perhaps when Leicester’s cathedral was first raised.
It’s spellbinding stuff and
wonderfully entertaining. There has been a multitude of Baebes passing though
the ranks since Katharine Blake split from Miranda Sex Garden back in the late ‘90s,
but her current line-up is good as any. Their singing is exemplary, and in
taking turns to introduce and/or explain their songs, each takes their turn in
the spotlight.
The second set is equally
enthralling, and provides several moments worth highlighting. Their take on “Gaudete”
is faultless (the Steeleye Span version is probably the most well known) and it’s
followed by an old Arabic song/poem called “Clasp Of A Lion”, which Blake sings
beautifully, and quite alone – utterly spine-tingling in the church environ. They
encore with “Coventry Carol” and the queue for merchandise stretches to the
door.
Rob F.
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