On their last visit to Cambridge The Staves played the Portland Arms to around 100 people with scarfs wrapped around the mic stands as they delivered their sweet acoustic harmonies. Fast forward to, February 2015. A seven fold increase in the audience numbers, a six piece band and let's move venues to the Cambridge Junction.
The Staves have now matured into a very cosmopolitan, confident and professional band (a substantial touring schedule across the planet has no doubt helped) and one that you would not be surprised to find appearing on the cover of some up-market magazines any time soon.
The majority of songs from the new album were played last night containing a much more expansive sound than before; there is even a rockier edge to some of the material. Recorded with long-time friend Justin Vernon of Bon Iver at his April Base Studio in Wisconsin the songs are widescreen and mesmerising.
This was a very engaging set where everybody was soon put at ease, with the stage / crowd banter ("50 Staves of Grey") and with so many songs being new and unreleased; it soon becomes an intimate show when we are told that the only audience for these songs before this tour was their Mum & Dad!
Last night of the current tour, all three sisters Jessica, Emily and Camilla remain happy, humble and with their feet very much on the ground which is very admirable, as they will be going far in this musical world of ours!
Pete
New Album 'If I Was' is released on 23rd March
Set List
Blood I Bled
Steady
Open
Mexico
Horizons
Black And White
No Me No You No More
Let Me Down
Pay Us No Mind
Eagle Song
Make It Holy
Don't You Call Me
Teeth White
Winter Trees
Encore:
Facing West
Wisely & Slow